Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:58 PM AWST

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Demonstrate self rescue skills in white water

Demonstrate self rescue skills in white water

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOWWR201A
State Code
D6519
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply self rescue skills in white water with Grade 2 rapids. This unit may be used in conjunction with other units, such as rafting, canoeing or kayaking, and applies to situations where crew member or members are in the water due to circumstances such as craft capsize.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine rescue technique.
  • 1.1. Assess the situation and identify possible hazards and risks to self and others when swimming in white water.
  • 1.2. Select a rescue technique suitable to the situation.
2. Apply defensive swimming techniques.
  • 2.1. Adopt body position for defensive swimming.
  • 2.2. Negotiate hazards using defensive swimming techniques and ferry angles.
3. Apply aggressive swimming techniques.
  • 3.1. Identify and apply techniques to actively free oneself from river hazards, using aggressive swimming techniques.
  • 3.2. Effectively cross a current in order to reach the bank or eddy using a ferry angle.
  • 3.3. Break in and out of eddies to get to shore.
  • 3.4. Avoid obstacles and hazards using aggressive swimming using a support to self rescue
4. Apply shallow water crossing technique
  • 4.1. Identify appropriate wading location
  • 4.2. Wade across a swift current of mid-thigh depth, alone and using support, to self rescue.
5. Demonstrate craft re-entry.
  • 5.1. Identify appropriate re-entry techniques.
  • 5.2. Select a method of re-entry after consideration of physical ability, type of craft and situational variances.
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.
Hazards may include:
holes or stoppers
strainers
rocks
waterfalls
man made objects
weirs
sieves
cold water
undercuts.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
drowning
injuries
exhaustion
water immersion
injury
entrapment
loss of equipment or persons downstream
Defensive swimming techniques must include:
floating passively on back facing downstream
riding with the river current
pointing feet downstream toes out of the water
using arms and legs to fend off obstacles
swimming to shore or safety.
Aggressive swimming techniques may include:
moving on to stomach
pointing feet downstream
swimming freestyle across current
swimming to shore or safety
clearing strainers
crossing eddy lines
swimming to shore safely.
Wading location may include:
entry and exit points
river depth
river flow
river bed
clarity of water
clear of downstream hazards
Craft may include:
rafts
canoes
kayaks
sports crafts.
Situational variances may include:
depth of water
current
imminent hazards
availability of assistance.
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:
identifies hazards and their implications for white water swimmers and applies knowledge of hydrology and river features to select a suitable self rescue method
applies appropriate body position and defensive and aggressive swimming techniques suitable to the conditions
adapts to problems or issues that arise during white water self rescues and makes adjustments to ensure safety of self and group
applies procedure to safely re-enter the craft following a capsize.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of self rescues on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a white water location with Grade 2 rapids
equipment required to perform self rescues in white water conditions.
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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of river hydrology and white water hazards and risks
observation of safe participation and demonstration of self rescue skills, such as defensive and aggressive swimming techniques
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing currents or weather conditions.
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
activity specific canoeing, kayaking or rafting units.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6337 SROWWR001B Apply self rescue skills in white water Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBE96 SISORSC004 Self rescue in white water Unit of competency