Lifesaving 123 Award Course

The Lifesaving 123 Award course consists of three phases which teach swimmers the fundamentals of water safety,

theory and practical aspects of land-based and water-based non-contact rescue as well as resuscitation skills.

Trainees are expected to be strong swimmers as the course will be focused more on lifesaving techniques

rather than swimming strokes.

Upon completion of all stages of training, trainees that passed the three basic lifesaving exams

will be awarded Lifesaving 123 badges and certificates issued by Singapore Life Saving Society.

Approximate course duration: 20 to 30 hours

Lifesaving 1 Award

Aim: To impart preliminary skills and knowledge of water safety and land-based non-contact rescues.

Lifesaving 1 Course Scope of Training:

Introduction to basic water safety, water dangers and water rescue in swimming pool.
Identify the actions of a non-swimmer and a weak swimmer.
Basic land-based rescue skill such as Reaching Rescue,
Throwing of Buoyant Aid Rescue, Wading Rescue (with buoyant or rigid aid) and Accompanied Rescue.
Swim 100 meters in any recognized strokes to pass the course exam.

Lifesaving 2 Award

Aim: To develop further preliminary skills and knowledge of water safety, resuscitation and land-based non-contact rescues.

Lifesaving 2 Course Scope of Training:

Introduction to water rescue, dangers of open water and applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to unconscious casualty (CPR).
Expiry Air Resuscitation(EAR).
Identify the movements of non-swimmer, weak swimmer, swimmer with limb injury, unconscious non-breathing swimmer.
Land-based emergency rescue techniques such as Rope Rescue and Non-Contact Tow Rescue of an uncooperative casualty scenario.
Ability to swim 150 meters comfortably in any recognized strokes.

Lifesaving 3 Award

Aim: To reinforce skills and knowledge of water safety, resuscitation and water rescue preparatory to the Bronze Medallion.

Lifesaving 3 Course Scope of Training:

Understanding of water rescue and treatment of cramp and minor bleeding.
Sculling of water using only arms in the Ready position, tread water without using arms.
Perform Resuscitation Rescue of an unconscious casualty (breathing and non-breathing).
Underwater Recovery, Defensive and Release Techniques of casualty and full-clothed emergency rescue.
Confidently swim 200 meters in any two recognized strokes.

LIFE SAVING 123

LESSON 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO LIFESAVING

Lifesaving involves the

- rescue of person in distress in the water

- the prevention of drowning.

1.2 Water Safety and Hygiene

Water Safety

Important for everyone to understand water safety regardless whether they are involved in aquatic activities.

2 set of Rules

· The Rules Of Water Safety

· Survival Rules

Understanding the Dangers

Examples:

Rivers, Canals and Streams — things to watch for

Poor Visibilities

· Cannot see bottom of the river Current — underwater current

· Often faster and danger

· Outside of a bend is faster than on the inside Submerged Obstacles — What the Danger?

· Trees, branches, rocks or discarded rubbish. Slippery and steep Slopes

· Slip and difficult to get out

Changes in Water Level and currents speed

· During Heavy Rainfall like canal and drainages

· Rise of tidal changes or current(tsunami) Uneven and unsafe river beds

· Cause difficulties when wading or swimming

Sea

Waves

· Tsunami can cause difficulties for the inexperience swimmer. Rip Currents

· Fast flowing currents- moving current - moving seaward. Rips can carry a swimmer far out of the sea very quickly.

