SISCAQU002

Perform basic water rescues This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform basic water rescues in indoor or outdoor aquatic venues. The unit applies to all workers who may be required to perform basic water rescues in a range of situations, including swimming pools. Work is performed according to accepted best practice principles of aquatic rescues, relevant legislation and organisational policies. Specific licensing requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training, should be obtained from the relevant state/territory work health and safety regulatory authority.

STUDENT RESOURCE ivet.edu.au

1300 00 IVET

IVET Institute: RTO ID: 40548

CONTENTS Elements and performance criteria.........................................................................................................................................3 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................5 Aquatic emergencies.....................................................................................................................................................................6 Recognising a person in difficulty.................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Assessing a situation.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Organisational and legislative requirements for rescues................................................................................................................... 17 Hand signals for lifeguards................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Industry standards and best practice....................................................................................................................................................................23 Basic water rescue principles.................................................................................................................................................. 25 Communicating with colleagues............................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Formulating a rescue plan................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Rescue equipment......................................................................................................................................................................................................................27 Rescue types and techniques........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Monitoring the casualty........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35 Communicating incident details........................................................................................................................................... 37 Communicating with emergency response services.............................................................................................................................37 Providing reassurance........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Maintaining confidentiality................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43

Suites 210 – 212 189E South Centre Road Tullamarine VIC 3043 © IVET Created: 21/10/22 Version: 1.0

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Elements and performance criteria

SISCAQU002 Perform basic water rescues ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. 1.1 Recognise signs and signals of a person in difficulty.

1. Identify and evaluate aquatic emergencies.

1.2 Assess situation to determine appropriate response in an aquatic emergency. 1.3 Identify and assess immediate hazards and risks to self and others.

2.1 Determine rescue type required and promptly formulate a rescue plan. 2.2 Access and use available equipment, as required.

2. Apply basic water rescue principles.

2.3 Perform basic water rescue techniques according to emergency needs using fitness and strength levels required in own work environment. 2.4 Delegate tasks when required. 2.5 Identify and promptly respond to issues that arise during the rescue. 2.6 Monitor the condition of the casualty and plan a course of action.

3.1 Convey incident details accurately to emergency response services. 3. C  ommunicate incident details.

3.2 Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate. 3.3 Provide reassurance to bystanders as required. 3.4 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies.

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Performance evidence

Knowledge evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

y

identify, evaluate and respond to aquatic emergencies according to organisational and legislative requirements

y

y

identify and respond to all of the following signs and signals:

y

y

y

y

call for help

y

vertical body position

y

minimal or non-supportive leg action

y

vigorous arm movements

y

submerged or unconscious person

y

perform the following non-swimming rescues: y

reach

y

rope throw

y

throw flotation aid

perform the following swimming rescues demonstrating the fitness and strength to tow a person in difficulty at least 10 metres with their mouth and nose above water to a point of safety: y

accompanied

y

wade

y

non-contact tow

y

contact tow

For more information on this unit of competency

the safe conduct of water rescues

y

accurate completion of incident documentation

common signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water and possible contributing factors: y

call for help

y

vertical body position

y

minimal or non-supportive leg action

y

vigorous arm movements

y

submerged or unconscious person

use and location of equipment types

y

non-swimming rescue methods and techniques: y

reach

y

rope throw

y

throw flotation aid

swimming rescue methods and techniques: y

accompanied

y

wade

y

non-contact tow

y

contact tow

y

issues that arise during rescues and appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others

y

communication systems used during rescues to inform managers, other employees and emergency services of progress

y

potential dangers in a range of aquatic environments and how to respond.

visit: https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/ SISCAQU002

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y

y

y

incorporate appropriate adjustments for each of the above rescues to ensure safety of self and others.

legislation, organisational policies and procedures and industry standards in relation to:

Introduction Drowning is death through being submerged and inhaling water. Near drowning is where a person survives a drowning event. This could involve inhaling water or becoming unconscious, leading to other serious complications, including death, after the event. According to the Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia, 294 people died at waterways and beaches around the country in 2020/2021, compared to 245 in the previous 12 months. Men continued to be significantly over-represented, making up about 80 per cent of drownings and people aged 25 to 34 accounting for the largest number of deaths. The death rate of drowning is 6.5 times greater in remote areas, with remote residents 65 times more likely to drown in inland waters than major city residents. These disturbing statistics highlight the need for learn-to-swim programs and to train people in basic water rescues. In this unit, you will learn to: y

Identify and evaluate aquatic emergencies

y

Apply basic water rescue principles

y

Communicate incident details

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Aquatic emergencies An aquatic emergency is a situation that requires the immediate attention of any lifeguard, lifesaver, instructor, or employee working in the environment. There are many factors which could cause an aquatic emergency, with a casualty (or casualties) drowning a real possibility as a result. Often, bystanders are the first to identify an incident, so understanding the hazards in an aquatic environment and the signs of a person in difficulty is important for everyone to know. Many Australian social occasions or recreational activities are on or around water, so understanding water safety and what to do in an emergency is vital.

Recognising a person in difficulty There are several signs that a person could be in difficulty in the water. These signs can indicate that a rescue is required; they include: y

Call for help

y

Vertical body position

y

Minimal or non-supportive leg action

y

Vigorous arm movements

y

A submerged or unconscious person

Types of swimmers Swimmers can fall into different categories and show various behaviours in reaction getting into difficultly in the water. Recognising a swimmer's movements can tell you how urgent a rescue is and what type of rescue you may need to conduct. If a person is in difficulty, they can be classified as a distressed, drowning or unconscious swimmer. A distressed swimmer is someone struggling in the water. They battle to maintain buoyancy and cannot reach safety without assistance. They could be a non-swimmer, weak or injured swimmer.

Movements distressed swimmers exhibit can include: y

Calling for help and trying to raise an arm to wave.

y

Unable to swim to safety, they could be ‘climbing the ladder’, which is a mostly ineffective attempt to keep their head above water.

y

A vertical or near-vertical body position in the water.

y

Maybe holding an injured body part or their movements indicate pain in a specific area.

y

Holding their breath with a fearful, distressed look on their face.

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Distressed swimmer If a distressed swimmer is a non-swimmer, they will be in a panic. They will barely respond to instructions and cannot re-position themselves in the water to reach for objects you throw near them. They will spend most time underwater. A weak swimmer may be able to re-position their body in the water, including turning and grabbing an object. While they will be fearful, they will be more cooperative and responsive to instructions. They may be able to keep their head above water for fractionally longer than a non-swimmer. An injured swimmer could be quite a proficient swimmer but has found difficulty because of a cramp, muscle or joint injury, or exposure to a hazard in the water. They can be responsive to instruction but protective of their injury. Depending on the injury, they may be able to change position in the water.

Drowning swimmer

Signs of drowning include:

A drowning swimmer is suffocating because of water immersion. Drowning can occur in 10 seconds and could be fatal or non-fatal. In the instance of a fatal drowning, the swimmer has inhaled while immersed in water. The lack of air supply because of water-filled lungs leads to unconsciousness and then death. Non-fatal drowning is where water enters the airway and passes the mouth and nose, although, in this instance, lungs are not water-filled. These swimmers could be conscious or unconscious; they could also be coughing, disorientated and/or vomiting with water draining from their mouth and nose.

Unconscious swimmer An unconscious swimmer could be unconscious for several reasons. They may have experienced drowning, a severe head knock, or another medical episode. They can be positioned at any level in the water, depending on how much water they have inhaled. Their body will be completely limp, and they will be unresponsive to any instruction.

