LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II

The TESDA Course in LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II consists of competencies that a Lifesaver/Lifeguard/Rescuer must achieve to prevent and respond to drowning and other aquatic accidents mainly at still waters such as swimming pool in public recreation facilities, hotels, resorts and condominiums or homes. It covers basic skills in water safety, lifesaving and rescue at open water environments such as in rivers, lakes and beaches.

A student who has achieved this TESDA Course in LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II is competent to be:

• Aquatic Lifesaver / Lifeguard
• Pool Lifeguard

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students who want to enroll in this course should possess the following requirements:

• Able to communicate both oral and written;
• Must be able to swim, and
• Physically able and mentally fit as certified by a Public Health Officer

LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II COURSE – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: LIFEGUARD SERVICES
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration :

Basic Competencies – 20 hours
Common Competencies – 240 hours
Core Competencies – 720 hours

Total Duration: 980 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills of an aquatic lifesaver or pool lifeguard and in accordance with industry standards. It covers competencies for prevention of drowning and other aquatic accidents mainly at still waters such as swimming pool in public recreation facilities, hotels, resorts and condominiums or homes. Subjects taught likewise develop skills in water safety, lifesaving and rescue at open water environments such as in rivers, lakes and beaches.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (720 Hours)
SOC541301	Perform water-based skills in a pool environment
SOC541302	Demonstrate non-contact rescue
SOC541303	Demonstrate contact water rescue
SOC541304	Perform Lifeguarding Scanning
SOC541305	Monitor water quality for swimming
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (240 Hours)
SOC541203	Demonstrate water safety
SOC541204	Perform resuscitation (CPR + ILCOR + After Care)
SOC541205	Provide emergency care (First Aid)
SOC541206	Perform lifeguarding hand and whistle signals
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (20 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in LIFEGUARD SERVICES NC II.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM WATER-BASED SKILLS IN A POOL ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : SOC541301

This unit covers skills and attitude required to survive emergency situations in water.

1. Demonstrate safe water entry and exit
   • Water entry procedures is demonstrated in accordance with International Life Saving as specified in Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving
   • Water exit procedures is demonstrated per Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving
2. Conduct floating and water treading
   • Safe water entry is performed in accordance with standards on Swimming and Lifesaving
   • Water treading is demonstrated in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Floating in water is demonstrated in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
3. Demonstrate survival swimming in a pool environment
   • 400 meters swim in less than 10 minutes without fins is demonstrated in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Safe water exit is performed in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Lifesaving
4. Demonstrate ability to swim underwater
   • Selected surface dives are demonstrated per Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
   • Submerged objects are recovered in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Swimming underwater with clothes and shoes on is practiced and removed them while immersed
   • Simulated escape from swimming underwater entrapment is performed in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEMONSTRATE NON-CONTACT WATER RESCUE
UNIT CODE : SOC541302

This unit covers outcomes required in performing rescue in shallow waters without physical contact with the victim.

1. Initiate rescue of victims
   • Condition of victim is assessed to determine appropriate noncontact rescue technique to apply in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving.
   • Victim is approached to initiate rescue in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving.
   • Victim is pacified or advised to relax or move to safe area in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving.
2. Reach out to victim
   • Rescued victim is provided with appropriate lifesaving implements in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Rescued victim is pulled to safety by providing appropriate lifesaving implement in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Repeated attempt to pull rescued victim to safety is ensured for lifeguard’s self-preservation in accordance with ILS as specified in international standards on Swimming and Life Saving
3. Throw buoyant aid to victim
   • Available buoyant aid is thrown to victim in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Victim is pulled to safety using suitable aid such as rope, towel, etc. in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving swimming rescue
     • Procedures in throw rescue
     • Handling different buoyant aids
     • Communication
       • Oral and written communication
       • Hand Signaling
       • Whistle Signaling
     • Comprehend oral and written communication
     • Interpret hand and whistle communication
     • Detect depth and state of water bottom
   • Victim is advised on what to do while waiting for rescue in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
4. Approach / wade toward the victim
   • Victim is approached by wading using suitable reaching or throwing aid if attempts to reach and throw are unsuccessful in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • For deep water, victim is approached by swimming and extended reach to rescue aid while avoiding physical contact in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Victim is pulled to safety while avoiding physical contact in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Repeated attempt to pull the victim to safety is ensured for rescuer’s self-preservation in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
5. Row toward victim using small craft
   • Available small craft is used when victim is approached by rowing in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Small craft is positioned appropriately at best contact point for the victim
   • Buoyant object or PFD is thrown to Victim where necessary
   • Victim is towed to safety or where applicable to come aboard at the stern to ensure stability of water craft

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEMONSTRATE CONTACT WATER RESCUE
UNIT CODE : SOC541303

This unit covers skills and techniques to conduct contact rescue for conscious or unconscious casualty in aquatic environments.

