Course photo
Please contact provider for pricing
Submit an enquiry View Provider Profile Visit our main website

This dynamic course is designed for lifeguards, outdoor recreation leaders, and others who may be called upon to perform open water rescues. Whether in indoor or outdoor aquatic environments - built pools, natural waterways, or open water (non-surf) - you will gain the skills to respond with confidence using both swim-based and non-motorised craft (e.g., rescue boards, surfboards, and paddleboard) rescues. This course also extends to specialist roles, including supervising competitive open-water swimming events and providing snorkel watch, ensuring participants are prepared for a wide variety of scenarios.

 Open water includes natural flatwater areas such as lakes, lagoons, dams, slow-moving rivers, and non-surf beaches, as well as built facilities such as surf parks, wave pools, and inland lagoons. Participants will learn how to assess environmental conditions, plan and carry out rescues, and use a range of equipment such as rescue tubes, rescue boards, and other non-motorised craft to safely assist people in difficulty. Training also develops the ability to communicate clearly with team members, emergency services, and casualties, while managing hazards such as currents, debris, sudden changes in water movement, or crowded venues.

Building on basic rescue knowledge, the course develops the ability to assess situations, make quick decisions, communicate effectively, and work as part of a team in high-pressure environments. Training is aligned with best practice standards in aquatic rescue, first aid, and relevant legislation, giving participants the confidence and skills to manage emergencies with professionalism and proficiency.

It is highly recommended that students will have a basic understanding of performing water rescues, prior to undertaking this unit.  In addition, it is recommended students can swim 400 metres in less than 8 minutes.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

SISCAQU029 - Perform open water rescues

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 8 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 5 Hours

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID).
  • Physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstration skills including:
    • Demonstrating fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following complex aquatic rescues:
      • Swim 25 metres and perform a 25-metre tow of a conscious casualty using a rescue tube, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
      • Paddle 25 metres on a non-motorised watercraft such a rescue board, paddleboard or surfboard, to rescue a conscious casualty, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
  • Visual acuity to see the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water
  • Hear the common signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “calling for help”

Please note: As this unit applies particularly to open water lifeguards and individuals such as outdoor recreation leaders, who complete complex water rescues,  it is highly recommended that students will have a basic understanding of performing water rescues, prior to undertaking this unit.  In addition, it is recommended students can swim 400 metres in less than 8 minutes.

The online learning program can be found in the student portal. Students must have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online studies and associated assessment tasks.

Delivery mode: Online with face-to-face - The online pre-course learning and theory assessment is expected to take approximately 3 hours to complete. These timeframes are estimates. Individuals with prior experience in similar training may complete the online component in less time, while those new to the subject may need more time to complete all the learning content and theory questions.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

This certificate does not require renewal

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance Tasks:

  • Demonstrating the fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, perform the following open water rescues: 

    • Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at a depth of no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards
    • Perform an open water rescue using non-motorised watercraft such as a rescue board, surfboard, SUP or canoe, negotiating prevailing conditions and environmental hazards

Documentation: Complete an Incident Report form

Theory assessment: A written exam consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions must be completed at the end of the training session. Students must answer all questions.

Students are required to complete a self evaluation against the following core skills as part of the enrolment process. This will allow your trainer to understand any additional support that may be required during the course delivery and assessment.
Learning I can stay focused, follow steps, and respond calmly to unexpected situations in busy or shared spaces in aquatic environments.
Reading I can read and understand detailed signs, safety rules, and instructions in places where water safety is important.
Writing I can write down important details after an incident, like what happened and who was involved.
Oral Communication I can communicate clearly and listen carefully when receiving or giving instructions, especially in team-based, noisy, or time-sensitive situations
Numeracy I can use numbers to track time, check water depth, and judge distances to help make safe decisions
This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909