• UAC – Lifeguard Competency Assessment

    Checklist form to evaluate a lifeguard’s practical skills and knowledge. Please ask the lifeguard to demonstrate the listed steps; if the lifeguard fails to demonstrate competency, swimming cannot go ahead and head office must be informed. For Head Office or Camp Manager use only. To be stored in the Swimming & Lifeguard pack.

  • Header Section

  • Assessment Date*
     - -

  • Checklist Items

  • Swim 2 lengths of the pool on their front and then 2 lengths on their back without a break, then climb out of the pool unaided without using steps or ladder

  • Lifeguards should be able to swim confidnetely the lenghts of the pool, without needing to stop, and without putting their feet dow/holding onto the side. 

     

    The lifeguard should have a smooth swimming technique, with little spashing, moving in a controlled motion. 

  • Describe and demonstrate the extended arm tow rescue technique with a float, for the length of the pool

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    1.Secure Approach from Behind:Safety Check. Approach the casualty from behind to avoid defensive grasping. If they are face-down, perform a safe turn to roll them onto their back, ensuring their airway is clear of the water immediately.


    2.Establish the Contact Grip:Secure Hold. Place a cupped hand firmly on the casualty's chin. Ensure your fingers are spread along their jawline, being extremely careful not to apply pressure to the soft tissue of the throat, which could restrict their breathing.


    3.Initiate Momentum:The Launch Kick.Give a series of powerful, vigorous leg kicks (such as a powerful breaststroke or sidestroke kick) while pulling the casualty into position. This initial surge of energy brings the casualty's body up into a horizontal, floating position on the surface of the water.


    4.Fully Extend the Towing Arm:Streamlining.Lock and fully extend your towing arm straight out. Do not allow your elbow to bend; keeping your arm rigid ensures the casualty travels in a perfect, stable straight line directly behind your body slipstream, eliminating drag.


    5.Execute the Rescue Stroke:Towing to Safety. Swim using Lifesaver Sidestroke or Lifesaving Backstroke. Use your free arm to drive momentum through the water while your legs perform continuous, efficient kicks. Keep your head clear of the water so you can continuously monitor the casualty’s face and airway.

     

  • Recover a brick or submersible object from the bottom of the deepest part of the pool

  • Lifeguard Competency Questoins

  • Ask the below question to the lifeguard, and note their answers in the boxes below. The correct answer is listed below the box, do not share this with the lifeguard

  • Lifeguarding & Pool Rescue

  • Ask the following questions and ensure the Lifeguard answers mentioning the key terms listed:


    1. Please name two rescue tows that you could use on a conscious casualty.
    Under arm / Hip support / Arm support


    2. Please explain how to rescue a casualty with a suspected spinal injury.
    Isolate or reduce movement on the head and back by applying either a head splint or vice grip

     

    3. Please explain the difference between a NOPs & EAPs?
    Normal Operating Procedures is day to day tasks. Emergency Action Plans is used outside of the NOPs for example, first aid required or fire evacuation or lifeguard performing a rescue.

  • First Aid

  • Ask the following questions to confirm first aid competency:


    4. Explain the current breath to compression ratio for a drowning casualty
    Start with 5 rescue breaths, then 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths.

    5. In relation to the priorities of first aid, what does PAPP stand for?
    Preserve life, Alleviate suffering, Prevent worsening & Promote recovery

    6. How would you treat a sprain or a strain?
    Rice, Ice, Comfortable Position, Elevation

  • Please tick to confirm the lifeguard answered all the questions correctly*

  • Outcome & Sign-off

  • Should be Empty: