SLSS Lifesaving 123 Course

Aim

To develop skills and knowledge of water safety, resuscitation and water rescue preparatory to the Bronze Medallion.

Examiner

1 SLSS Lifesaving Examiner for up to 10 candidates, or may be self assessed by instructor if appointed by SLSS.

Pre-requisites

a. Item 8 of the award conditions shall be instructor-assessed prior to date of examination of award.

b. The candidate must possess the SLSS Lifesaving 2 award.

Dress

Swimwear (except test item 7 for which a long-sleeved shirt, and long trousers or skirt will be worn).

EXAMINATION

Theory Test

1. Answer seven questions based on the following:

1.1 casualty recognition

1.2 principles of water rescue

1.3 treatment for minor bleeding

1.4 treatment of cramp

Practical Test

2. Rescue-Ready skills

2.1 Demonstrate sculling 5 metres with arms only, body in the “Ready” position. (Notes: For the “Ready” position, body should be leaning backwards at 45 degrees and one foot should be extended slightly in front. Eyes must look forwards, not upwards. Candidates must demonstrate ability to change direction on command).

2.2 Demonstrate treading water without use of arms for 1 minute. (Note: Both hands may be folded in front, or held behind the back)

3. Casualty recovery and landing

Enter shallow water and rescue an unconscious casualty 3 metres away. Upon turning, the casualty is seen to recommence breathing. Return with the casualty to a point of safety, calling for assistance from a bystander. Land the casualty with assisted lift and place in the Recovery Position. The entry should be appropriate to the conditions prevailing at the point of entry.

4. Resuscitation Rescue to shallow water

Enter shallow water and approach an unconscious, non-breathing casualty 10-15 metres away in deep water. Return with the casualty to a point of safety, calling for assistance from a bystander. Upon reaching safety give at least two simulated inflations of Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) whilst walking. Upon reaching point of safety, place the casualty in support position before landing the casualty with the help of the bystander and place the casualty in the Recovery Position.

5. Resuscitation Rescue to support

Enter shallow water and swim 15-20 metres to deep water. Perform a surface dive and make an underwater approach of 3 metres distance to an object placed at a depth of between 1.5 and 1.8 metres, and perform a recovery. Substitute an unconscious casualty for the object and tow to the nearest point of support in deep water. Carry out simulated EAR in the water with support until told to stop by the Examiner.

6. Defensive and Release Techniques

Approach a casualty in deep water and perform two of the following selected by the Examiner:-

6.1 reverse

6.2 leg block

6.3 block using an aid

6.4 escape from a grasp from the front

6.5 escape from a grasp from the rear

7. Initiative

Commencing the test wearing long-sleeved shirt, and long trousers or skirt, rescue two casualties in a previously undisclosed simulated emergency. One casualty will be about 15 metres from the point of entry. The situation may include the use of untrained bystander(s). Only skills contained in Lifesaving 1,2 and 3 will be used. After the rescue, explain the reasons for your actions.

8. Swim

Demonstrate ability to swim 200 metres in any two recognised strokes.