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y

Attempting but struggling to call for help or wave

y

Upright body position with no support from leg actions

y

Rapid arm movements trying to keep their head above water until inhaled water affects the oxygen supply to the brain and muscles

y

Head is leading back with face to the sky or looking for help

y

In the later stages of drowning, becoming still and silent

SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Assessing a situation If you have identified a swimmer (or swimmers) in difficulty, you must consider several factors before committing to a rescue. Rescuing a drowning person is the last resort, and you should do everything possible to prevent a person from getting into a dangerous situation in the first place. If you must make a rescue attempt, think of your own safety first and never put yourself in danger. If the rescue is too dangerous, wait until the emergency services arrive.

The golden rule of all first aid scenarios is that your personal safety is the priority. In the case of water rescues, you should never put yourself in a situation where you could also become a drowning victim.

The factors that you should consider when assessing a situation include: y

The body of water that you are working within

y

Environmental hazards that could harm you or others

y

The possible reasons for the swimmer's distress

Water bodies Different types of aquatic environments present different hazards to recreational users and the people working in those environments. Understanding the dangers associated with each environment, including water movement, can help you determine why a swimmer (or swimmers) has found difficulty. y

Swimming pool: from the backyard pool to the public swimming pool, the depth of different pools can vary, as can the patronage and equipment available for rescue.

y

Inland waterway: includes several types such as river, dam, creek, or lake. Water depth and submerged hazards could cause issues, as could cold water temperature or quality. Consider that these environments could be used for activities other than swimming too. This was the most common environment for drownings across Australia in 2020.

y

Enclosed waterway: waterway protected by some form of barrier between it and the open ocean, for example, natural harbour or bay. Hazards can be like coastal waterways.

y

Coastal waterway: beaches or open water environments where people could be swimming, boating, snorkelling, surfing, or other water-based activity. Typically, there are a more significant number of hazards in this environment than in most other water bodies.

y

Swiftwater: fast-moving rivers, generally termed white-water. White water rivers have their own international classification system, from Grade 1-6 (six being violent white-water conditions). Rocks and fast-moving, turbulent water are the main hazards in this environment.

If you can determine why a person is having difficulty, this can help you understand the level of risk you are exposing yourself to when conducting a rescue. Not all drowning people are non-swimmers or weak swimmers; some are strong swimmers in challenging conditions.

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Identifying hazards to self and others The type of water body presents a variety of hazards to swimmers and people working in the environment. When assessing a rescue situation, be aware that the threats you are trying to identify might have caused the problem in the first place. Additionally, further exposure to hazards can affect you, bystanders, and your ability to rescue a person, making a bad situation worse. If you are working in the aquatic environment, you should do everything you can to maintain a safe environment by educating users about the risks and ensuring they follow your instructions. However, preventing incidents is not always possible. The following section outlines some example hazards in aquatic environments, including: y

Slippery surfaces

y

Currents

y

Strong wind and storms

y

Deep or shallow water

y

Waves

y

Marine creatures

Slippery surfaces Slip and fall accidents are common on pool decks and surrounding surfaces as they are often slippery when wet. This can result in concussions, fractures, or even drowning if a person is knocked unconscious and falls into the water. Most pools have signs warning swimmers not to run alongside the pool. Warning signs are also used at the poolside if there is pooled water. The slippery surfaces around other water bodies like dams and channels can also lead to a swimmer in difficulty. Muddy banks make getting out of the water very difficult, especially if the bank is steep. This environment may mean a swimmer is exhausted while trying to get out of the water, and a rescue is very dangerous. Slippery surfaces could affect your ability to quickly get to the distressed swimmer if they are lo-cated on the other side of the water body.

Deep or shallow water Deep and shallow waters are dangerous for different reasons. Many spinal injuries are caused by diving into shallow water. For example, a pool where the person hits the bottom, a river or stream with hidden rocks or branches, or even in the sea where there could be a hidden sandbar. Swimmers on beaches can also be knocked over by plunging waves which occur at low tide where sandbanks are shallow. Deep water is dangerous if a poor swimmer is out of their depth. Water depth in some water bodies (i.e., beaches, rivers, lakes) can change suddenly. This environment can mean a swimmer unexpectedly finds they cannot touch the bottom. Swimming in quarries or dams can also be dangerous. Quarry and dam water are usually far colder than river or seawater and can send your body into shock or leave you too exhausted to swim within minutes of jumping in.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Deep water dams or rivers may have submerged hazards such as fallen trees, rocks, or pumps that are difficult to see from the surface due to murky water conditions. Never dive into any body of water if you cannot see the bottom or hazards which may be under the surface. The depth of the water significantly affects the type of rescue that you can execute.

Currents Currents exist in many water bodies and can be hazardous for swimmers. For example, in rivers, the natural flow of the river current can be powerful; in the beach environment, a rip current is a strong flow of water away from or along the beach. Strong currents are dangerous in all aquatic environments because they can quickly disorientate, exhaust, or overpower a swimmer, leading to them needing a rescue. A rip current usually referred to as a rip, is a strong channel of water flowing seaward from near the shore, typically through the surf line. A rip can move to different locations on a beach break, up to tens of metres a day. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including oceans, seas, and large lakes. Rip currents at beaches are stronger when the surf is rough or when the tide is low. Rips are dangerous as they often appear as dark, relatively calm channels between white breaking waves, but these channels actually indicate fast-moving currents moving out to sea. Swimmers caught in a rip can get pushed out into deeper water, where they panic. Signs of a rip can include: y

Deeper, darker coloured water

y

Calmer stretches of water between the waves

y

Fewer breaking waves

y

A rippled surface surrounded by smooth water

y

Source: https://beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/ripcurrents

Anything floating out to sea or foamy, sandy water out beyond the waves.

River currents are equally dangerous, especially in large rivers where the volume of moving water is immense. Some rivers may appear calm, making the current a hidden hazard. Like rip currents, river currents could quickly push a swimmer out of their depth. They can also create holes in sandbars that are invisible to swimmers below the murky water. In some rivers, where there are fallen trees, rocks, or other snags, strong currents can push a swimmer against the object, making it difficult for them to escape. If a swimmer is caught in a current and still can swim, you can encourage them to swim across the current rather than directly against it. If they can get to an area of slower water, they may be able to self-rescue. Otherwise, consider how the current will affect your rescue attempt.

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How to identify a rip current

Watch this video by Surf Life Saving Australia on how to identify a rip current. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuAlDTC_gIQ

Waves Waves are surges of water (or swell) caused by the effect of wind on a water body. They can be formed some distance out to sea or on inland lakes and rivers. Several factors influence the strength of a wave, including the volume of moving water and water depth, wave shape, and speed. Waves can be hazardous because they can push a swimmer into deeper water or dump them into the sea or lake floor. Large waves can make it challenging to perform a rescue because it is hard to see and access the distressed swimmer. A breaking wave is when a swell reaches shallow water, it pushes itself upward until the slope of the crest cannot support itself, causing the break. There are three types of breaking waves, and on any beach, there will commonly be a combination of these three wave types breaking. y

Plunging or dumping waves create a hollow tube when they break. Surfers call this the barrel or tube. Plunging waves are particularly dangerous as they can pick people up and dump them onto shallow sandbanks or reefs with great force. They usually occur when the swell is fast-moving, or a rapid decrease in water depth and the wave stands up quickly.

y

Spilling or rolling waves are found where there are generally flat shorelines. These are usually safer types of waves. They occur when the crest breaks onto the wave face itself and spills down the front of the swell. These waves are the result of a gradual incline from deep to shallow water.

y

Surging waves may never actually break as they approach the water's edge since the water is very deep. They are commonly seen around rock platforms and beaches with steep shorelines. They are dangerous because they can appear suddenly and knock people over before dragging them back into deeper water.