Water Craft

· Keep clear from power boat and water skier or jet skier

Home

Home Pool -Unfenced

Domestic Baths -Danger for children

Rules of Behaviour - Water Smart Code

5 simple easy to remember rules

Go together

· Buddy always in or near the water

Know the Danger

· Understand the hazards in the water

Take Safety Advice·

Apply simple common sense safety rules

Float and Wave

· Trouble in water, don't panic relax roll on your back and wave with one arm

Learn how to help

· If someone need help, do not go into the water , try reach with stick or shout for "HELP"

SAFETY TIPS

A. WHEN SWIMMING

· LISTEN TO LIFEGUARD

· LEARN WATER SKILL

· KNOW THE HAZZARDS

· DONT PUSH

· NEVER RUN ON WET SURFACE

B. WHEN OUT & ABOUT

· BEWARE OF SLIPPERY BANKS OR OTHERS

· DON'T OVERLOAD

· WEAR LIFE JACKET

· KEEP AWAY FROM ROCKS AND STRONG CURRENTS

· LEARN THE CORRECT SKILL

C. KNOW THE DANGERS

· UNKNOWN WATER

· STRONG CURRENTS

· UNEVEN SEABED

· STEEP OR SLIPPERY SLOPES

· STORMY WEATHER

WHEN IN DISTRESS

· BE CALM

· FLOAT ON YOUR BACK

· WAVE FOR HELP

· HOLD ONTO BUOYANT OBJECT

· SHOUT TO ATTRACT ATTENTION

WATER SAFETY (OPEN WATER)

DON'T

· SWIM IN BAD WEATHER

· NEVER DRINK AND SWIM

· BEWARE OF ANGLERS

· SWIM NEAR MOUTH OF CANAL

· SWIM AWAY FROM SHORE

· OVERLOAD YOUR BOAT

· READ WARNING SIGN BEFORE SWIMMING

WATER SAFETY (AT THE POOL)

DON'T

· LOOK OUT FOR YOUR KID AT ALL TIME

· PUSH

· CRY WOLF TO CREATE FALSE ALARM

· HORSE BACK RIDING

· SWIM AFTER MEAL

· SWIM ALONE

· RUN AND BOMB, AMY SLIP AND FALL

· DUNK YOUR FRIEND

· HOLD BREATHE UNNCESSARY

SURVIVAL IN WATER

Survival in deep water emergency depend on ability to use survival knowledge, judgement, skill and fitness.

Techniques for Survival

Survival Sculling

Important — useful in warmer water where the loss of heat from the head is not a major problem.

Survival Floating

H.E.L.P. — Heat Escape Lessening Posture

To prevent body heat loss and minimises the body surface area of contact

with water. Help to stay longer while waiting for help.

1.2 HYGIENE

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES CAN BE SPREAD FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER.

THEY ARE CAUSE BY GERMS AND BACTERIAS AND VIRUS Etc.

LIFESAVER SHOULD KNOW THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF RISK.

EVERYONE SHOULD OBSERVE GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES.

Some diseases which can be transferred from /to causalities

· Cold, Influenza, Hepatitis A or B,AIDs, SARS, Tuberculosis, Skin infection and many others

How to pass to lifesaver?

· By Blood, body fluids such as saliva, urine and faeces.

· Enter to lifesaver blood stream though cuts, grazes or mucous membranes.

· By infected needles or sharp objects which break the lifesaver skin.

Step to take before management of Casuality

Wash thoroughly with soap

Covers expose cuts with water proof dressing

Put on disposable plastic or rubber gloves.

If plastic apron to protect clothes

Put on pocket mask or face shield

Hygiene after Management

Soak clothing with household bleach which has been splash with blood or body fluids.

Machine wash with hottest water. Wash wet areas with water and household detergent and dry them.

Dispose hazardous materials in a safe manner.

If a mask used for EAR or CPR, soak the mask for 30 minutes in the strongest household bleach

and wash again in detergent and water and dry it.

Finally wash hand thoroughly in soap and water

· Speed — fastest stroke to approach a person in difficulty and escaping from danger

· Useful for towing especially when 2 hands are required to hold a person in difficulty

LESSON 2

2.1 Casualty Simulation

Recognition of Emergency

If a lifeguard is to perform or assist in a rescue, there are 2 things which he must do:

I. Early recognition of a problem

II. Interpretation of the event as an emergency which requires urgent action

There are different characteristics shown by different people in distress in water or drowning.

