Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:17 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Perform complex water rescues

Perform complex water rescues

Unit of competency
National Code
SISCAQU021
State Code
OEN37
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/12/2022
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
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete complex 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.Complex situations may involve multiple persons in difficulty, persons suffering a medical event in the water, injured persons, dealing with numerous hazards, or a combination of many factors. Complex rescues typically involve multiple team members working together.This unit applies to any type of sport, fitness, aquatic or recreation organisation including commercial, not-for-profit, community and government organisations.It has particular application to pool lifeguards but can apply to other workers, including outdoor recreation leaders, who complete complex water rescues. Rescuers use discretion and judgement to manage significant 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 for complex incidents.
  • 1.1. Identify signs and signals of persons 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 persons in need of rescue and established organisational rescue procedures.
  • 1.4. Select rescue equipment suited to emergency situation.
  • 1.5. Determine roles and responsibilities for team members according to specific rescue requirements.
  • 1.6. Communicate initial assessment of situation promptly to appropriate personnel according to time constraints and organisational emergency response procedures.
2. Complete complex rescues.
  • 2.1. Provide clear and concise instructions to team members and conscious persons being rescued.
  • 2.2. Use tow techniques to rescue persons in water, selecting approach and contact methods to minimise risk of injury to self and rescuee.
  • 2.3. Identify and promptly respond to hazards and rescuee conditions that arise during rescue.
  • 2.4. Extract persons from water safely and efficiently, using equipment and techniques suited to rescuee condition.
  • 2.5. 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
AVD70 SISCAQU007 Perform advanced water rescues Unit of competency