Strong wind and storms The effect of strong wind on the water’s surface makes it rough and not very pleasant for swimming or water-based activities. Strong wind can easily push a swimmer or their watercraft into deeper or rougher water, making a rescue significantly more challenging. Wind will not push a swimmer underwater, but the waves it creates can overwhelm swimmers or boaters.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Even in a pool environment, a strong wind can affect your ability to perform a rescue. If you are attempting a throw rescue, wind affects your accuracy, so the efficiency of your rescue is impacted. If in open water, the wind is harder to counter. If the wind is blowing toward the distressed swimmer, it might make getting to them easy, but think about how you will return to safety. Storms present a different risk. Open water aquatic environments are hazardous during storms when lightning is present. Clearing people from the water before the storm arrives is the best option.

Marine creatures Although most marine creatures will avoid contact with humans, many have some method of defence if they feel in danger. To protect yourself, be aware of their habitats and do not deliberately try to interfere with or startle them. Respect their space. There are several types of marine animals that could be considered a hazard. Many people immediately think of sharks; however, you should also consider venomous animals. Australian waters are home to some of the most toxic marine animals on the planet, for example, the box jellyfish. When treating a person who has been attacked or envenomated, you should follow the First Aid DRS ABCD principle. Do not hesitate to call 000 for emergencies where there is significant trauma to the person (e.g., severe bleeding or pain not subsiding). Some of the marine creatures that could be hazardous to swimmers and rescuers include: y

Jellyfish: bluebottle, fire jelly, box jellyfish, Irukandji, hair jellyfish

y

Fish: stonefish, stingrays, scorpion fish

y

Other: sea urchin, blue-ringed octopus, bristle worm, sea snake

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If the swimmer has been attacked or envenomated by a marine animal, in many cases, they will be able to remove themselves from the water, for example, if the venom takes time to take effect. If not, and the animal is still a hazard, you must get the person out of the water without entering the water yourself. Depending on the context, you could use a boat or other large craft to get to the person.

2

Venomous aquatic creatures

In small groups, research one of the following venomous aquatic creatures, the type of injury they can cause, and the first aid required. Try to find a photo of the creature if you can. y

Sea Anemone

y

Stinging Coral

y

Box Jellyfish

y

Sea Cucumber

y

Sea Urchin

y

Blue-ringed Octopus

y

Bristle worm

y

Crown of Thorns Starfish

Share your findings with the rest of the class.

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Potential causes of distress There are many causes of distress that could lead to a swimmer needing to be rescued. With an aquatic rescue, the cause of distress can influence which type of rescue is required and how quickly the rescue needs to occur. Sometimes it is impossible to determine what has caused distress, so the rescuer must act after making their best assumption of what might have happened. For example, an unconscious swimmer could have dived into the shallow end of a swimming pool and hit their head. Or they could have been holding their breath underwater, and a shallow water blackout has occurred. In some cases, bystanders may be able to give you more information as you are planning your rescue. As you begin assessing a rescue scenario, you are also starting to follow the First Aid acronym DRS ABCD, where you identify any dangers in the environment. If you determine that the swimmer does need first aid treatment after you have retrieved them from the water, continue to follow the DRS ABCD procedure. The following table includes potential causes of distress. It is highly recommended (and in some

workplaces mandatory) that all workers in aquatic environments complete First Aid training to understand more about each of the following issues and treatment procedures. Issue

Cause

Severe bleeding

Cut from a sharp object like a rock, shell, coral, or surfboard fin. It could also be caused by aquatic animals. Severe bleeding must be treated quickly to reduce the risk of a patient going into shock.

Occurrence of pre-existing medical condition (asthma, anaphylaxis, epileptic seizure)

These may be triggered by several factors. Any medical condition that causes a swimmer to lose muscle control and/or the ability to regulate their breathing must be attended to quickly. y

Asthma: passages into the lungs are inflamed and obstructed by constricting muscles, making breathing extremely difficult. Environmental conditions can lead to an asthma attack.

y

Anaphylaxis: an extreme allergic reaction caused by exposure to an allergen. Swelling and tightness around the face and throat (amongst other symptoms) can make breathing difficult.

y

Epileptic seizures: can be different severities, but some seizures can cause muscles to contract violently. This reaction means swimming is impossible. When muscles in the chest walls contract, all air is expelled from the lungs reducing buoyancy.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Cardiovascular emergencies (angina, heart attack, stroke)

Cardiovascular problems can range from causing mild chest pain to significant trauma events. Cardiovascular issues may occur suddenly or develop over an extended period; all should be treated seriously. A serious cardiovascular issue could lead a swimmer to feel nauseous, short of breath, and dizzy. They might look like they are not quite sure what is wrong with them. If you notice any of these signs, you should help the swimmer from the water immediately. There is increasing evidence that swimmers, particularly those in open water events or triathlons, are at risk from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA can be triggered by cold water immersion and the exertion from swimming.

Sudden unconsciousness (deep and shallow water

Sudden unconsciousness can be the result of not having enough oxygen getting to the brain. Two ways this can happen are: y

Deep water blackout: can occur when the swimmer ascends to the water’s surface (usually from a reasonable depth, ten metres or more). As the swimmer holds their breath to descend deep below the water, the air pressure inside their lungs increases. As they ascend back to the water’s surface, the pressure decreases again, resulting in limited oxygen getting to the brain.

y

Shallow water blackout: humans have an irresistible urge to breathe, called a breakpoint. Occasionally, a person holding their breath will blackout (or faint) before reaching breakpoint – this happens more frequently if hyperventilating before breath-holding. Fainting almost acts as a reset button forcing the person to breathe. If this happens underwater, it can lead to drowning.

blackout)

Deep water blackout will generally occur when the swimmer is in deep water (10m or more). In contrast, shallow water blackouts can happen at any depth. Unconscious swimmers must be rescued as soon as it is possible to do so safely.

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Head or spinal injury

Severe head trauma can cause concussion and/or unconsciousness. Swimmer head trauma may be because of hitting their head on a hard surface (e.g., pool floor, wall, or deck), being hit by a moving object or sea vessel (e.g., boat or surfboard). If you find someone with head trauma, they may be disoriented, lacking coordination, or nauseous. Any impact to the head has the potential to cause a spinal injury. A spinal injury is when the vertebrae and/or the soft tissues surrounding the vertebrae (including the spinal cord) are damaged. Most spinal injuries are caused by flexion (i.e., bending forward) of the neck, resulting from diving into a shallow pool or being dumped into the beach floor by a wave. Swimmers reporting neck pain, muscle weakness, or tingling limbs could have a spinal injury. Treat suspected spinal rescues carefully because further damage can be done to the spinal cord as the swimmer moves. Altered consciousness is another form of head-related issue that is one of Australia’s leading causes of drownings. Alcohol and drug use leads to impaired senses and judgement, poor decisions and the inability to react to a situation as effectively as usual. Many different factors can cause altered consciousness, so follow First Aid procedures when rescuing a person you believe has altered consciousness.