5 General Categories:

· Non Swimmer

· Weak swimmer

· Injured (Swimmer or Non Swimmer)

· Unconscious Person

· Competent Swimmer in Difficulty

NON SWIMMER

Before rescue attempt

a. May not be using arms or legs

b. Body vertical position

c. Not necessary facing shoreline

d. Only concern is to maintain supply of air

e. Seldom waves or calls for help

f. Facial expression: panic- eyed

During rescue attempt

a. No response to instruction

b. Attempt to grasp rescuer

Weak Swimmer

Before rescue attempt

a. Could be using legs and arms for support

b. Casualty is at an angle to the surface

c. Normally facing the shoreline

d. Attempt to attract attention

e. Might wave and call for help

f. Facial expression: Varying degrees of anxiety on face and eyes

During rescue attempt

a. Response to instruction

b. Co-operation: Good when support is offered may be able to float on back and use some propulsive movement

Injured (Swimmer or Non Swimmer)

Before rescue attempt

a. Awkward position in the water caused by grasping of the injured area.

b. Attempt to attract attention: limited by nature of injury

c. Facial Expression: Panic eyed and varying degree of anxiety on faces and eyes.

During rescue attempt

a. Response to Instruction but more concern with injury

b. Co-operation: maintain awkward position by grasping injured part

Unconscious Person

Before rescue attempt

a. Completely motionless in the water

b. Head only visible if at the surface

c. Attempt to attract attention: None

d. Facial Expression: Relaxed

Competent swimmer

Rarely face difficulty in water.

Can be potential victim, when: Injured, under effects of alcohols or drugs, involved in boating accident.

Environmental hazards and abnormal weather or currents also can cause difficulty for a competent swimmer.

2.2 Methods of Rescue

The order of sequence on methods of rescue starts from the safest to last resort methods. They are

a. Talk

b. Reach rescue

c. Throwing rescue

d. Wade in rescue

e. Row

f. Swim

g. Tow

a. Talk

Assurance to the victim by giving instructions

b. Reach rescue

When: The person in difficulty is near the edge, e.g. having fallen in the water,

or a weak or non-swimmer has to effect a rescue alone.

Practical Test:

I. Deep water -1m > 2m

II. Pull the victim to safety

Ill. Assist the victim to climb out of the water

c. Throwing rescue

When: The person in difficulty is too far away to effect a reach rescue.

To provide the swimmer with support until removal from the danger area.

Practical Test:

I. Rescue the victim in deep water

II. 5m away

III. Using a suitable buoyant or rigid aid

IV. Encourage the victim to use the aid and return to safety

V. Assist the casualty from the water and then climb out

d. Wade in rescue

When: Attempt to reach and throw have been unsuccessful and the depth, current and temperature of the water permit a safe entry.

Practical Test:

I. Shallow water

II. Casualty 10m > 12m away

III. Encourage the victim to use the aid and maintain a safe distance whilst accompanying the victim to safety.

IV. Assist the victim to climb out

2.3 Methods of Exits:

a. Unassisted (by giving instructions)

When: Victim is deemed to be of being capable to have full control of himself

I. Need to maintain close observation on the victim

II. Give clear verbal instruction to the victim to get out from the water

b. Pull Ashore

When: The person in difficulty is unable to help and the shore or bank slopes gradually.

c. Stirrup Lift

When: The person in difficulty needs assistance to climb out

d. Assisted Lift

When: The person in difficulty is unable to provide assistance and help is available. This lift can be performed by 2, 3 or 4 people

Lesson 3

3.1 Defensive Techniques:

a. Ready Position (Sometime know as Stand Off/ Defensive Position)

When:

Approach all victims in difficulties that are conscious.