1. Execute contact rescue with conscious victim
   • Condition of victim is assessed.
   • Victim is approached by swimming and with proper defensive position while checking positions constantly.
   • Victim is asked to turn around and swim behind calmly.
   • Techniques for contact rescue with conscious victim is performed in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
   • Victim is encouraged to assist by kicking the legs.
   • Victims are assisted in their exits using pool ladder, designated exit point or supported lifting of victim if designated exit is not available.
   • Appropriate aftercare is applied to ensure stability on victims condition
2. Perform contact rescue with unconscious victim
   • Condition of victim is assessed
   • Victim is approached with proper defensive positions to reaffirm unconsciousness of victim.
   • Techniques for contact rescue with unconscious victim is performed in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swim
   • Immobilization technique is used to stabilize removal of victim from water with assistance of other lifeguards.
   • CPR is performed in suitably hard and flat surface immediately after the removal of victim from the water.
   • Victim is placed in a recovery position after signs of life are present.
   • Appropriate aftercare is applied to ensure stability on victims condition
3. Simulate recovery of a submerged person
   • Surface dive is performed and submerged casualty is located and recovered in accordance with International standards on Swimming and Life Saving
4. Demonstrate underwater search for a submerge victim
   • Search is performed at shallow water areas by using Team or Individual Search methods in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
   • Parallel pattern search is organized for deep water in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
   • Appropriate Equipment is used to increase efficiency of underwater search in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
5. Perform aquatic spine injury immobilization
   • Neck immobilization technique is applied to prevent further damage in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook.
   • In-water stabilization of spinal injury is conducted with the assistance of fellow lifeguards.
   • Casualty is removed from water using spine board and straps in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
6. Demonstrate landing (from water) a person in difficulty
   • Selected Gentle Slope landing procedures are performed in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
   • Selected Steep slope landing procedures are performed in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM LIFEGUARDING SCANNING
UNIT CODE : SOC541304

This unit covers skills and techniques for scanning aquatic venues to include dangers for the users and activities.

1. Monitor aquatic surroundings
   • Senses are used to sweep happenings around an aquatic environment
   • Danger points are attended in an aquatic venue
   • Potential trouble or distressed behaviors of bathers are detected
2. Organize and sort aquatic venue patronage
   • Sensory input scanning is used to sort aquatic venue utilization
   • Screening of patrons for child supervision by an adult is performed to minimize risks in accident
   • Medical history of regular patrons is recorded in accordance with company rules and regulations
   • Actual physical appearance and behavior of active bathers are scanned in accordance with scanning techniques
   • Company rules and regulations are Communicated with venue Patrons
3. Recognize aquatic accidents
   • Suspected bathers in distress are identified following company rules and regulations
   • Situations are assessed quickly and decisively in accordance with ILS as specified in Swimming and Lifesaving Handbook
   • Immediate response to distress incident is performed in accordance with ILS as specified in International standards on Swimming and Life Saving

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MONITOR WATER QUALITY FOR SWIMMING
UNIT CODE : SOC541305

This unit covers knowledge, skill and attitude to conduct water quality test for swimming pool, spring, river and marine / estuarine waters.