Temperaturerelated illness (hypothermia and hyperthermia)

Hypothermia (core body temperature below 35ºC) and hyperthermia (core body temperature above 40ºC) can be caused by weather and water conditions. Air and water temperature, wind speed, and humidity can all affect a person’s ability to maintain their average body temperature of 37ºC. A person’s age, body stature, alcohol or drug use, and how long they’ve spent in the water can also affect core temperature regulation. Temperature-related illness can lead to an aquatic rescue because a person may have an altered state of consciousness when hypo or hyperthermic. They may lose coordination and alertness, which affects their ability to swim safely. Once you have rescued a temperature-affected swimmer, follow First Aid procedures to manage their condition.

Fractures or dislocations

Fractures (bone) and dislocations (joint displacement) can be extremely painful and lead to a swimmer requiring rescue. Swimmers who have suffered a fracture or dislocation may struggle to keep themselves afloat depending on the injury site. Their focus will be on their injury, so your instructions could be ignored. The cause of fractures and dislocations can be varied depending on the environment and the swimmer. Consider the location of the injured body part when you perform a rescue and how this might affect your ability to safely rescue the swimmer. Treat the swimmer following First Aid principles once you have completed the rescue.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Sprains or strains

Like fractures and dislocations, sprains (joint injuries) and strains (muscle injuries) could be very uncomfortable for a swimmer and cause them to have trouble maintaining their body position in the water. Your rescue technique could be affected by the location of the injured body part and the injury severity, so factor this into your rescue planning. Treat the swimmer following First Aid principles once you have completed the rescue.

Cramps

A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. Any muscle can be affected, but the muscles of the calf and foot are particularly prone. A cramp can last for varying durations and generally resolves by itself. The exact cause of cramps is unknown, but risk factors may include poor physical condition, mineral and electrolyte imbalances, and tight, inflexible muscles. Symptoms of a muscle cramp include: y

The sudden sensation of uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle

y

Muscle twitching

While a cramp when swimming will not directly cause drowning, an inexperienced or poor swimmer could panic and begin to swallow water and drown. If a rescue of a cramping swimmer is required, they may only require the assistance of a buoyant aid until the cramp has gone. Marine envenomation

Marine envenomation is being stung, bitten, or coming into contact with a venomous aquatic creature. The outcomes of envenomation depend on the type of creature. Some (like a blue-ringed octopus) can lead to death within five minutes; others (like a sea urchin) could cause localised pain. If you are unsure of the cause of the envenomation, treat the person following First Aid procedures and call 131 126 for the Poisons Information Hotline.

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Organisational and legislative requirements for rescues If you work as a lifeguard, lifesaver or any type of instructor or assistant involved in water recreation activities, there is legislation that you must be aware of and follow.

Work health and safety (WHS) WHS legislation outlines the obligation for businesses and organisations to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers and all other people in the workplace – this includes volunteers, contractors, clients, and visitors. Employees also have obligations under WHS laws that assist in maintaining their own safety and that of others. Employer responsibilities 1

Employee responsibilities

y

Provide and maintain safe equipment

y

y

Provide and maintain safe systems of work

y

Ensure the safe use, handling, storage, or transport of equipment or substances

Take reasonable care for own health and safety in the workplace, and reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do

y

Keep workplaces in a safe condition, free of risks to health

y

Cooperate with your employer

y

y

Provide suitable facilities for welfare at any workplace

Do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything at the workplace to support health, safety, and welfare.

y

Give employees the necessary information, instruction, training, or supervision, enabling them to work safely without risks to health.

These responsibilities mean that employers and employees in aquatic environments must do what they can to provide a safe environment for all members of the public to participate in their chosen recreation activity. For lifeguards and lifesavers, the workplace will also include the land surrounding the body of water, for example, the beach or pool grounds. There are penalties for non-compliance with WHS legislation; these penalties depend on the state or territory you work in.

1

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/occupational-health-and-safety-your-legal-duties

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

The safe conduct of water rescues When working in any industry, you will have a duty of care to all people in the workplace. Duty of care means to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of those who carry out activities in the workplace. Lifeguards and lifesavers also have a duty to rescue; this is not an automatic duty because there are some questions they must ask themselves when assessing the rescue situation2: Would I be putting myself in unnecessary danger? Is it foreseeable that the person(s) will need help? Is it reasonable to provide assistance? Am I nearby? Do I have the skills and qualifications to do the job? Do I have the equipment I need? Is the person asking for help? Is the beach/pool closed? If a lifeguard or lifesaver is off-duty, they have no obligation to conduct a rescue – other than being a Good Samaritan (there are Good Samaritan laws that differ between states and territories). If presented with a rescue situation, you should only do what you are trained to do and act within the limits of your ability.

Working with children requirements Meeting WWCC requirements is mandatory for anyone seeking employment in a role where they will work with children. WWCC laws and regulations vary slightly between states and territories; however, the principle of the legislation is the same. The check was introduced to protect children under 18 years of age from sexual and physical harm. When obtaining a WWCC, individuals are checked for criminal offences and disciplinary suspension from organisations.

Policies and procedures Organisational policies and procedures are created by an organisation and explain the processes used to conduct the organisation’s general business. In roles where aquatic rescues are required, policies and procedures relate to using lifesaving equipment, worker roles and responsibilities, communication, and record-keeping.

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Policies and procedures help everyone in the workplace to meet WHS and other legislative obligations, ensuring that the business or organisation upholds safety standards and functions efficiently. All organisations will have their own policies and procedures relating to different aspects of daily business and the laws applicable to them. You must follow your organisation’s policies and procedures and it is your responsibility to develop and maintain your knowledge of each.

A policy consists of clear, simple statements of how an organisation intends to carry out its services, actions, or business. Policies provide a set of strict guidelines that must be followed by all members of staff when making decisions. A procedure describes how each policy will be put into action. The procedures should outline who will do what, the steps they will need to take and what documentation or forms to use.

Use and care of lifesaving equipment All workplaces and organisations responsible for water rescue will have policies and procedures covering lifesaving equipment use, care, and maintenance. These policies and procedures usually include checking equipment regularly and reporting any damage or wear as the equipment may need repairing or replacing. Finding that equipment is faulty in the middle of an emergency could put lives at risk.

Standard operating procedures A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organisation or workplace to help workers carry out complex routine operations. They are generally related to a policy or procedure and aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance. SOPs can help with communication and compliance with industry regulations. In the aquatic environment, SOP's may include patrol or emergency response procedures.

Roles and responsibilities These outline to employees exactly what is expected of them, their duties, roles, and obligations. These are usually stated in a contract under the employee's job description.

Reporting channels Reporting channels detail who you need to report to in your work role. It could be a supervisor, manager, coach, owner etc. You may be reporting to these individuals for several reasons, such as a first-aid incident or a problem with a piece of equipment.

Reporting and record-keeping When an incident or an injury occurs, it should be recorded and reported using incident reporting documentation provided by the organisation. This is especially important if first aid was performed or if the incident requires follow up equipment or facility maintenance. This documentation must be stored for future reference, maintaining confidentiality where people's details are included in the report.

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Communication protocols Effective communications are vital for lifeguards, and they may use whistles, two-way radios, megaphones, or even signal flares. A more traditional method of communication with the public is using coloured flags, which can be raised over permanent or temporary flag poles to inform members of the public of different information.

Hand signals for lifeguards Lifeguards regularly communicate with each other at a distance, so they can use standard hand signals. Signal

Action

1. Assistance required

One arm waved to and from above the head

2. Submerged patient missing

Meaning The lifeguard in the water needs further assistance. This may be due to a badly panicky patient, multiple patients or an injury to the lifeguard sustained in the response. Backup by rescue craft or other swimmers is required immediately. This is the most serious signal of all.

