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

Participate in a mass aquatic rescue 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255837  Participate in a mass aquatic rescue 
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 be able to participate actively in a mass rescue in the aquatic environment. He/she will identify and describe the signs of distress of participants in aquatic pursuits, assist practically with the rescue at a good standard and conclude it effectively, then undertake an appraisal of his/her own performance. The qualifying learner is expected to perform these activities with responsibility, efficiency and insight.

The training of lifeguards to perform the function of ensuring safety in the aquatic environment through mass rescues is essential to the discharge of their duties. The achievement of skills related to mass rescues will benefit the sport and recreation sub-fields greatly as the public enjoys the benefits of improved performance.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Identify and explain the problems associated with undertaking mass rescues.
  • Recognise distress signs showing the need for a mass rescue in the aquatic environment.
  • Participate in a mass rescue.
  • Participate in patient care and hand-over.
  • Evaluate personal performance and suggest improvements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Personal water competence sufficient to swim 400 metres in the aquatic environment within a specified time.
  • Basic lifesaving skills.
  • 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 and explain the problems associated with undertaking mass rescues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The stresses on overstretched human resources are explained in relation to mass aquatic rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stress on overburdened equipment is explained with reference to mass aquatic rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of panic and interference are analysed in terms of their impact on rescue and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Strategies are suggested for overcoming the identified problems in connection with a mass aquatic rescue. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recognise distress signs showing the need for a mass rescue in the aquatic environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Radical and threatening changes in weather patterns are noted and described in terms of lifeguarding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dangerous changes in water conditions are noted and analysed in terms of their impact on aquatic rescues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Side drift, undertow, rip currents, turbulence, sand banks.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Panic and other changed behaviour amongst crowds are observed and interpreted in relation to a rescue incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Unusual circumstances involving water craft are observed and interpreted in terms of lifeguarding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sinking, capsized, low in the water, fire, collision, unsuitable.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Risky behaviour on the part of a group is observed and interpreted in relation to public and personal safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate rescue methods are recommended to deal with the most prevalent situations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Participate in a mass rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The main source of threat to human life is recognised and appropriate measures activated according to organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communications are used to summon available backup in a mass rescue incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment is made available rapidly and appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Priorities are identified and focused on in terms of lifeguarding practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Patients are secured systematically and brought ashore as part of a mass aquatic rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Available backup is briefed promptly on arrival and utilised in accordance with organisational policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Allocate resources to patient care and manage hand-over. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Serious cases are prioritised and reacted to with due urgency and that might be required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Patients are effectively handed over to medical personnel in accordance with organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Alertness and readiness is maintained during a particular incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Steps are taken to ensure constant alertness following an incident. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate personal performance and suggest improvements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Performance as an individual is appraised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Performance as a team member is appraised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Suggestions are made for improvements 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 identification and analysis of problems associated with undertaking mass rescues.
  • Conditions in the aquatic environment conducive to the need for a mass rescue in the aquatic environment.
  • Tasks necessary to affect a mass rescue.
  • Criteria for allocating resources to patient rescue and care.
  • Principles behind effective handover to medical personnel.
  • Techniques to evaluate personal performance and suggest improvements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation: These qualities are essential to the success of any lifeguard participating in mass rescues and a great deal of self organisation and discipline is required to ensure optimum performance in undertaking these rescues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information-review: Information evaluation is a reflection of the research of information related to the mass rescue techniques used. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication: Communication is essential with any support resources, and with a conscious patients during mass rescues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Appropriate use of science and technology: The learner can be expected to develop competence in the use of rescue equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems: This is achieved by analysing the way in which many different tasks are brought together with the common purpose of ensuring effective mass rescues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Responsible citizenship: Ensuring effective mass rescues reinforces and reaffirms a commitment to responsible citizenship. 

    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.