NPLQ Master Programme

NPLQ Unit 1 Master Programme
A resource to help you deliver

Unit 1 of the 7th edition
of the National Pool
Lifeguard Qualification
Version 1.0 06/2006 © RLSS UK

CONTENTS
1 Introduction 2
2 Course Layout 3
3 Course Overview 4
4 Course Aims and Objectives 6
5 Lesson Plans 10
1 – INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the NPLQ Unit 1 Master Programme. The NPLQ Unit 1

Master Programme contains the aims and objectives with accompanying
lesson plans for each of the 31 hours of Unit 1 of the NPLQ. Also
included is sample course structures and a course overview.
This is designed to help the RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor

(TA) run an NPLQ course more easily, whilst offering a consistent
approach to key teaching points.
Where is shown on the top right hand corner of a Lesson Plan,

a presentation is included on the Master Programme CD.
Author’s note:
Throughout the text the masculine includes the feminine
(unless the context dictates otherwise) and vice versa.
R L S S U K T R A I N E R A S S E S S O R E D U C A T I O N P R O G R A M M E 2
2 – COURSE LAYOUT
Hours Examples
The hours set out on the NPLQ Unit 1 Master Programme are
compliant with the recommendations given in the Unit 1 Example 1: A 4-day Unit 1 Course
Guidance and Syllabus for Pool Lifeguard TAs (Red Stripe). Day 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The hours are as follows: Day 2: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Day 3: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
CPR 6 hours Day 4: 25, 27, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31
Spinal Cord Injury Management (SCIM) 6 hours
Pool operational practice 8 hours
Aquatic rescue skills 4 hours Example 2: A 5-day Unit 1 and Unit 2 Course
First aid and casualty management 6 hours Day 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 plus Unit 2, Element 5
Consolidation and revision at end of course 1 hour Day 2: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 plus Unit 2, Element 6
Day 3: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 plus Unit 2, Element 7
Total 31 hours Day 4: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 plus Unit 2, Element 8
Day 5: 28, 29, 30, 31 plus Unit 2, Elements 9, 10 and 11
Structure
The examples of courses given here are suggestions as to ways Example 3: A 10-session Unit 1 and Unit 2 Course
a TA may wish to structure an NPLQ course. A full Scheme of Session 1 : 1, 2, 3, 4
Work should be completed for the course before the course Session 2 : 5, 6, 7, 8
starts. A TA may devise other sequences to meet the requirements Session 3 : 9, 10, 11, 12
of the Approved Training Centre. Session 4 : 13, 14, 15, 16
Session 5 : 17, 18, 19, 20
It should be noted that: Session 6 : 21, 22, 23, 24
Session 7 : 25, 26, 27, 28
1. The Unit 1 assessment should follow on from the Unit 1 Session 8 : 29, 30 plus Unit 2, Element 5 and 6
course. Session 9 : Unit 2, Elements 7, 8, 9 and 10
2. The Unit 1 course and assessment may be arranged Session 10 : 31 plus Unit 2, Element 11
separately from Unit 2. Alternatively, Unit 2 (which is
continually assessed) may be added or integrated as shown
in examples 2 and 3.
3. The numbers given in the examples refer to the session
numbers 1-31 in the following pages.
4. The “Day” references indicate a sequence which might (or
might not) be on consecutive days.
3 – COURSE OVERVIEW
Operational Practice First Aid Basic Life Support Aquatic Rescue
Wet & Dry & S.C.I.M Skills & S.C.I.M
1) • Attendance 11 2) • Principles of first aid. 14 3) • Chain of survival. 16 4) • Physical fitness and 18
requirements. • First aid regulations. • Priorities of casualty ability test.
• Role of the lifeguard. • Contents of first aid box. management. • Land based rescue.
• Attributes of a lifeguard. • History & symptoms, signs. • Managing vomiting. • Reaching and throwing
• Principles of swimming pool • Primary assessment. • Principles of airway rescue.
supervision. • Management and causes of management. • Slide in, step in, straddle
• Principles of scanning. unconsciousness. • Recovery position. with/without torpedo buoy.
• 10:20 system. • Turning casualty from front • Safe diving where
• Zoning. to back. appropriate.
• Wading rescue.
• Feet head first surface dive
and submerged casualty.
• Swimming techniques &
strokes.
5) • Use of technology in 20 6) • Management of heart 22 7) • Cardiac arrest. 24 8) • Safe approach to 26
assisting bather attacks. • Adult Basic Life casualties.
supervision. • Hygiene procedures and Support (BLS). • Escape from front & rear
• Lifeguard positions. importance. • Problems with BLS grasp.
• Managing the rowdy. • Moving and handling • Asphyxia. • Hip support tow.
• Small pool supervision. casualties. • Under arm support tow.
• Risk assessment. • Management & causes of • Under shoulder support
• Hazard types. shock. tow.
• Extended arm tow.
• Turning unconscious
casualty in the water.
9) • Characteristics of:- 28 10) • Management of 30 11) • Adult BLS with 2 34 12) • Stirrup lift. 36
– Drowning bather. bleeding. rescuers. • Assisted lift –
– Distressed swimmer. • Types of bleeding. • Implications of casualty conscious casualty.
– Weak swimmer. • Management of a with tracheostomy. • Rescue of unconscious
– Unconscious nosebleed. • Pocket mask and adult casualty with/without
bather/swimmer. • Dressings & bandages. BLS. torpedo buoy.
– Injured swimmer. • Burns and scalds. • Adult choking. • Submerged casualty.
• Sequence of actions during • Electric shock. • In water rescue breathing
rescue. • Fainting & head injuries. – shallow & deep water
• Advantages of different • Secondary assessment. supported.
rescue methods & • Assisted lift – unconscious
equipment. casualty.
• Communication systems.
13) • Supervision of 38 14) • Management of 41 15) • Child BLS. 44 16) • Safe approach of 46
specialist equipment:- fractures. • Pocket mask & child casualty out of
– Diving boards and • Types of fracture. BLS. standing depth.
platforms. • Upper body fractures • Child choking. • Vice grip within standing
– Water slides and flumes. including:– • Infant BLS. depth.
– Wave making – Collar bone. • Infant choking. • Vice grip turn & trawl.
equipment. – Ribs. • Lone rescuer. • Stabilise the casualty.
– Moving water features. – Wrist. • Communication with team
– Inflatable and play – Forearm. members.
equipment. – Upper arm.
• Admissions policy. – Dislocation.
• Management of the very • Elevation sling.
young and children. • Arm sling.
• Child protection • Crush injuries.
procedures.
• Special provision for some
bathers including for
example, disability.
3 – COURSE OVERVIEW (continued)
Operational Practice First Aid Basic Life Support Aquatic Rescue