Both arms raised to form a cross above the head

3. All clear/okay Touch the middle of the

head with the fingertips of one hand

4. Pick up patient One arm waved in a circular manner above the head and the other arm held parallel to the water’s edge and horizontal to the ground

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A swimmer is missing and presumed submerged. Other lifeguards on shore or the pool deck should immediately fix the position of the lifeguard and initiate an appropriate response. The lifeguard is indicating that no help is required in performing the rescue and that the patient is stable. However, other lifeguards should continue to observe and monitor the situation as the situation can deteriorate.

This signal indicates that swimmers are in need of rescue. Once the signal is acknowledged direct the lifeguard to the swimmers (see directional signals).

5. Proceed away from shore

Two arms held vertically above the head

The lifeguard in the water should move further out to sea or away from the pool deck from where the lifeguard giving the signal is standing.

One arm held vertically above the head

The lifeguard in the water should move towards the shore or closer to the pool deck towards where the lifeguard giving the signal is standing.

One arm held parallel to the ground and pointed in the required direction (left)

The lifeguard in the water should move in the direction indicated (left).

One arm held parallel to the ground and pointed in the required direction (right)

The lifeguard in the water should move in the direction indicated (right).

6. Proceed towards shore

7. Proceed left

8. Proceed right

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Beach safety signs The following signs are examples of signs that you might see in a beach environment. Lifesavers can communicate beach and surf conditions to the public by displaying signs and flags. You may have heard of the red and yellow flags that indicate the safe place to swim, but other flags and sign types are used – some are used around all kinds of water bodies. Warning Signs – always have a yellow background with black or red symbols. These communicate things you need to be aware of.

y

Regulatory Signs – these are red circles with diagonal signs across a black symbol. These are warnings about prohibited activities at the beach, such as no swimming or no diving.

y

Information Signs – blue and white, which provide information about features or activities on a beach. Safety Signs – Green with a white symbol, these indicate safety provisions or advice such as First Aid, emergency beacons and public rescue equipment.

y

Surfcraft Exclusion Zone – is indicated by a black and white quartered flag on each side of the red and yellow flags.

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Water safety flags and signs

Watch this video by Surf Life Saving which shows water safety flags and signs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEnhmpiw5IQ

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Hand signals

Working in pairs, one person tells their partner four different hand signals uses by life savers which they must demonstrate. The pairs then swap roles for the next four hand signals. Partner 1

Partner 2

1. Proceed away from shore

1. Proceed right

2. Proceed left

2. Submerged patient missing

3. All clear/okay

3. Proceed towards shore

4. Assistance required

4. Pick up patient

Industry standards and best practice

Examples of a lifesaver’s responsibilities include 3:

Industry standards are rules set out for businesses and organisations within a specific industry to ensure products or services are safe and reliable. Some industry standards are mandatory, including standards for safety and the provision of information. Voluntary standards represent expected best practices and are developed by non-government bodies or industry associations. Lifeguards need to follow the best practice principles of aquatic rescues. These may include: y

The accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards or risks to the casualty, bystanders, and rescuers

y

Guidelines and codes of conduct set out by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia

y

National, state and territory or local government regulations and guidelines

y

The culture of lifesaving

y

Current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation.

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y

Act responsibly and with care

y

Follow the safety directions of team leaders or club officials

y

Follow safe work practices and procedures

y

Report any injury or illness as soon as possible to your supervisor/club official

y

Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)

y

Use all safety equipment correctly and for the job for which it is intended

y

Understand your limitations and act accordingly

y

Promote a culture of safety and wellbeing

y

Report all faulty gear and equipment and remove it from use

SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Learning Checkpoint 1 1. List two things that can make rescuing a distressed non-swimmer difficult. 2. Describe the causes of a fatal drowning. 3. List three hazards of swimming in inland water ways. 4. How can you help to create a safe environment for people around water? 5. Why are strong currents dangerous for swimmers? 6. Describe a deep water blackout. 7. List the three WHS legal responsibilities you have as an employee.

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Basic water rescue principles Royal Life Saving encourages people who find themselves in a rescue situation to follow the Four A’s of Rescue. A  wareness: recognise an emergency and accept responsibility Assessment: make an informed judgement Action: develop a plan and conduct the rescue Aftercare: give aid until medical help arrives 4 The first section of this resource detailed how to recognise a swimmer in difficulty and assess the situation. The next step is to plan a course of action and act. If you are working in the aquatic environment, the Action phase of the Four A’s is as follows: 1. Communicate with colleagues 2. Formulate a rescue plan 3. Conduct the rescue using the appropriate rescue type

Communicating with colleagues Once you have recognised that a person in difficulty must be rescued, you must inform your colleagues. Telling colleagues that you are beginning a rescue is critical as they can supervise you, the distressed swimmer, and other people in the water while your focus is elsewhere. You can also delegate tasks to your colleagues if they have the skills and knowledge to carry out tasks asked of them. You may ask your colleagues to: y

Help conduct the rescue and monitor your safety

y

Collect the equipment required to conduct the rescue or for patient support post-rescue

y

Contact emergency services, if required

y

Control the position of bystanders

There are several ways for you to communicate with your colleagues. The most appropriate method depends on the environment and your organisation’s policies and procedures. Methods to communicate with colleagues can include: y

Direct verbal communication

y

Using a mobile phone or two-way radio

y

Hand signals or signalling using flags

Once you confirm that your colleague has received all the necessary information, you can begin the next step of the rescue process. 4

https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/in-an-emergency/how-to-carry-out-a-rescue-safely

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Formulating a rescue plan Several factors must be considered when formulating a rescue plan. You will need to make these decisions quickly, as you do not have much time to rescue a drowning swimmer. Refer to the information below, as it can help you with your decision-making. Before proceeding through the following steps, the first question you must ask is: “Will I be safe performing this rescue?” If the answer is yes, start formulating your rescue plan. If the answer is no, you should call for emergency services.

STEP 1 Consider the people involved, including: y Type of swimmer in difficulty y Location of the swimmer in difficulty y How many people require rescuing Determining these factors will inform you what type of rescue is required. If multiple swimmers need saving, you must prioritise. Typically, conscious swimmers should be rescued first as a rescue could be quick, which will help avoid multiple unconscious casualties.

STEP 2

STEP 3

Assess the environment, including:

Locate the resources you require, including:

y Point of most efficient access to the swimmer y Environmental hazards, like currents, waves, other water users (boats, etc.) Assessing the environment is part of identifying hazards that may pose a risk to your safety. However, it is also understanding how you could use the environment to your advantage. Maybe there is a sandbank you know is shallower and easier to wade over, therefore making your access more efficient. Perhaps you know the current will push the swimmer toward a section of land where you could wait.

y Rescue or communication equipment y Colleagues, informing them how they can help y Additional assistance, if required Before you start the rescue, locate all the resources you require to conduct the rescue successfully. You should also ask your colleagues to notify emergency services and prepare first aid equipment for patient treatment or monitoring after the rescue.