A defensive position will allow the lifesaver to make a final assessment from a safe position. How:

· Safe Distance

· Lean backwards at 45 degrees

· Extend 1 foot slightly in front

· Scull with arm only

· Eyes must keep in contact with the victim

b. Reverse

When:

The victim in difficulty attempt to grasp the lifesaver

How:

· Prone position > tuck your knees toward your chest and throw your head back

· Reach back with your hands to a position behind your back

· Sweep through with your arms to raise your legs toward the surface

· Scull with your arms and hands kick vigorously to move away from the casualty

c. Arm block (Duck away)

· Block with Arm

d . Leg Block

· Block with leg

e. Blocking with an aid

· Block with aid

3.2 Escape Techniques

a. Wrist Grip

When: 1 of the wrists of the lifesaver is grasped How:

· Clench the fist of the grasped hand

· Take hold of the fist with the other hand

· Pull the fist upward

· Release your grip, swim out of reach and adopt defensive position

b. Front Grasp

When: Lifesaver is grasped from the front, usually the head, shoulder and neck.

How:

· Lifesaver grasped from the front, around the shoulders

· Take a deep breath

· Tuck the chin close to the chest

· Extend the arms forcefully against the chest, armpits, waist or hips of the person in difficulty

· Duck away vigorously under water

· Adopt defensive position

c. Rear Grasp

When: Lifesaver is grasp from behind. This type of grasp is usually grasp without any warning.

How:

· As soon as the grasp is felt, take a deep breath

· Tuck the chin sharply onto the chest to protect the throat

· Turn the head

· Grasp the elbows or arms of the victim in difficulty

· Push up as rapidly and vigorously as possible

· As the grasp is broken, swim out of reach and adopt the defensive position

d. Escape from Rear Grasp (2)

When: Lifesaver is grasped from behind, around the waist, possibly pinning your arm in.

How:

· Take a hold of a finger or thumb on each of the casualty hand

· Exert pressure against the joints to level the hands apart

· Push your hands and elbows outwards

· Force the casualty's arm wide

· Release your grip and adopt the defensive position

3.3 Surface Dive

a. Feet First

When:

The swimmers wish to submerge quickly

How:

· Swim to an appropriate place to submerge

· Take a deep breath

· Kick vigorously and push downwards with both hands in order to raise the body in the water

· Point the toes and swing both hands upwards until they are together above the head

· By holding the body erect and the legs together, the diver will be driven vertically downward in the extended body position.

Once beneath the surface, the hands may scull to keep the body submerged while feeling the feet for possible hazards.

b. Head First When:

· There is no time to be lost in the recovery of a casualty in difficulty from the water or when escaping from danger.

This type of surface dive should be used only when water conditions are known.

How:

· Swim to a position just short of the point directly above the object to be recovered

· Without losing momentum, pull the arms wide to a position level with the shoulders and bend at the hips and dive

· As the upper body submerges, pull the arms back towards the face and lift the both legs clear of the water to a vertical position

· The weight of the legs above the water will provide the main force

for descent although added depth and mobility can be gained by swimming underwater.

3.4 Methods of Rescue

a. Accompanied rescue When:

· The person in difficulty is too far away from safety to be rescue

by reaching or throwing techniques.

Competent swimmer can offer assistance by swimming out with a buoyant aid

and accompanying the person in difficulty to a safety

without the risk of direct contact with the rescuer.

How:

· Using a kickboard

· Enter the water by performing straddle jump( if the depth permit)

· Approach and reassure the person

· Keep at a safe distance, at least lm length away.

· Tell the person that the aids is going to passed and that is should be grasped firmly

· Throw the aid to the person

· Assure the person that the aid will provide sufficient support

· Ask the person is able to kick back to the edge of the pool

· If yes accompany the person to safety, provide re- assurance throughout.

· It will be optimal if you can be at 45 degrees and at least 1m length away from the person.

This will reassure the person and at the same time, allowing to look where you are heading

· Upon reaching the edge of the pool, assist the person out of the water.

b. Non — Contact rescue

When:

· An accompanied rescue proves ineffective, or the person is making no progress.

How:

· Using a kickboard

· Approach and reassure the person

· Keep at a safe distance, at least 1m length away.

