SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Accommodate special needs in the discharge of lifeguarding duties 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255815  Accommodate special needs in the discharge of lifeguarding duties 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner achieving this unit standard will have an insight into how to manage the particular concerns of people with special needs who use the aquatic environment. S/he will understand the protocols, actions and sensitivities that are necessary to provide a service to seriously disadvantaged and disabled people in particular. This implies assisting with organised groups as well as persons using the beach as individuals.

This unit standard is a crucial component in lifeguarding within South Africa since it enables lifeguards to work within the Constitution and Bill of Human Rights in providing an enriched service to the breadth of the South African population, including those with disabilities. It recognises the rights of people with special needs to enjoy the natural aquatic assets of the country, while ensuring their well-being and safety. It can consequently be expected to benefit the sports as well as recreation sub-fields greatly.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Identify people with special needs.
  • Explain strategies used to assist, support and care for people with special needs who use the aquatic environment for recreation.
  • Undertake the sensitive accommodation of people with special needs in the aquatic environment.
  • Maintain a logbook and undertake a self-appraisal to determine the ability to meet a range of special needs. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Basic lifesaving skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where applicable, range statements have been included under individual specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify people with special needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A definition is given of the concept of special needs as used in the lifeguarding environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of the characteristic signs and symptoms of people with special needs are provided. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Obvious physical disability, faltering speech, inappropriate gesture, impaired movement, signs of deafness or blindness, presence of an attendant.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A variety of specific physiological and physical needs is identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical disabilities such as related to eyesight, hearing, physical deformities, loss of limbs, frailty, grossly inadequate fitness, excessive obesity, lack of swimming ability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Security and safety needs in the case of mental deficiency are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Actions or gestures showing mental or emotional impairment, misjudging of hazards, impaired skill.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A variety of culture-based needs is identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems of language, culturally unfamiliar water and beach usage patterns, misjudging risks through unfamiliarity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The human rights of persons with special needs are outlined with reference to the South African Constitution. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain strategies used to assist, support and care for people with special needs that use the aquatic environment for recreation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need for close surveillance of members of the public with identified special needs is explained in terms of lifeguarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need to counter threats affecting especially vulnerable people is explained and methods demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Weather changes, overcrowding, unruly and misdirected behaviour, inappropriate and threatening activities, dangerous water conditions that might increase risks.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of communicating sensitively and appropriately with people with special needs to enhance their safe use of the water environments is discussed and demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gently pointing out bathing beacons and signs, explaining loudspeaker announcements, discouraging inappropriate activities.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need to interact especially sensitively with people with special needs in managing beach incidents is explained and illustrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The management of groups with special needs who are on excursions to aquatic resources is conducted. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Undertake the sensitive accommodation of people with special in area of operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Persons with a variety of physiological and physical needs are assisted practically in the aquatic environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Point out warning signs, repeat or explain the meaning of visual warning signals, ensure well-being of persons vulnerable because of physical incapacity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Persons with mental disabilities who have heightened security and safety needs are identified and managed practically in an aquatic setting. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Shepherd to safe areas, carefully point out hazards, ensure close surveillance of those with apparently impaired mental faculties or skill, and support those with inadequate fitness.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Persons with a variety of cultural needs are assisted practically in a lifeguarding situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gesture to expand on language, counsel on appropriate beach usage patterns, discourage or prevent risky behaviour.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The close yet sensitive management of groups with special needs who are on excursions to aquatic resources is undertaken practically in terms of lifeguarding. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain a logbook and undertake a self-appraisal to determine the ability to meet a range of special needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A record is maintained of assistance given to persons with special needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A self-appraisal of strategies used in managing individual members of the public or groups on organised excursions is undertaken. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A period of service within special institutions is encouraged.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Successful and less successful strategies are highlighted and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Suggestions are made for an improvement in performance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, or assessing this unit standard, must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The nature of special needs and the identification of people with special needs.
  • Approaches and strategies required to accommodate people with special needs in the lifeguarding environment.
  • Language sufficient to write an accurate logbook to record examples of service to people with special needs encountered in the aquatic environment over a period of time.
  • Techniques for conducting a self-appraisal to determine the level of personal performance. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork is required when working with other lifeguards in service to persons with special needs. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation is enhanced and developed through the experience of ensuring service to the mentally and physically disadvantaged. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication skills are enhanced when dealing with persons with special needs, especially those who are hard of hearing or illiterate. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The use of science and technology is required in the research of special needs. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship is encouraged when dealing with sensitive matters pertaining to people with disabilities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.