Source: https://www.nzrc.org.nz/assets/Uploads/News-and-Media-Page-PDFs/Drowning-Chain-of-Survival-Authors-Manuscript.pdf

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Rescue equipment All lifeguards and lifesavers are trained in the use of rescue equipment. Rescue equipment type and design will vary depending on the location. Some equipment is designed for use in specific environments; for example, a reaching pole is helpful at a pool but not appropriate for a surf beach. Rescue equipment is typically found at designated stations at pools, on patrolled beaches, or when activity sessions are set up at lakes, rivers, or beaches. If there is a designated station for rescue equipment, it should be identified by a sign stating, 'Emergency Life Saving Equipment' or 'Emergency Rescue Equipment Located Here'. At public pools, rescue equipment stations are typically located in several positions around the pool for quick access by lifeguards. Lifesavers will set up their station near the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; the lifesaving clubhouse will also have rescue equipment. If you are working in an activity-specific session (e.g., surf school or canoe session), you and your colleagues must determine the equipment's most appropriate, easily accessible location. The types of rescue equipment that you may encounter in aquatic environments include: Equipment

Description

Throw ropes (including bags)

A throw rope is a valuable rescue tool because it is easily portable and can be used to rescue a swimmer some distance from the water’s edge (depending on the rope’s length). A throw rope relies on the swimmer grabbing it and following your instructions so you can pull them to safety, which may be an issue if they are panicking. Be sure to maintain your hold on one end of the rope when you throw the coil to the swimmer and get into a sturdy position when you pull the swimmer in, so you are not pulled into the water. A rope bag is a throw rope stuffed into a small sack that can be thrown to the distressed swimmer. You must still hold one end of the rope when you throw the bag and get into a sturdy position when pulling the swimmer in. Rope bags are helpful because they keep the rope contained in a small parcel that reduces trip hazards in the aquatic environment. When coiling a throw rope or stuffing the rope bag, you must do this so the rope will not tangle when you throw it to the distressed swimmer.

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Rescue tubes

A rescue tube is a long (approx. 1m) piece of foam with a rope attached to either end. It is designed for the beach environment and can be used for a non-contact rescue or buoyant aid. The method of attaching a rescue tube differs for a conscious and unconscious swimmer as you must stay out of the conscious swimmer’s grasp. However, both swimmer types require the rescue tube placed around their chest and under their arms. The ropes on either end of the tube allow you to clip them together behind the swimmer’s back before towing them to safety.

Reaching poles

There are different reaching poles available, some with hooks on the end for the victim to grab and others with a loop or flotation device on the end. Most poles are extendable. These poles can be used from the side of a pool, from a riverbank or from a boat.

Lifebuoys

Also called a throw ring or ring buoy, this life-saving device is designed to be thrown to a person in the water to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. The lifebuoy is usually ring or horseshoe-shaped and has a connecting line allowing the casualty to be pulled to the rescuer in a boat or to shore. They are carried by ships and are also located beside bodies of water that have the depth or potential to drown someone.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)

A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), also known as a lifejacket or buoyancy vest, will keep the user afloat in the water, significantly increasing their likelihood of survival. Even competent swimmers require PFDs as they may need to spend a long time in the water awaiting rescue, swim a long distance to shore, or be injured or unconscious. You could use a PFD as personal protective equipment when conducting a rescue to help maintain your safety. The Australian Standard for Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) is AS 4758.1:2015 Lifejackets – General Requirements. PFDs made to AS 4758 will display these new levels: y

Level 150 – a new level of PFD and suitable for offshore use

y

Level 100 – like PFD Type 1 and the minimum requirement for offshore use

y

Level 50 – like PFD Type 2

y

Level 50S (Special Purpose) – like PFD Type 3.

Other PFDs are designed for a special purpose or are SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and used on seagoing ships. PFDs should be chosen to suit the activity or conditions where they will be worn and should be comfortable and fit securely. Other buoyant items like kickboards, pool noodles, and floating mats can also be used in rescue situations. However, these items are not designed specifically for rescues, so they may not always be as effective as specifically designed rescue equipment.

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Rescue types and techniques There are several different types of rescues, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The different rescue types have certain situations that they apply to.

Non-swimming rescues Non-swimming techniques are the preferred method of rescue as this means you have not entered the water. As soon as you enter the water, you have exposed yourself to additional risks. Additionally, more than half of all drownings happen within five metres of safety because a poor swimmer often gets into trouble entering the water. They can quickly be out of their depth. This statistic makes knowing how to perform a non-swimming rescue a valuable skill. While performing all the rescues outlined in the following table, remember to reassure the swimmer. Even if you think they are not listening, a reassuring voice can be a vital rescue aid. You should also consider how a drowning swimmer could react to the rescue types. They might not be able to reach for an object, so think about how you will ensure they grab the rescue aid you use. Rescue Type

Description

Talk

This is the safest rescue technique. Occasionally, you will notice a distressed swimmer nearby safety. If they are a weak or injured swimmer, they may have the ability to make their way to safety following your instructions. Potentially, all they need is advice on how to reach safety.

Reach

A reach rescue is effective if the swimmer is near the water’s edge, close enough for you to use an item to reach out and help them to safety. To execute a reach rescue, you should find a rigid object like a reaching pole (any object you can reach them with that they can grab can be used in this scenario). This type of rescue is suitable for all types of conscious swimmers. The reach rescue technique is as follows: 1. Lie face down while keeping your eyes on the swimmer. 2. Reach out with the rigid object and instruct the swimmer to hold it (if the swimmer is facing away from you, hold it over one of their shoulders). 3. Slowly pull the swimmer to safety. 4. Help them get out of the water.

Rope throw

A throw is a method you can use if you cannot perform a reach rescue. A rope throw is effective because you can pull the swimmer to safety after throwing them one end of the rope. This type of rescue is suitable for types of conscious swimmers.

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Rope throw

The rope throw technique is as follows: 1. Coil a rope into even loops, ensuring it does not tangle. 2. Hold the coil in your throwing hand with your opposite forward. Stand on one end of the rope with your forward foot. 3. Throw the coil without lifting your front foot. Aim over the swimmer’s shoulder (taking the wind into consideration). 4. Kneel down while telling the swimmer to lie on their back and hold the rope over their shoulder with both hands. 5. Slowly pull the swimmer to safety and help them get out of the water.

Throw floatation aid

The assistance of a floatation aid can stop a person from drowning, so if you can throw any buoyant object to the swimmer safely, it can prevent a disaster. In contrast to a rope throw or reach rescue, when you throw a floatation aid, you will only be able to help the swimmer to the water’s edge by providing verbal instruction – you cannot pull them to safety. This type of rescue is suitable for weak or non-swimmers.

The floatation aid throw goes as follows: 1. Find buoyant aid (e.g., kickboard, pool noodle, Personal Floatation Device, rescue tube, or lifebuoy) that you can throw. 2. Throw the aid to the swimmer aiming to land it within arm’s reach. 3. Instruct the swimmer to hold the aid against their chest while lying on their back, then kick to safety. 4. Help the swimmer out of the water.

Swimming rescues Sometimes non-swimming rescues are impossible, and you must enter the water to rescue the swimmer in difficulty. If you are performing a swimming rescue, you should always approach the swimmer with caution and, if possible, avoid coming into physical contact with the swimmer. When entering the water, do so safely using a method that allows you to always keep your eyes on the swimmer. Wade, slide in, and stride entries are all options that can be safe when used in the right context, and all allow you to keep the swimmer in your sight.