1. Perform chlorine level test at pool
   • Appropriate amount of water sample is retrieved in test tubes using chlorine testing kit.
   • Clarity and color of water sample is compared versus the sealed tubes provided in the test kit
   • Actual chlorine level is determined by reading the marked number in the most identical sealed tube of the test kit.
   • Rechecking chlorine level reading is repeated
   • Chlorine test result is recorded and notified to immediate superior
   • Records of chlorine level tested is maintained according to company policies and procedures
2. Perform acidity/alkalinity test at pools and natural bathing place
   • Test tube is filled out with appropriate amount of water sample using acidity/alkalinity testing kit.
   • Changed of color in water sample after dropping appropriate amount of testing solution is observed and compared versus the sealed tubes in the test kit.
   • Acidity or alkalinity level is determined based on the reading of the color in the sealed tube
   • Acidity/Alkalinity test result is recorded and immediately notified to superior
   • Record of acidity/alkalinity levels of water is maintained according to company policies and procedures
3. Perform turbidity test of swimming pool water
   • 15 cm (6inches) black disc is mounted at the deepest point of the pool
   • Clear Water is observed after black disc is already visible in all designated areas in the pool deck
4. Retrieve water sample for submission to laboratory bacteriological quality test
   • Water sample is retrieved and placed in six 1 Liter bottles in accordance with the IRR of Code on sanitation of the Philippines 1998 (PD 856) for Public Swimming and Bathing Places.
   • Water samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory by DOH for bacteriological and fecal coliform analysis.
   • Immediate superior is notified of bacteriological test result.

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ON WATER SAFETY
UNIT CODE : SOC541203

This unit covers knowledge, skills and attitude to be safe in and around waters of recreation venues or places of normal abode.

1. Implement the Aqua code
   • “Buddy system” is practiced on or near water.
   • Aqua code drills for staying afloat and waving if in trouble with water is applied in accordance with established standards.
   • Procedure in reaching out a stick or throwing a rope is demonstrated in accordance with Aqua code.
2. Use identifiable clothing and outdoor protective devices
   • Wearing of red and yellow uniform is complied in accordance with ILS Lifesaving Position Statement – LPS 05.
   • Sun protection devices and topical solutions are utilized in accordance with the ILS Medical Position Statement MPS 02.
3. Interpret standard water safety flags and signs
   • Hoisting of red over yellow flag or other water safety flags is practiced in any aquatic environment consistent with ISO 20712-1-2008.
   • Water safety signs are identified in line with Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style.
4. Spot dangers of different aquatic environments
   • Dangers brought by currents, crumbling banks, uneven river beds and submerged obstacles in rivers, creeks and waterholes are recognized in accordance with ILS.
   • Potential dangers in lakes, dams and lagoons are Identified in accordance with ILS.
   • Dangers of water bodies in farms, ponds, and swimming pool are detected in accordance with ILS.
   • Potential dangers in home aquatic environments are checked in accordance with ILS.
5. Follow safety guidelines of different aquatic activities
   • Swimming guidelines for swimming pools are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for swimming in beaches are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for swimming in waves are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for swimming at a river are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for safe fishing are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for safe watercraft recreation are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for safe surfing are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for safe recreational diving and snorkeling are implemented in accordance with ILS.
   • Guidelines for the conduct of water safety education and programs in accordance with Water Safety Handbook are implemented.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM RESUSCITATION (CPR + ILCOR + After Care)
UNIT CODE : SOC541204

This unit covers competency in resuscitation administration to victim prior to arrival of appropriately qualified personnel.

1. Recognize the function of human respiratory system
   • is discussed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Composition of air and gas exchange process in the respiratory system is discussed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Pathway of air through respiratory system is discussed the in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Mechanics of breathing during inspiration and expiration is demonstrated in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
2. Determine the function of human circulatory system
   • Parts of the heart is discussed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Circulatory system is discussed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Functions of blood vessels and components of the blood in line with Swimming and Lifesaving Manual on Resuscitation.
3. Apply resuscitation
   • Circumstance /s that led to respiratory failure is assessed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Resuscitation Action Plan (DRSABCD) is performed in accordance with the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
4. Follow after care procedures to drowning victim
   • Victim is maintained in recovery position after determining signs of life in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • General after care procedures is applied in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Transport of victim to hospital by ambulance or any other vehicle is initiated and use of oxygen to victim by qualified lifeguards is assisted in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PROVIDE EMERGENCY CARE (FIRST AID)
UNIT CODE : SOC541205

This unit covers the competency required to provide basic lifesaving to victim prior to arrival of appropriately qualified personnel.

1. Assess aquatic emergency situation
   • Signs and symptoms of aquatic injury are detected in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Available first aid kits is used in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Triage procedure on emergency having multiple casualties is implemented in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
2. Apply first aid
   • Illness is managed and hygiene in emergency situation is maintained in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Emergency services is called carrying of patient/ lifting of patient for transport to hospital is assisted in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
3. Communicate details of the incident
   • First Aid records or logs of injury or incident is documented in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Data on injury or incident is submitted to emergency or medical service providers in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM LIFEGUARDING HAND AND WHISTLE SIGNALS
UNIT CODE : SOC541206

This unit covers knowledge and inter-communication skills required for hand signals and whistles.

