Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:28 AM AWST

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Perform water rescues

Perform water rescues

Unit of competency
National Code
SISCAQU020
State Code
OEN58
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/08/2023
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
14/08/2023
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete water rescues in indoor or outdoor, built or natural swimming venues. It requires the ability to assess rescue situations, determine appropriate rescue actions, and use a range of equipment and techniques to provide prompt and effective rescue responses.This unit applies to any type of sport, fitness, aquatic or recreation organisation including commercial, not-for-profit, community and government organisations.It applies to any worker who may be required to complete water rescues, including pool lifeguards, swim teachers, aqua exercise instructors, outdoor recreation leaders and others. Rescuers use discretion and judgement to manage problems when they arise, guided by established organisational rescue procedures.White water and surf rescues are covered in outdoor recreation units coded SISORSC.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess the situation and determine rescue requirements.
  • 1.1. Identify signs and signals of person in difficulty and assess their situation promptly.
  • 1.2. Identify hazards and promptly assess risks to self, rescuee and others.
  • 1.3. Determine appropriate rescue methods for situation, according to condition of person in need of rescue and established organisational rescue procedures.
  • 1.4. Select rescue equipment suited to emergency situation.
  • 1.5. Provide prompt rescue alert to appropriate personnel according to time constraints and organisational emergency response procedures.
2. Rescue a person from water.
  • 2.1. Provide clear and concise instructions to person being rescued, when conscious.
  • 2.2. Rescue person in water using reach equipment and techniques, when indicated.
  • 2.3. Utilise throw equipment and techniques to rescue person in water, when indicated.
  • 2.4. Use tow techniques to rescue person in water, when indicated, selecting approach and contact methods to minimise risk of injury to self.
  • 2.5. Identify and promptly respond to hazards and rescuee conditions that arise during rescue.
  • 2.6. Remove person from water safely and efficiently, engaging assistance when available and required.
  • 2.7. Assist rescued person according to organisational emergency response procedures.
3. Debrief and complete reports.
  • 3.1. Participate in incident response debrief and identify future response improvements.
  • 3.2. Complete required incident reports according to organisational procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVD76 SISCAQU002 Perform basic water rescues Unit of competency