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Rescue Type

Description

Accompanied

An accompanied rescue is where you enter the water to deliver a rescue aid to the swimmer in difficulty; this may be because it is too far to throw the object accurately. Providing a buoyant aid to the swimmer may be all they need to regain composure and keep their head above water while swimming to shore. This type of rescue is suitable for weak or non-swimmers. To perform an accompanied rescue: 1. Find a buoyant aid (e.g., kickboard, pool noodle, Personal Floatation Device, rescue tube, or lifebuoy) that you can swim with. 2. Enter the water as appropriate for the conditions and swim toward the distressed swimmer. 3. Approach the swimmer and reassure them while you adopt a defensive position. 4. Inform the swimmer that you will pass the aid to them and that you want them to grab it and hold it to their chest. 5. Throw or float the aid to the swimmer. 6. Instruct the swimmer to lie on their back and kick their legs. 7. Maintain a safe distance from the swimmer while you reassure and accompany them to safety.

Wade

A wade rescue is essentially an accompanied rescue. In this case, you are wading into the water to reach the distressed swimmer out of reach or throwable distance from land. Be aware that if the water is shallow enough to wade in, there may be some significant environmental hazard that may have caused difficulty for the swimmer (e.g., very slippery surface or sudden drop off). When wading into the water, take a rescue aid with you. It could be a buoyant aid or a rigid object that you can use to reach the swimmer. Try not to go into the water further than you need to and constantly test the water depth with the aid or by sliding your feet as you wade out. As you reach the swimmer, turn side-on to maintain balance and reach the aid out to the swimmer. When they grab the object, slowly pull them to safety. Try to avoid contact with the distressed swimmer until you have both reached dry land.

Non-contact tow

A non-contact tow is where you use an object to tow a distressed swimmer back to safety. This type of rescue could be used for a conscious swimmer in water deep enough that you cannot wade to them and where an accompanied rescue is not possible. This type of rescue is riskier than an accompanied rescue, so it is only to be attempted if the swimmer cannot swim independently with the support of a buoyant aid.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Non-contact tow

To perform a non-contact tow: 1. Find a buoyant aid that you can swim with to the distressed swimmer. 2. Enter the water as appropriate for the conditions. 3. Approach the swimmer and reassure them. 4. Keep a safe distance, adopting the defensive position while you instruct them. 5. Pass the buoyant aid to the swimmer and tell them to hold it with both hands and not let go. 6. Hold the other end of the aid and use an appropriate survival stroke (sidestroke or survival backstroke) to tow the swimmer to safety. 7. Continually reassure and observe the person, asking them to assist by kicking if they can. 8. If the distressed swimmer attempts to grab you, let go of the aid and kick away quickly. Remind them that you will help them if they follow your instructions.

Contact tow

A contact tow is the last resort and will only be used on an unconscious swimmer. A conscious swimmer will be panicking and will likely grab onto the rescuer which is almost impossible to escape from. If used on a conscious swimmer, it is performed on an extremely tired or severely injured person with great caution. There are several different techniques for contact tow, all with advantages and disadvantages, and all requiring the rescuer to grab the swimmer’s body and tow them to safety. Contact tows include: y

Cross-chest tow (or hip carry) – used when conditions are rough. The rescuer wraps an arm over the swimmer’s shoulder, across their chest and under the opposite armpit. The rescuer swims sidestroke with the swimmer lying faceup on the rescuers him.

y

Head tow – when a firm grip of an unconscious patient’s head is required. The rescuer holds the swimmer’s head with both hands placed firmly over or just behind each of the swimmer’s ears (fingers at the swimmer’s jawline). The rescuer swims survival backstroke using leg action only while the swimmer floats face up.

y

Clothing tow – when the person is clothed, and water conditions are calm. The rescuer grabs the shoulder or sleeve of the swimmer’s clothing and swims sidestroke or survival backstroke while the swimmer lies on their back.

y

Double armpit tow – to control the position of an unconscious person, but the rescuer does not have the strength for a cross-chest tow. The same as the head tow, but the rescuer’s hands are under the swimmer’s armpits.

y

Wrist tow – when the swimmer can maintain buoyancy. The rescuer grabs the swimmer’s wrist, right hand to right wrist (or left to left). The rescuer swims survival backstroke or sidestroke, towing the swimmer by the wrist. The swimmer is lying on their back.

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Contact tow

To conduct a contact tow: 1. Enter the water as appropriate for the environment. 2. Approach the swimmer, remaining cautious and defensive even if you think they are unconscious. 3. Select a suitable towing method for the water conditions and type of swimmer. 4. Tow the swimmer back to safety and commence First Aid procedures.

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Surf lifesavers will also perform tube tows and board rescues that can be classified as swimming rescues. The tube tow is a type of noncontact tow; however, the rescuer must get very close to the distressed swimmer when fitting the rescue tube. Board rescue techniques are more complex, and the use of a board requires training that should only be attempted by qualified surf lifesavers.

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Throwing a rope bag

Watch this video which demonstrates the right technique for throwing a rope bag.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSjmMB4QFkc

6

Rescue equipment

Resources required: y

Throw bag and/or rescue tube

y

Lifebuoy

y

Reach Pole

Practice the techniques for rescuing a victim using standard rescue equipment.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Rescuer fitness and strength When formulating a rescue plan, you need to consider how your fitness and strength will allow you to perform a successful rescue. Factors influencing this decision include: y

The environmental conditions: strong currents, winds, and other environmental hazards could overwhelm you while attempting to rescue a swimmer.

y

The type of swimmer you will attempt to rescue: their swimming ability and physical stature could affect your ability to instruct and perform a tow rescue on them.

y

The type of rescue required: swimming rescues are far more dangerous to the rescuer than nonswimming rescues. If you are not a strong swimmer, this affects your ability to execute a rescue.

y

The resources available to you: specialised rescue equipment can help you perform rescues, but if you are improvising with equipment to conduct a rescue (e.g., using an esky lid as a buoyant aid instead of a rescue tube), this can increase the risk to you.

y

If your swimming ability, physical stature, and fitness mean you cannot perform a rescue, you should not expose yourself to a situation with unnecessary risk.

Issues during rescue When conducting a rescue, there is always a chance that the rescue will not go as planned. While you prepare as best you can, factors out of your control can affect your safety and rescue success. Issues that could arise during a rescue could include: y

Exposure to an environmental hazard that slows down or halts the rescue

y

Interference from bystanders or other swimmers

y

Equipment malfunction

y

Unpredictable response from the distressed swimmer

You must take the time to assess the situation and rely on help from your colleagues to avoid environmental hazards and control bystander movement. Following equipment check and maintenance procedures reduces the chance of equipment malfunction. However, you cannot control how the distressed swimmer will react to your efforts to rescue them.

During a rescue, it is vital to continually talk to the distressed swimmer. When rescuing a conscious swimmer, speak clearly and concisely so that they cannot misinterpret what you are instructing them to do. Even if you think a swimmer is unconscious, inform them of what you are doing and reassure them as you would with a conscious swimmer. Entering the water to rescue a person increases the risk you are exposed to, especially as you approach them. There is always the possibility that they could attempt to grab you. For this reason, you should approach a distressed swimmer with caution and use the following techniques to protect your safety.

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The defensive position and release techniques As you approach a conscious swimmer in difficulty, you should approach them in the Defensive Position. Distressed or drowning, but conscious swimmers panic and act irrationally; they will not consider your safety while trying to save themselves. The Defensive Position helps you escape if the swimmer does lunge and try to grab you. To perform the Defensive Position: 1. Bring one foot up in front of you while slightly leaning back and sculling to maintain your position in the water. 2. Hold the foot up between you and the swimmer while you explain to them that you are there to rescue them and that they must follow your instructions. 3. If the swimmer tries to grab you, kick or push away from them using your feet. If a swimmer does happen to grab you, they will tightly hold you while trying to keep their own head above water. The effect of this is that you are pushed under – it is a very dangerous situation for you. To get out of this position, you can attempt a release technique:

To perform a release technique: 1. Tuck your head down 2. Place your hands under the ribcage of the swimmer (if face on) or under their elbows (if your back is to the swimmer) 3. Push upwards, forcing yourself underwater and away from the swimmer 4. Surface clear of the distressed swimmer, so they cannot grab you again

This technique can work because the distressed swimmer does not want their head underwater. If you push yourself down, the swimmer could let go based on feeling as if they are submerging again.

