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: 

Make use of appropriate signs and signals in a Lifeguarding/Lifesaving scenario 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255829  Make use of appropriate signs and signals in a Lifeguarding/Lifesaving scenario 
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  2 
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 the capacity to relay, understand and otherwise use recognised signs and signals during the execution of duties in a lifeguarding scenario. This ability to communicate well is a foundation skill very necessary to the management of a variety of rescues in a range of circumstances. Accurate and well-understood communication is essential to success in what may be life and death situations, and spoken communication might prove inadequate as environmental and other factors intrude.

The unit standard can consequently be expected to benefit the sports and recreation sub-fields greatly and enhance the range of skills of lifeguards whose duty lies with the provision of effective services.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Identify the various safety signs and signals used in the aquatic environment.
  • Explain the meaning and use of the various safety signs.
  • Correctly demonstrate lifeguard signals.
  • Undertake a self-appraisal, and suggest a programme to effect improvements. 
    		•

    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 
    Identify the various safety signs and signals used in the aquatic environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The signs generally used in a lifeguard-patrolled environment are correctly identified against a standard list. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various international bathing signs used at bathing facilities are correctly identified and the reasoning behind each explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various classes of signals as used by lifeguards are described focusing on the differences between the classes outlined. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the meaning and use of the various safety signs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct descriptions are given in response to a range of unidentified pictures of aquatic safety and information signs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Signs used under specific circumstances are correctly identified and selected according to a variety of conditions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate lifeguard signals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Siren and whistle signals are correctly used, demonstrated and identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various flag and hand/arm signals used in the life guarding environment are performed through a physical demonstration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct practical responses are given to signals of all classes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages and disadvantages of the various classes of signs and signals are explained accurately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Undertake a self-appraisal and suggest a programme to effect improvements in understanding and practical use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The strengths and weaknesses of own performance are tested practically and performance is analysed by self-assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suggestions are made for a programme to ensure 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 
  • Various safety signs and signals used in the aquatic environment.
  • The meaning and use of the various safety signs.
  • Appropriate knowledge pertaining to Lifeguard flag, hand and audible signals.
  • Methods of undertaking a self-appraisal and development of a programme to effect improvements. 
    		•

    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 members of a lifeguard squad and other rescue services in executing rescues dependent on the use of signs and signals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation is enhanced and developed through the accurate use and interpretation of hand and other signals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication skills are enhanced when using signals to discharge duties. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The use of science and technology is required where advanced signals are exchanged through technical means. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship is nurtured when saving lives. 

    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.