· Tell the person that the aids is going to passed and that is should be grasped firmly

Notes: The examiner may ask the victim to simulate as a distress victim, which will attempt to grasp the lifesaver.

In this scenario, the lifesaver must use Block-with-aid defensive techniques.

After applying the Block- with- Aid techniques, reassess the casualty.

Reassure the casualty and re-approach the casualty, keeping a safe distance at least 1m length away

· Throw the aid to the person

· Assure the person that the aid will provide sufficient support

· Ask if the person is able to kick back to the edge of the pool. If NO, instruct the person to hold the aid with 2 hands and either

o Stretch out on the front with head up or

o Turn over onto the back and hold one end of the aid close to the chest.

This method makes it easier for the lifesaver to tow as it creates less resistance,

in many situations the person will probably not want to lose sight of the lifesaver

thereby forcing the lifesaver to use the first method

· Tow, keeping the towing arm reasonably straight to avoid jerkiness as this may send water over the person's face

· Watch the person for signs of panic or exhaustion

· Give as much reassurance as necessary

· Encourage the person to assist by kicking

· Upon reaching the edge of the pool, assist the person out of the water.

· Talk to casualty and advise casualty to wait for medical help to arrive.

· Normally, the casualty will suffer from shock. Therefore, lifesaver must apply^.treatment for shock.

a. Extended Chin Tow

When:

The casualty is cooperative and water conditions are calm. Normally used on unconscious casualty as it is the fastest towing method.

How:

· Secure the casualty's chin firmly

· Keep the towing arm straight (Elbow locked) and in line with the casualty back

· Maintain observation of the person and the direction of travel

LESSON 4

4.1 Basic Resuscitation

Obtaining a clear airway Head Tilt/Chin Lift

a) FBAO (Clear vomit on land) Action for vomiting

b) Recovery Position

v If breathing resumes, the casualty should be turn carefully into recovery positon

v The casualty upper arm and thigh are at the right angles to the body to support the weight of the chest and abdomen,

making it easier for the casualty to breathe.

v The airway is keep clear by neck extension and the head is titled at an angle to allow drainage of vomit.

v The casualty kept under close supervision

v Noisy breathing means airway is partly blocked either by tongue or foreign material

thus appropriate action should be taken

v No food or drink should be given

+ Cold patient should be kept warm by using a towel to cover the body

v If breathing stops again, recommence CPR

v Recovery position should have done in a shady place, away from weather.

c) EAR in shallow water

1) Upon reaching the edge of the pool, secure the victim's body in a vertical position to maintain airway

2) Use 1 hand to support the victim's head on your elbow as well as holding on to the edge of the pool

3) The other hand will be used to seal the victim's mouth when attempting rescue blows to the victim's nose

4) Check for breathing by listening if there is sound of breathing, and feeling

if there is any warm breath from the victim by placing your head close to the victim's face

5) If there is no breathing, attempt 2 rescue blows to the victim by mouth to nose method

6) Lifesaver will shout "Victim's Breathing Absent! Commence Rescue Breathing!"

7) Lifesaver will perform supported EAR for 12 cycles (adult). 1 second of breathing with 4 seconds of counting

8) The airway must be open at all times and the victim's mouth must be sealed when attempting mouth to nose ventilation

3) Perform EAR until told to stop by the examiner

if a buoyant aid is available, deep water resuscitation (with support) can be performed

by keeping the casualty 's body upright straight in water so as to open the casualty airway,

REVIEW QUESITONS FOR LIFESAVING 1, 2, &3 AWARDS

1. What are the rules in the water smart code? TDSFH

· Go Together

· Know the Dangers

· Take Safety Advice

· Float and Wave

· Learn how to help

2. Why should you go together

· In case of one person in trouble in water, the other can call for help.

3. How can you avoid the most common drowning accident for children in Singapore homes?

· Fenced up the pools, closed the pool gate

· Bathtubs emptied

· Leave the buckets emptied.

4. What should you do before a boat trip?

· The skipper should inspect the boat regularly to ensure it is in good working order and all the safety gear is provided.

