Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Characteristics of the participant group may include:
age
stage of development
physical or intellectual characteristics
cultural and situational factors.
Water safety and survival skills may include:
entering and exiting the water
floating, sculling and treading water
using personal flotation devices (PFD)
recognising casualties
applying self-preservation techniques
non-swimming and swimming rescues
applying survival strokes.
Instructional methods may include:
whole skill strategies
whole, progressive part, whole strategies
progressive part strategies
demonstration strategies
command and response strategies
experiential or problem-solving strategies
techniques to encourage the reluctant participant.
Drills, activities or games may include:
survival strokes
current accepted industry training
skill correction drills
modified games.
Resources may include:
flotation devices
first aid facilities and equipment
ropes
reaching poles
pool safety equipment
clipboards
instructors and equipment.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
duty of care
working with children.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
communication protocols
AUSTSWIM Limited Swimming teachers Code of Conduct policy
swimwear and personal protective equipment.
Conditions and external influences may include:
environmental conditions
other facility users
spectators
parents
other instructors.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards or risks
AUSTSWIM Limited Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policies
the culture of swimming and water safety.
Principles of movement in water may include:
buoyancy
flotation
hydrostatic pressure
propulsion
lift
drag
turbulence
acceleration
resistance
balance and stability.
Factors affecting movement in water may include:
body alignment
balance
core power.
Factors which affect skill development may include:
physical, intellectual and emotional characteristics
venue
distractions
class size
water depth
available water space.
Areas needing improvement may include:
knowledge
instructional skills and techniques
group control techniques.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
delivers concise information, explanations and demonstrations in multiple sessions to ensure drills, activities and games are conducted safely
observes clients and provides feedback and intervention to improve individual skill performance and survival stroke techniques as appropriate
modifies instructional methods, styles and activities for individuals or groups to enhance skill development as appropriate
applies organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation to ensure safety of participants and other facility users as appropriate.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
conduct of drills, activities and games in multiple sessions to develop all water safety and survival skills according to the accepted best practice principles of aquatic activities
access to a swimming pool or confined natural shallow water venue
access to safety equipment relevant to local regulatory and organisational requirements
access to appropriate clients.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate instructing, monitoring and adjusting water safety and survival skills according to the needs and characteristics of participant groups and organisational safety requirements
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of the principles of movement in water
portfolio showing structure and sequencing of sessions to meet the needs of different client groups.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCCRO302A Apply legal and ethical instructional skills.