Victoria is blessed with hundreds of different inland waterways, including rivers, streams, lakes and dams. These inland waterways include man-made structures are natural wonders, but visiting them does not come without a level of risk.

Based on input from a number of key water safety agencies and designed as a output of the National Respect the River Campaign, the course takes into consideration the needs of school teachers, instructors and other outdoor recreation supervisors who are responsible for the safety of others in an inland waterway environment.

The course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to be able to plan for aquatic safety, emergency response and supervise students in inland waterways. This active and engaging two day course consists of both theory and practical components. Participants will learn vital skills such as communication, aquatic awareness and rescue techniques.

This course is ideal for teachers and support staff associated with activities or events taking place at inland waterway locations. It is also recommended for inland industry representatives such as boating, kayaking and canoeing as well as those involved in camps and aquatic tour operations.

Unit – HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

1.0 Respond to an emergency situation

1.1 Recognise an emergency situation

1.2 Identify, assess and minimise immediate hazards to health and safety of self and others

1.3 Assess the casualty and recognise the need for CPR

1.4 Seek assistance from emergency response services

2.0 Perform CPR procedures

2.1 Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in accordance with ARC guidelines

2.2 Display respectful behaviour towards casualty

2.3 Operate automated external defibrillator (AED) according to manufacturer’s instructions

3.0 Communicate details of the incident

3.1 Accurately convey incident details to emergency response services

3.2 Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate

3.3 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies

Unit – PUASAR013A Participate in an Aquatic Rescue Operation

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members.

1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on task information as directed by supervisor.

1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.

1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.

2.1 Hazards are identified on approach to rescue scene.

2.2 Methods for minimising hazards are discussed and agreed to by team members.

2.3 Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised or controlled.

2.4 Communication with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology.

2.5 Health, safety and security procedures are correctly followed in accordance with organisational policy and relevant legislation.

2.6 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.

2.7 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor.

3.1 Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Rescue procedures are conducted in accordance with supervisor’s instructions and organisational procedures.

3.3 Casualties are prepared for removal in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.4 Casualties are extricated safely using appropriate equipment, rescue techniques and organisational procedures.

4.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained to organisational standards and manufacturers’ procedures, and is restored to maintain operational readiness.

4.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are reported to relevant personnel.

4.3 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation is completed to organisational standards.

4.4 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements.

Unit – SISCAQU006 Supervise Clients at an Aquatic Locations

1.1 Access and interpret the organisation’s risk management plan.

1.2 Identify hazardous behaviours and activities of clients.

1.3 Identify clients at risk or those who have specific needs.

1.4 Identify environmental hazards for clients in aquatic facilities or environments.

1.5. Promote compliance with safety rules of aquatic facility to clients.

1.6. Identify supervision requirements according to relevant legislation, industry codes and organisational policies and procedures and select supervision techniques appropriate to the nature of the facility or environment.

2.1 Promote compliance with safety rules to clients and staff and provide clear information on requirements.

2.2 Identify supervision requirements and select techniques suited to the facility or environment.

2.3 Monitor client behaviour and activities and identify situations that pose a risk to the individual or other facility users.

2.4 Inform clients of unacceptable behaviours and provide clear information about required behaviour.

2.5 Select and use communication and conflict resolution techniques that maximise the chance of positive outcomes.

2.6 Report and document unsafe situations.

3.1 Identify signs of possible casualty or difficulty.

3.2 Assess situation and determine appropriate response to emergency.

3.3 Promptly communicate emergency situation to appropriate personnel.

3.4 Report and document incidents.

Unit – SISCAQU002 Perform Basic Water Rescues

1.1 Recognise signs and signals of a person in difficulty.

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.

2.3 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.

3.2 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.

The assessment for this course includes two key components. These are i) a multiple choice assessment and ii) a selection of practical based assessments. These are based on the content taught during the training session and are completed under exam conditions by each individual candidate.

Practical Assessment Checklist

Task 1: Conduct an initial patient assessment using recognised techniques
1.1. Identify and appropriately respond to dangers (hazards) to persons affected
1.2. Assess patient response capabilities (talk and touch)
1.3. Obtain consent and reassure patient in a culturally aware, sensitive and respectful manner
1.4. Provide accurate information and make patient comfortable using available resources
1.5. Using safe manual handling techniques place patient in the recovery position
1.6. Call 000 and communicate accurate incident details to emergency services / appropriate personnel
1.7. Check patient for breathing (look, listen and feel) and consider patient body position
1.8. Manage the unconscious breathing casualty – recovery position