· Everyone on board should wear a SOLAS PFD

· Know the limitation of the boat and do not exceed- no over loading.

· Check the weather condition before departure and continue to monitor weather report- & coming back timing

· Keep a lookout for rising winds, waves, rocks, reefs and weirs- routing / direction

· Leave a word of destination and estimated time of return - inform

· Learn and practice person overboard drills- brief capsized drill prcoedures

5. What is the best way to avoid hypothermia?

· Remove the victim from water immediately.

· Wear dry clothing and cover with blanket.

· Create a sheltered, dry and warm place.

6. How do you minimize risk to yourself in rescuing someone? PTk R Th

· Perform, Talk, reach, throw method before enter water rescue with rescue floatation aid if available.

· Wear PPE when performing a rescue.

7. When should you keep out of water?

· If water condition is unknown and there is a strong wave and current.

8. What is a "PFD"?

· Personal Floating Device

9. What is the signal for help in water?

· Crunch your fist, wave left and right, and shout for help.

10. What should always be worn in a small boat?

· Lifejacket / PFD

11. Why is the danger check a first requirement in resuscitation?

· In case of the any hazards can cause harm to rescuer / victim.

12. How do you check whether a victim is conscious or not?

· Check if the victim is breathing and any sign of life.

13. What is most common cause of blockage of the airway?

· Tongue

· Vomitus / mucus / blood

14. How do you ensure that the airway is clear?

· Perform head tilt chin lift

15. How do you determine whether a person is breathing or not?

· Place your face near to victim mouth & nose to feel for a person breath, and observe for any rise and fall of the chest wall.

16. What should you do if the victim is breathing?

· Put into recovery position.

17. What should you do if the casualty vomits?

· Tilt the casualty to the side carefully, until vomiting has stopped. A suction device should be used whenever possible. Rescuer should use finger-sweep to clear the vomitus.

18. What should you ensure for a proper recovery position?

· The casualty's upper arm and thigh are at right angles to the body to support the weight of the chest and abdomen, making it easier for the casualty to breathe.

· The airway is kept clear by neck extension and the head is tilted at an angel to allow drainage of vomit.

· The casualty should be kept under close supervision.

19. In case where breathing has stopped, the heart may also eventually stop as well, what is required then?

· Commence CPR-30 compressions +2 blows

20. What is the principle of water rescue?

· Recognition of Emergency

· Acceptance of Responsibility

· Assessment

· Plan of Action

· Action (The Rescue)

· Emergency Aftercare

21. What is the number to call for ambulance?

· 995 (emergency), 1777 (non-emergency)

22. List down 3 examples of the dangers found in swimming pools.

· Unmarked deep end

· Pool without depth marking

· Underwater suction with unsecured cover

· Covered safety signs

· Slippery pool surrounding (i.e. algae growth, wet floor or covered by sun block lotion)

· Broken tiles

· Sharp protruding end (formed-up of chemical)

· Loosen handrail

· Dim underwater lighting

· Absence of lifeguard service

· Polluted/ untreated water

· Overdosed of chemical

· Rapid water flow inside overflow channel

· Sudden drop of depth

· Blind spot

· Possible chemical toxicity (chemical spill/leak)

23. How do you recognise non-swimmer?

· Position in the water: May not be using arms and legs for support. Body position is vertical in the water; not necessarily facing the shoreline. Only concern is to maintain supply of air.

· Attempt to attract attention : Seldom waves or calls for help

· Facial expression: Panic-eyed

24. How do you recognise weak swimmer?

· Position in the water: Could be using legs and arms for support. The casualty is at an angle to the surface; normally facing the shoreline

· Attempt to attract attention: Might wave and call for help

· Facial expression: Varying degrees of anxiety on face and eyes.

