Course Set - Inland Open Water Lifeguard (Pre-requisite: HLTAID011 Provide First Aid)

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.

This course set has a pre-requisite unit of:

• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

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:
  • CPR*
  • 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 and demonstrate advanced resuscitation techniques
  • 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, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards. Work as a team to extract the casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation extraction equipment from shallow water
  • 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
  • Visual acuity to see the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “lack of movement” and ”arm waving”
  • Hear the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “calling for help”

As this unit applies particularly to open water lifeguards and individuals such as outdoor recreation leaders, snorkelling supervisors and guides who complete complex open water rescues,  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.

Please note, if you plan to work as a lifeguard, the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations note there are minimum age, health and fitness requirements of persons employed to be performing the role of a Lifeguard. The Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO) SV11 Pool Lifeguard Health Assessments outlines the criteria regarding vision, hearing, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, pregnancy and immunizations. SV12 Pool Lifeguard Fitness Assessments outlines the criteria to ensure lifeguards are physically fit enough to perform the required tasks and to provide a measure of safety should an emergency occur that requires physical ability.

There may be an additional on-the-job licensing requirement for pool lifeguards working in NSW. Please check with your employer if you are required to apply for a Pool Lifeguard Licence.

*Important note: In order to issue an accredited certificate, CPR must be performed on the floor and rescue breathing techniques demonstrated on manikins, with no exemptions.

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.

The units have the following recommended renewal periods:

HLTAID009 - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation - 12 months

SISCAQU021 - Perform complex water rescues - Not applicable

SISCAQU029 - Perform open water rescues - 0 months

SISCAQU019 - Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations - Not applicable

SISCAQU022 - Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment - 12 months

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.

• Simulated First Aid Scenario – Adult CPR (Selection of a scenario where the student has no prior knowledge of the casualty’s condition prior to starting treatment)
• Complete two first aid incident report forms based on the simulated first aid scenarios
• Performance Task – Infant and Child CPR
• Identify the casualty’s illness or injury through history, signs and symptoms. 
• Recognise and respond to three (3) supervision scenarios:
• Participate in a discussion with an aquatic industry leader to clarify safety rules for the activity
• Identify the common signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water and possible contributing factors
• Demonstrating fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, to perform the complex open water aquatic rescues
• 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 – complete Incident Report forms and an Equipment fault Log 
• 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
• Complete the tasks in line with Commonwealth/State/Territory regulations, first aid codes of practice, first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies and workplace or site procedures.

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