1. Specify hand and whistle signals for inter-lifeguard communication
   • Whistle signaling is interpreted in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Hand signaling is coded and decoded in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
2. Demonstrate whistle and hand signals as transmitter and receiver
   • Positioned at short distance and as a transmitter whistle and hand signaling is initiated in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • A specific whistle and hand signal instructions is demonstrated to a receiving lifeguard in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Instructions are acknowledged and responded by receiver in accordance with ILS as specified in the Handbook on Swimming and Lifesaving.
   • Actions carried by receiver are observed to check correctness of message and action delivery for a successful communication.

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Action – Third stage of a rescue; developing a plan and effecting the rescue. Advance Life Support
• (ALS) – The addition of oxygen and the administering of some drugs as an extension of Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques.
• AED – Automatic external defibrillator.
• After care – Fourth stage of a rescue; giving aid until medical teams arrives.
• Airway – Passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs.
• ALS – Advance Life Support.
• Aquacode – Three, easy-to-remember rules of water safety.
• Armpit tow – A contact tow used for a cooperative weak, tired, or injured casualty.
• Assessment – Second stage of rescue; making informed judgments.
• Assisted Lift – A method used to land an uncooperative casualty from deep water.
• Awareness – First stage of a rescue; recognizing an emergency accepting responsibility.
• Back blow – Blow given between the shoulder blades, with the heel of the hand, in the direction of the head.
• Backstroke – A swimming stroke developed from a back float used in survival, competition and recreation.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – The skill which will save life in an emergency. These skills include airway managements, rescue breathing, and cardiac compressions. Since 2006, organizations throughout the world have included understanding of defibrillation as a part of BLS.
• BLS – Basic Life Support
• Breaststroke – A swimming stroke used in survival, rescue, competition and recreation.
• Buoyant – Capable of keeping float.
• Butterfly – A completive swimming stroke developed from breaststroke.
• Capsize – To overturn of sink a craft.
• Cardiac arrest – Cessation of heart beat. Cardiopulmonary
• Resuscitation (CPR) – Combines rescue breathing and chest compressions.
• Chest compressions – Compression of the sternum to provide circulation to sustain life
• Chin lift – The technique of supporting the jaw to prevent the tongue from Blocking the airway.
• Compact jump – A feet-first entry into deep water from a height of more than one meter.
• Competency test – Test which requires demonstration of current skill level.
• CPR – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Cross chest tow – A contact tow used to retrieve an unconscious person in rough conditions.
• Current – Portion of a body of water moving in a certain direction.
• Defensive position – Position which allows a rescuer to take back away quickly.
• Danger – Signal word used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• Deep – Extending far below surface of water and beyond where a person can stand
• Defibrillation – The use of an electric shock to stop ventricular fibrillation.
• Defibrillator – An electrical machine which is used to reverse electrical abnormalities in the heart.
• Double shoulder tow – A contact tow, which permits high head elevation of an unconscious casualty.
• Drowning – The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion from liquid.
• EAR – Expired Air Resuscitation
• Eddy – Whirlpool in the water created by a current.
• Eggbeater kick – Powerful trending water technique useful in rescues.
• Emergency care – The aid given to the injured or suddenly ill by the first person on the scene.
• Expiration – Breathing out.
• Extended arm rollover – Method of turning over a face-down person, with a suspected spinal injury, in water shallower than waist depth.
• First aid – Initial of emergency help given to a casualty.
• Freestyle – A fast swimming stroke used in competition, survival, rescue and recreation.
• Hazard – Potential source of harm
• Head tow – A contact tow using a firm grip on the head used to retrieve an unconscious person.
• Heat stroke – A severe, life threatening form of heat illness.
• Heart attack – Damage to heart muscle due to interruption of blood supply.
• HELP – Heat Escape Lessening Posture.
• Horizontal – Parallel to the surface of the water.
• Huddle technique – Small group survival technique using the same principals as the HELP technique.