25. How do you recognise injured swimmer?

· Position in water : an awkward position in the water caused by grasping of the injured limb or area

· Attempt to attract attention: Limited by nature of injury

· Facial expression: Panic-eyed and varying degrees of anxiety on face and eyes

26. What are the dangers found in open water?

· Wave that can vary greatly in size, intensity and frequency

· Rip current (i.e. fast flowing currents moving seaward) that may be able to carry a person very far from the shore

· Lateral currents (i.e. currents that run roughly parallel to the shore) that make it difficult to swim to shore

· Underwater hazards like depressions, sudden drop-offs and submerged objects like rocks or fishing hooks

· Changing water conditions

· Visibility that is poorer than in pool

· Water craft and other floating objects

27. How do you treat minor bleeding? R I C E

· R- Rest

· I- Immobilization

· C- Compression

· E- Elevation

Rest

Talk to and clam the injured to minimize anxiety

Immobilization

Rest and immobilization the injured limb

Compression

Direct pressure on injure part is the best method to control bleeding.

Elevation

For severe bleeding, to lay the casualty down in a comfortable position. Otherwise, it is an useful practice to raise the injured part above the heart level so as to allow the blood to flow towards the heart, which is the vital part of human body. This will be helpful in stopping bleeding.

· Cold conditions, sudden excessive or unusual exercise, a blow or injury to a muscle and excessive loss of salt during severe sweating

Know the Dangers/ Hazards – Rivers submerged , bottom composition, slippery slopes, unknown currents, uneven / unsafe river beds, rainfall Seas- waves, fast currents rip currents pull out/ lateral currents difficult to swim back/ speed boats watercrafts – jet skis / Home – pool fenced up/ door close – domestic bath

Safety advice – at swimming pool / no running, learn water skills/ obey rules - warning signs and lifeguards- boat- watch out for weather, report destination and return timing/ condition of boats and wear PFD/ situation of swimming/ in distress – be calm – dont hold breath unnecessary- look out for kids

Float and wave- in deep water use survival knowledge, judgement, skill and fitness- survival sculling / floating – HELP – Heat Escape Lessening Posture. Minimise body contact with water and heat loss- while waiting for help.

Observe good hygiene practices- prevent risks of infection from communicable diseases – from / to victims

- By blood, body fluids, salivas, urine, ( use disposable / rubber gloves/ pocket mask )

Elevation- elevate injured bleeding / severe bleeding to enure blood flow back to heart

Pool condition- slippery, broken tiles , blind spots, sharp protruding edges, loose handrail,

Pool water – sudden drop , overdose of chemical/ chemical toxicity , untreated water, poor lighting

Reassure – victim- maintain contact – prone oblique- extend pole from side – pull in – are u ok - assist victim to climb up & to exit.

Use rope- hold rope with right hand – rest on knee –coil out to in until end – left end hold the rope- throw with right hand – pull back

First measure pole height- and slide in and use the pole to move towards victim –

Victim hold pole and follow rescuer / looking back from time to time until safety.

Reassure victim- enter water ( unknown condition slide in / clear water/ straddle ) – weak swimmer – simulate victim - breast to victim- pass float – stay at 45 degree –keep 1 m away- looking at victim all the time – talk to victim- ASK IF HE CAN KICK BACK - assist victim to step on thigh and go up.

Approach Reassure victim- enter water ( unknown condition slide in / clear water/ straddle ) – weak swimmer – simulate victim - breast to victim- pass float – stay 1 m away AND PASS THE FLOAT - looking at victim all the time – talk to victim- IF VICTIM CANNOT KICK BACK - I AM GOING TO PASS THE FLOAT TO YOU – PLEASE HOLD TIGHTLY AND LIE ON YOUR BACK - assist victim to step on thigh and go up. Apply shock treatment if necessary - WAIT FOR MEDICAL HELP

Injured victim – left thigh / leg cramps – simulate injured victim – assist exit – victim arm over own shoulder – to safe areas - treatment for cramps

Tow until standing position – support neck/ head - continue with EAR – start with 2 long bursts and EAR 12 cycles.

