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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain and apply the ethical principles underpinning life guarding and lifesaving 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255824  Explain and apply the ethical principles underpinning life guarding and lifesaving 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 a substantial insight into the ethical principles underpinning life guarding. Such knowledge can give cohesiveness to the philosophy and rationale intrinsic to life guarding. It enables an exchange of views to occur on sometimes contentious aspects of service, and establishes bonds between lifeguards through shared perspectives; both of which can be seen as benefits to the individual. It can also be expected to enhance morale and the motivation to serve. This unit standard is therefore a crucial component in life guarding within South Africa It can consequently be expected to benefit the sport and recreation sub-fields greatly.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Differentiate between life guarding and lifesaving.
  • Explore the nature of ethical behaviour as related to life guarding.
  • Analyse the moral issues inherent in preparing for the act of saving lives in dangerous circumstances.
  • Behave professionally as a lifeguard.
  • Propose a personal philosophy of life guarding.

    On completion of the unit standard the learner should be ready to develop learning in further, more complex processes related to life guarding, human rescue and lifesaving. 
    		•

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

    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 
    Differentiate between the concepts life guarding and lifesaving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nature of the lifesaving role is examined and explained in terms of volunteer organisations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The nature of the life guarding role is examined and explained with reference to the major functions of lifeguards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The distinctions between life guarding and lifesaving are correctly outlined as per industry definitions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Attainable and feasible means for pre-empting and forestalling emergencies are analysed in terms of the role of a life guard. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explore the nature of ethical behaviour as related to life guarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Ethical behavior is analysed in terms of the South African Constitution, which incorporates The Bill of Human Rights. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ethical behaviour is analysed in terms of the tacit commitment to human life inherent in undertaking the role of a lifeguard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ethical behaviour is analysed in terms of relevant South African law. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Distinctions are drawn between voluntary and remunerated lifeguards in terms of how these may impact on their ethics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Views of lifeguards as held by the public are outlined based on some research. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Analyse the moral issues inherent in preparing for the act of saving lives in dangerous circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The general responsibility to be well organised personally is discussed in terms of how it would affect acting as a life guard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The responsibility to maintain fitness is discussed with reference to the impact on life guarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The obligation to maintain skill levels is discussed in terms of saving lives in dangerous situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The obligation to maintain equipment is outlined in relation to organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The imperatives of dedication and devotion to duty are discussed with regard to volunteerism. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Behave professionally as a lifeguard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A routine for remaining well organised personally is logged according to standard practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Punctuality, duty times, record of absences, notes of explanation, dress code.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A logbook of activities showing appropriate professional conduct is established and maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Participation in a programme for the maintenance of physical fitness is logged giving details of activities conducted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Participation in a programme for the maintenance of skill levels is logged highlighting areas of learning or practice encompassed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A routine dealing with the care and maintenance of equipment is logged and compared to organisational policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Propose a personal philosophy of life guarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The moral obligation to save lives in the face of personal danger is discussed in terms of lifeguarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The rights of the lifeguard to reasonable personal safety are discussed with reference to a personal philosophy of life guarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors heightening the sense of obligation are analysed and documented for personal. 


    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 differences between the concepts life guarding and lifesaving.
  • The nature of ethical behaviour as related to life guarding.
  • Moral issues inherent in preparing for the act of saving lives in dangerous circumstances.
  • Strategies for producing a logbook of activities showing appropriate professional conduct over a significant time period.
  • Components of a personal philosophy of life guarding. 
    		•

    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 to provide a more extensive service as a member of a life guarding squad. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation is improved through the renewed commitment that enlightened moral attitudes can bring. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication skills are enhanced when discussing ethical values and accessing information on related topics. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The use of science and technology is required in the research process when accessing sources and gathering information on specific ethical issues from around the world. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship is promoted by the adoption of defensible ethical attitudes to lifesaving. 

    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.