SISCAQU029
Perform Open Water Rescues
- Nationally Recognised Certificate
- Fast Certificate Turnaround
- Experienced and Certified Instructors
- Flexible Learning Options
- Industry Validated
Course Description
The unit SISCAQU029 – Perform Open Water Rescues – equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required to safely conduct rescues in open water environments, such as beaches, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This unit is essential for lifeguards, surf lifesavers, and emergency responders responsible for ensuring safety and responding to emergencies in unpredictable and challenging open water settings.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to assess open water conditions, including currents, waves, tides, and other environmental factors, and apply appropriate rescue techniques. The training covers the use of specialised rescue equipment, such as rescue boards and tubes, as well as performing rescues for both conscious and unconscious victims. Emphasis is placed on safely navigating open water, managing distressed swimmers, and handling multiple rescue scenarios while ensuring personal safety and that of the victim. Participants will also gain skills in post-rescue care and basic life support.
This unit is ideal for lifeguards, surf lifesavers, and emergency personnel working in open water environments where conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous.
Upon completing SISCAQU029, participants will be fully equipped to perform open-water rescues confidently and efficiently, ensuring swift and effective responses to emergencies in open-water settings. This training is critical for maintaining safety in natural aquatic environments and preventing drowning or injury in high-risk conditions.
Units Delivered
The following units will be included in your certificate:
SISCAQU029
Perform open water rescues
Course Delivery
This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.
Course Durations
Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.
Entry Requirements
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 tow of a conscious casualty using a rescue tube, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
- Paddle 25 metres on a non-motorised watercraft such a rescue board, paddleboard or surfboard, to rescue a conscious casualty, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
- Demonstrating fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following complex aquatic rescues:
- 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”
Due to the high risk nature of this course, it is highly recommended that students will have a basic understanding of performing water rescues, prior to undertaking this unit. In addition, it is recommended students can swim 400 metres in less than 8 minutes.
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.
Assessment Requirements
Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.
Certificate Renewal Requirements
This certificate does not require renewal
Learner Rights, Responsibilities & Support
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.
Assessment Activities
Practical scenarios:
Demonstrating the fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following open water rescues:
- Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at a depth of no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
- Paddle 25 metres on a non-motorised watercraft such a rescue board, paddleboard or surfboard, to rescue and assist an exhausted conscious casualty onto the board and paddle 25 metres to shore, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
- 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, strength, efficiency and speed throughout the rescue
Documentation:
Complete 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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