Unconscious victim / clear water at 25 m – Shout for help – please call 995 Emergency/ 1777 ( non emergency) for emergency drowning - straddle jump- go right – turn victim over and tow with left hand cup to chin- right arm pull- MAINTAIN AND OBSERVE VICTIM AND DIRECTION OF TRAVEL – SECURE CHIN FIRMLY TO DO EXTENDED CHIN TOW – KEEPING ARM STRAIGHT AND ELBLOW LOCKED-

Continue pool side EAR- if NO SOUND OF BREATHING – VICTIM BREATHING ABSENT – ( SUPPORT NECK ON ARM / EXTEND NECK CHECK NO DEBRIS IN MOUTH / SEAL MOUTH COMMENCE RESCUE BREATHING mouth to nose – 2 long blows ( mouth to nose) + 12 cycle – 2- thousand – 5 thousand – blow – put to support/ maintain airway.

Second stage with bystander – assist to hold up airway and secure hand- cross arm and lift victim from water to sitting position – carry up from lower armpit – go behind cross arm and hold wrists to lift – bystander assist to bring the legs up and carry the legs and knee - carry to safe place –

Continue EAR – First check for DANGER ( ensure no hazards) - check for 10 secs – check for RESPONSE - head lower to victim face check for breathing and look at chest – no breathing –SHOUT for help – call 995.

Continue – PUT VICTIM HEAD TILT CHIN LEAVE – LEFT HAND 2 FINGER ON CHIN – THUMB TO CLOSE MOUTH - RIGHTHAND ON FOREHEAD mouth to mouth EAR for 12 cycles. Start to clear AIRWAYS – any debris in mouth – head tilt – chin lift to open airway.

Simulate vomit – hold lower part of head – turn victim over- bend over to check – mouth clear

Continue mouth to nose EAR for 12 cycle – until BREATHING- check for BODY INJURIES – physical cuts/ or open wounds.

Put to Recovery position – IN A SHADY place away from weather - continue to talk and assure victim. Ensure leg and arm / elbow at right angle. Ask if he is ok and keep warm or use a towel to cover.

Reverse – to prevent victim from grasping – prone tuck knee and throw back arms back- scull and kick vigorously

Block with arm , leg to push away and using aid to make letter 8 to confuse victim

Clench fist of grasped hand, use the other hand to hold, pull fist up – REVERSE and STAND OFF

Take deep breath, tuck chin, extend arms at sides of victim chest, duck away under water, REVERSE and STAND OFF

Take deep breath, tuck chin, hold fngers of victims grasping arms. Push up and extend arms up at sides of victim, , swim away , REVERSE and STAND OFF

Pool Lifeguard Award Course

Aim: To develop acceptable standards of knowledge, judgement, skills and physical abilities for the supervision of people in swimming pools.

Pre-requisites: Trainee must attain Bronze Medallion Award.

Approximate course duration: 20 to 30 hours.

Pool Lifeguard Course Scope of Training:

Clear knowledge and understanding of emergency equipment at the pool, poolside communication procedures, pool hazards and accident prevention principles, emergency action plan.
Working knowledge of oxygen resuscitators.
Show proof of SLSS Resuscitation (CPR) or Senior Resuscitation certification or equivalent obtained within past two years.
Perform Contact Tow Rescue within 1 minute 20 seconds.
Perform Resuscitation Rescue of a submerged and unconscious casualty, and perform CPR.
Perform Double Rescue of two casualties.
Perform Releases from three types of clutch
Handle and care of a casualty with spinal injury
Swim 400 meters continuously, comprising of 100 meters each of breaststroke, survival back-stroke, side-stroke and front-crawl within 11 minutes.

To become a certified lifeguard however, it is not as easy as it seems.

First, one has to enrol for a foundation Lifesaving 1, 2, 3 courses followed by Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Bronze Medallion courses.

Upon completion of the latter two courses, the trainee will then graduate as a lifesaver and he or she will be able to work as a Professional Lifeguard in swimming pools.

BVM