SISCAQU021

Perform Complex Water Rescues

  • Nationally Recognised Certificate
  • Fast Certificate Turnaround
  • Experienced and Certified Instructors
  • Flexible Learning Options
  • Industry Validated
Perform Complex Water Rescues
  • Sport, Fitness and Recreation Courses

Course Description

The unit SISCAQU021 – Perform Complex Water Rescues – provides individuals with advanced skills and knowledge to safely and effectively conduct complex water rescues in challenging aquatic environments. This unit is essential for experienced lifeguards, aquatic facility staff, and emergency responders who are required to manage high-risk water rescue situations, such as in deep water, open water, or rescues involving multiple victims.

Throughout the course, participants will learn how to assess and respond to complex aquatic emergencies, utilising specialised techniques and equipment. The training covers advanced rescue scenarios, including rescues in difficult conditions, such as strong currents, confined spaces, or hazardous environments. Participants will be trained in managing high-stress situations, performing rescues for unconscious or injured individuals, and coordinating multiple rescues simultaneously. Additionally, emphasis is placed on maintaining safety for both rescuers and victims, effective communication, and providing post-rescue care, including resuscitation if necessary.

This unit is ideal for senior lifeguards, aquatic rescue professionals, and emergency personnel responsible for overseeing safety in more challenging water environments.

Upon completing SISCAQU021, participants will be equipped to perform complex water rescues, ensuring safe and effective responses in high-risk or difficult rescue situations. This training is vital for protecting lives in more hazardous aquatic conditions, such as open waters or in advanced aquatic facilities.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

SISCAQU021

Perform complex water rescues

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 8 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 5 Hours

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • Physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstration skills including:
    • Demonstrating fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following complex aquatic rescues:
      • Swim 25 metres and perform a 25 metre non-contact tow of a casualty. Working as a team, extract a casualty from deep water using extraction equipment.
      • Swim 10 metres and then complete a minimum 10 metre contact tow of a conscious casualty and remove the casualty from the water without assistance.
      • Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at the deepest part of the pool at the aquatic facility (but no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty. Work as a team to extract the casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation extraction equipment from shallow water
  • Visual acuity to see the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water
  • Hear the common signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “calling for help”

As this unit applies particularly to pool lifeguards and individuals such as outdoor recreation leaders, who complete complex water rescues, it is expected that students will have a basic understanding of performing water rescues, prior to undertaking this unit.

Online study options:  The online learning program can be found in the student portal. Students must have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online studies and practical assessment.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

This certificate does not require renewal

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook on our website for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

  • Demonstrating the fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following complex aquatic rescues: 

    • Swim 25 metres and perform a 25 metre non-contact tow of a casualty. Working as a team, extract a casualty from deep water using extraction equipment. 
    • Swim 10 metres and then complete a minimum 10 metre contact tow of a conscious casualty and remove the casualty from the water without assistance.  
    • Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at the deepest part of the pool at the aquatic facility (but no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty. Work as a team to extract the casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation extraction equipment from shallow water 
    • Commence aftercare procedures for two (2) rescued persons

    • Demonstrate the following knowledge and skills for each rescue outlined above:
      • effectively utilise rescue equipment suited to the type of rescue
      • communicate effectively with the person in distress to provide instructions
      • demonstrate fitness and strength throughout the rescue
    • Documentation: 

    Completion of an Incident Report form.

Theory assessment: A written exam consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions must be completed at the end of the training session. Students must answer all questions.

This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909


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