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SISCAQU020 - Perform water rescues


Aquatic venues pose risks which can be very serious and life threatening. Patrons can be put in danger for many reasons and can quickly become distressed in the water and in need of rescue.  

Students will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to manage the safety of participants in aquatic recreation facilities, indoor or outdoor, and perform basic water-based rescues in a range of situations. Training will also cover the requirements for reporting incidents and maintaining confidentially.

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.

This unit of competency stands alone and incorporates the content of the following unit:

  • SISCAQU020 Perform water rescues

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

SISCAQU020 - Perform 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.

Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 3 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 2 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:
  • The physical fitness and strength to conduct various swim rescue techniques including a 10-metre contact tow of a person in difficulty
  • Throw a rope and pull/ tow a casualty
  • 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 “call for help”
  • Literacy and numeracy skills to be able to meet the demands of the course including:
  • Interpret detailed workplace policies and procedures for venue supervision, risk management of patron safety and emergency response
  • Provide clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to staff, activity leaders and patrons
  • Resolve diverse and unexpected safety incidents promptly and decisively

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 located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Practical scenarios :

  • Recognise and respond to three (3) situations:
    • Perform two (2) non-swim rescues - reach and throw rescue
    • Complete a ten metre swim and then complete one non-contact tow, towing the rescued person for at least ten metres, and remove the person from the water without assistance from another person
    • Complete a ten metre swim and then complete one contact tow, towing the rescued person for at least ten metres, and remove the person from the water with assistance from one other person
  • 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 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