Monitoring the casualty Having completed a rescue, the amount of monitoring required afterwards can vary. If you have reached a person and helped them to safety before they have inhaled water, they may only thank you for your help and then head off. They could also be embarrassed by needing to be saved or need assistance with an injury. In more serious circumstances, where the swimmer has inhaled water, you must treat them following the standards outlined below. When providing First Aid, always keep track of your observations and actions so that you can notify emergency services or provide accurate information on an incident report when you hand over the care of the patient.

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Treating a drowned victim It is vital that a lifeguard or rescuer provides appropriate treatment and monitors the victim according to industry standards and organisational policies and procedures. These standards are set out by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and first aid techniques standards. The relevant ARC standards for treating a drowned victim are: y

ANZCOR Guideline 9.3.2 Resuscitation of the Drowning Victim

y

ANZCOR Guideline 8 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

The summary pages of these guidelines can be found in Appendix 1 and 2 at the end of this resource. The full documents are accessible online by clicking the links above. You should read these standards carefully as the treatment of a drowned victim differs slightly from the general first aid and CPR advice.

Learning Checkpoint 2 1. When working in the aquatic environment, what is the Action phase of the Four A’s? 2. You need to alert a lifesaver colleague further down the beach about a swimmer who looks in difficulty. What method/s could you use to communicate with them? 3. When attempting a rescue what is the first question you must ask yourself? 4. When undertaking a rescue with multiple swimmers, who should you prioritise and why? 5. Describe the safest form of rescue and why it is a preferred method.

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Communicating incident details Communicating incident details at the time and in the following hours or days is a crucial rescue component. At the time of the rescue, you may need to contact emergency services and provide details about the location and patient condition. Additionally, you must complete an incident report following your organisation's policies and procedures while the incident is still fresh in your memory.

Communicating with emergency response services Depending on your work role, there are a range of emergency response services available to you. For example, surf lifesavers may have access to inflatable rescue boats, jet skis, patrol boats, helicopters, or land-based vehicles – all of these are considered emergency response services. If you use these types of resources your organisation will have applicable policies, procedures, and training regarding their use. If you have not received the appropriate training, remember to only act within your job role and follow the instructions of supervisors. At times you could be required to contact emergency services, such as ambulance and police. In an emergency, you should always dial 000. The first questions you will be asked are 5: y

Do you require police, fire, or ambulance?

y

Which state are you calling from? (If calling from a mobile phone.)

When you are connected to your state or territory's operator, you will be asked: y

What is the exact location of the emergency?

y

What is the phone number you are calling from?

y

What is the problem? What exactly happened?

y

How many people are hurt?

y

How old is the person?

y

Is the person conscious (awake)?

y

Is the person breathing?

y

Be sure to be as precise as possible when providing this information.

5

https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/community/education/calling-an-ambulance/

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Incident reporting When a lifesaver has performed a rescue, they must record the details of the incident and the action taken using the appropriate forms and according to the organisation's policies and procedures. Written documentation is mandatory under regulations for WHS; it can be used for insurance, compensation, or workers compensation claims or may even be required in the event of legal action. The lifesaver must then notify appropriate personnel and statutory authorities of the incident. This ensures that the details of the incident or first aid treatment can be referred to, either for reviewing policies and guidelines, a safety audit or coroner's inquiry if the incident involved a fatality. Standard incident reporting procedures include: y

All information must be accurate and legible

y

Record only facts and what you witnessed

y

Details must be written in ink

y

Mistakes in information should never be erased with liquid paper; simply put a line through the error and write the correct information

y

All records must be signed

Any incident or accident records must be kept securely. All details regarding first aid treatment or an emergency incident should not be discussed with people outside of your organisation or workplace. Most organisations will have policies and procedures which cover both the security and maintenance of all records which must be followed. Royal Life Saving provides templates for First Aid Treatment and Incident Reporting, which can be seen on the next pages.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

40

INCIDENT REPORT FORM Page 1 of ___

REPORT DETAILS Date of Incident / /

secure and number all pages

Time of Incident

Form handed to

REPORTER DETAILS First Name

Surname

Initial

Address Telephone ( )

WITNESS DETAILS First Name

Mobile

Email

if applicable

Surname

Initial

Address Telephone ( )

Mobile

Email

Signature As a witness you may be contacted for verification of events by a Royal Life Saving Society WA Representative.

EVENT DETAILS

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

INCIDENT REPORT FORM Page 2 of ___

REPORT DETAILS

secure and number all pages

EVENT DETAILS continued EVENT DETAILS

The information given is my accurate description of events of the incident on the day Signature: Attach copies if there is insufficient room. Secure and number the pages.

Diagram

OFFICE USE ONLY Manager name and title

Date

/

Actions Taken

Follow up date

Closure Date of Incident

/

/

Manager Name

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Manager Signature

/

Providing reassurance As you conduct a rescue, you should always be trying to reassure the distressed swimmer. Tell them that you are there to help and that if they follow your instructions, you can take them to safety. You should always tell them what you plan to do and how to use the rescue equipment. Reassurance post-rescue is also essential, and this could be for the rescued swimmer or bystanders. Despite being out of the water, the rescued swimmer could be anxious and upset about what had just happened. Therefore, you need to reassure them that they are in good hands and that, if required, expert medical care is on its way. Bystanders may be in a state of shock or disbelief about what they have witnessed. Seeing a person in distress is not a comfortable experience. You and your colleagues can speak to upset bystanders to inform them that you have carried out your duties as per your training and that expert medical help is on its way. It can also help to remind bystanders about any hazards in the environment that led to the situation unfolding as it did. You do not need to tell bystanders about the swimmer's condition or details about the rescue, as this could be a breach of privacy.

Maintaining confidentiality Surf Life Saving Australia expects all patients receiving rescue services from its members to be treated with respect and that their right to privacy and dignity is upheld and actively promoted. Treating a patient with respect includes maintaining confidentiality. There are some details about the swimmer and the rescue that you will need to pass on to emergency services or fill out an incident report form. These details are not to be shared with members of the public. Your organisation will have policies and procedures regarding maintaining confidentiality, including how incident report forms are stored and secured. These could include: y

Locked filing cabinets

y

Password protected computer folders and files

y

Encrypt computer hard drive

y

Install account alerts

y

Signing out of accounts when you are finished

If you do not have direct access to file storage, give any forms you need to complete to your supervisor.

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SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

Learning Checkpoint 3 1. Describe a clothing tow and when it would be used. 2. Describe how you would get away from a swimmer who grabs you in the water during a rescue. 3. List three issues which could arise during a rescue. 4. List the standard incident reporting procedures.

NG ACT NI

ITY IV

LEAR

5. What are the first two questions you will be asked if you call 000?

7

Swim test

This activity is not a requirement of this unit but is good practice before your assessments. Undertake the following swim test. Swim 100m of freestyle, 100m survival backstroke, 100m breaststroke and 100m side stroke (Total of 400m) This should be attempted in under 13 minutes.

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