• Hydrodynamic lift – The force created by the unequal velocity of fluid flowing past each side of a body which is non-symmetrical to the flow.
• Hyperthermia – Condition on the body when the core temperature rises above 39 degrees Celsius.
• Hyperventilation – Excessive oxygenation of the blood resulting a rapid decrease in carbon dioxide.
• Hypothermia – Occurs when exposure to cold air or cold water causes the body’s core temperature to fall below 35 degrees Celsius.
• ILCOR – International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
• ILS – International Life Saving Federation Immerse – To place under water.
• Initiative test – Assessment of a simulated rescue situation. Inspiration – Breathing in.
• Landing – Any method used to remove a casualty from the water.
• Lifeguard – Lifesaver, whether voluntary of paid, who has professional responsibility for the safety of others.
• Lifesaving – Saving of life through prevention of accident, personal survival and rescue of others.
• Longitudinal – Along the surface of the water.
• Near drowning – Survival or a casualty after immersion accident.
• Oxygen – Gas essential for life and which makes up to 21 per cent of atmospheric air.
• PFD – Personal flotation device.
• Piggyback carry – A landing technique where casualty is placed on the rescuer’s back.
• Propulsion – Any force which drives the body through the water.
• Pulmonary – Pertaining to or connected to the lungs.
• Reach rescue – A safe method of rescue where the rescuer reaches with an aid to assist the person in difficulty.
• Recovery position – Position in which an unconscious casualty is placed to allow observation of breathing and prevent obstruction the airway.
• Rescue breathing – Blowing air into a casualty’s mouth or nose to maintain life when breathing has stopped.
• Respiration – The process of using oxygen to obtain energy in cells.
• Respiratory failure – A person’s breathing becomes inadequate or stops completely.
• Resuscitation – The preservation or restoration of life by the establishment and/or maintenance of airway, breathing and circulation, and related emergency care.
• Rip – Fast-flowing body of water moving out to sea.
• Risk – Combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
• RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution of UK
• Row rescue – A method of rescue where the rescuer uses water craft to get closer to a person in difficulty.
• Sculling – Movements of the hands, i.e. a curved pattern, through the water to create a propulsive force.
• Shoulder carry – A landing technique where the casualty is placed over the rescuer’s shoulder.
• Sidestroke – A swimming stroke used in survival, rescue, competition and recreation.
• Skill – An ability, usually learned and acquired through training, to perform actions which achieve a desired outcome.
• Small Craft – Ranged of non- motorized water craft designed for personal use.
• Snag – An obstacle (e.g. a tree or rock) on the bottom of a waterway forming an impediment or danger to navigation.
• Snorkel – Tube designed to allow a swimmer to breathe while face down in the water.
• Spinal cord injury – Damage to the bundle of nerves which extends from the brain to the lower back.
• Sternum – Flat bone, lying in the front of the chest, to which most of the ribs are attached.
• Stirrup lift – An assisted lift from deep water when the casualty can cooperate.
• Stopper – Suction eddy created in fast-flowing currents on the downstream side of rock formations and artificial structures.
• Stroke – Damage to the brain due to sudden blockage, or rupture of blood vessel in the brain.
• Support tow – A contact tow used for a non-breathing unconscious casualty.
• Survival backstroke – A swimming stroke which is effective for both survival and rescue situations.
• Swim rescue – An accompanied rescue performed by a competent swimmer.
• Talk rescue – The safest rescue method, using voice and gestures to assist the Person in difficulty.
• Throw rescue – A safe method of rescue where the rescuer throws a rope or buoyant aid to assist the person in difficulty.
• Tidal volume – Volume of gas moved during each respiratory cycle.
• Tow rescue – A method of rescue.
• Triage – Where there is more than one casualty, the sorting and allocating of aid on the basis or urgency or need.
• Turbulence – Current in which the motion of the water at any point is disrupted in magnitude and direction.
• USLA – United States Lifesaving Association
• Vertical – Perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the surface of the water.
• Vice grip – Method of turning over a face-down person, with a suspected spinal injury, in the water deeper than waist depth.
• Vice grip tow – A contact tow for an unconscious casualty with a suspected spinal injury.
• Wade rescue – A method of rescue where the rescuer wades into the water to be able to carry out a reach or throw rescue.
• Wave – A ridge or swell which forms on the surface of the water.
• Wrist tow – A contact tow used for a cooperative weak, tired, or injured casualty.