Task 2: Using recognised techniques administer CPR to an adult manikin
2.1. Open, clear and maintain patient airway (head tilt / pistol grip)
2.2. Administer 30 chest compressions (correct hand location / effective depth)
2.3. Administer 2 rescue breaths (mouth to mouth or mouth to mask)
2.4. Respond appropriately to patient vomiting or regurgitating
2.5. Perform 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer CPR on the floor (5 full cycles)
2.6. Demonstrate rotation of CPR operator with minimal interruptions to compressions

Task 3: Operate an AED in an emergency
3.1. Communicate effectively and participate as a team member
3.2. Identify and appropriately respond to dangers (hazards) e.g. conductors
3.3. Turn on the AED and follow the prompts
3.4. Prepare patient for pad application (dry chest, check for implants / medical patches, remove jewellery)
3.5. Apply electrode pads (working around the CPR operator)
3.6. Manage incident situation (time, communications, safety, self and team)

Task 4: Using recognised techniques administer CPR to an infant manikin
4.1. Open, clear and maintain patient airway including nose / mouth (head supported in neutral position)
4.2. Administer 30 chest compressions (correct hand and finger location / effective depth)
4.3. Administer 2 rescue breathes (mouth to nose and mouth)
4.4. Respond appropriately to patient vomiting or regurgitating
4.5 Perform 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer CPR on the floor (5 full cycles)
4.6. Demonstrate rotation of CPR operator with minimal interruptions to compressions

Task 5: Undertake required post incident processes in line with Organisational procedures
5.1. Clean and correctly discard, restock and / or replenish components
5.2. Safely return equipment to storage to minimise risk and safeguard against damage / loss
5.3. Provide accurate written report of patient condition and CPR procedures performed to relieving personnel
5.4. Debrief – discuss and provide support for the psychological impact and individual needs

Task 6: Demonstrate the following water safety signals
6.1. Attract attention (land to water)
6.2. Remain stationary (land to water)
6.3. Go to the left or the right (land to water)
6.4. Return to land (land to water)
6.5. Proceed further out (land to water)
6.6. Investigate submerged object (land to water)
6.7. Message understood – all clear (land to water)
6.8. Assistance required (water to land)
6.9. Emergency Evacuation (water to land)
6.10. Search complete (water to land)
6.11. Code X (water to land)
6.12. All clear / OK (water to land)

Task 7: Undertake a risk and safety inspection on rescue equipment and select appropriate PPE
7.1. Rescue reach pole – Check for adequate length and stability
7.2. Rescue throw rope – Check for adequate length, knot and fraying
7.3. Rescue Tube – Check for splitting ends and fraying lines (especially at knots)
7.4. Select appropriate PPE based on the nature of the rescue
7.5. Repair and restore equipment where appropriate
7.6. Report faults and restoration of equipment in line with organisational policies and procedures

Task 8: Perform a tube rescue of a patient in difficulty in water
8.1. Supervise aquatic clients and identify hazardous behaviours and clients / students at risk
8.2. Demonstrate ability to use rescue equipment
8.3. Swim continuously out to and locate patient
8.4. Approach patient safely and secure patient correctly
8.5. Give ‘assistance required’ signal when securing patient
8.6. Return to land within a reasonable time
8.7. Provide adequate patient care during rescue
8.8. Support patient’s head and maintain airway during appropriate carry and correct lay
8.9. Complete patient assessment using DRSABCD
8.10. Provide reassurance to bystanders and crowd control measures as required
8.11. Provide accurate verbal report of patient condition and rescue procedures performed to relieving personnel.

Task 9: Perform a reach rescue of a non-swimmer in difficulty 2m from safety
9.1. Demonstrate a reach rescue using an aid specified by the assessor
9.2. Secure patient at a point of safety
9.3. Negotiate a safe exit from the water with the patient

Task 10: Demonstrate the following carries
10.1. Ask for assistance to perform carry
10.2. Give clear feedback to patient
10.3. Provide constructive feedback to fellow team members
10.4. Perform correct lay of patient after carry
10.5. (Two person carry) Lift and carry patient away from danger
10.6. (Two person carry) Demonstrating correct technique, ensuring head is supported and airway maintained
10.7. (Two handed seat) Perform correct positioning
10.8. (Two handed seat) Communicate during pick-up/lowering of patient to sitting or lying position

Task 11: Using recognised techniques perform a throw rope rescue
11.1. Demonstrate a throw rope rescue to a patient using correct technique

Task 12: Using recognised techniques undertake fitness test within the provided timeframe
12.1. 200m Run – 200m Swim – 200m Run (in under 8 minutes)

1. Are there any prerequisites?

Due to the physical requirements of this course, the minimum age for candidates is 15 years. The candidate must have a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability i.e. be able to swim 400 metres in 9 minutes in a swimming pool.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

The qualification is valid for a period of 12 months. In order to maintain currency, you must do a refresher / update course prior to the 12 month expiry date.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).