Wet & Dry & S.C.I.M Skills & S.C.I.M
17) • Supervision of 47 18) • Management of 49 19) BLS –Pool 52 20) • Team leadership. 53
specialist activities:- fractures. • Submerged casualty. • Safe approach of
– Diving and jumping. • Lower body fractures • Assisted lift unconscious casualty
– Lane swimming. including: casualty. within standing depth.
– Water polo. – Upper leg • Turning casualty from front • Head splint.
– Sub aqua. – Lower leg to back. • Stabilise casualty with
– Canoeing – Knee • Recovery position. effect in communication
– Teaching of Swimming – Ankle • Conscious casualty -20m with team members.
• Structure of PSOP. – Foot swim & 20 tow, stirrup lift • When/why stabilised in
• Structure & content of • Ligament & muscle out & treatment for heart the water.
NOP. injuries – RICE. attack. • Horizontal lift.
• Programmed and other • Cramp. • 20m swim & 10m tow with
regulated activities. • Eye & dental injuries. unconscious casualty,
assisted lift, turn from front
to back, primary
assessment into adult or
child BLS.
21) • Links with NOP 55 22) • Poisoning, bites 57 23) • Signs and symptoms. 61 24) • Safe approach of 62
& EAP. and stings. • Types of & injury casualty in very
• Principles involved in EAP. • Identification and recognition. shallow water.
• In and out of water management of • Care during resuscitation • Bear hug turn.
emergencies. anaphylactic shock. with suspected spinal • Team support and
• Major and minor • Medical conditions: injury. stabilisation of casualty.
emergencies. – Epilepsy. • Obtaining a clear airway • Vice grip turn and trawl
• Structure and content of – Asthma. with suspected spinal into stabilisation.
EAP. – Diabetes. injury on/off spinal board.
• Teamwork during – Heat and cold injuries. • Chin lift.
emergency response. – Hyperthermia.
• Post incident follow up – Hypothermia.
activities and reporting
• PTSD.
25) Operational practice – pool simulated incidents 63 26) • Principles of 64 27) • Bear hug turn into 65
• Lifeguard positions. casualty aftercare. support.
• Spot the casualty. • Spinal BLS. • Preparation of spine board.
• Alert colleague. • Action for vomit with • Position of straps & head
• Progressive rescue skills. suspected spinal injury strap.
• Affect a rescue. with/without spinal board. • Team member assistance.
• Teamwork. • Log roll. • Secure casualty on board.
• Demonstration of lifeguard hazards. • Safe lift onto poolside.
• Adult BLS on spinal board.
28) Operational practice – pool or dry simulated incidents 67 29) • BLS with cold 68 30) Reach, throw, and wade 69
• Accident prevention. casualties. with torpedo buoy.
• Teamwork & communication. • Drowning • Multiple rescue / casualties.
• Physical hazards. • Recognition & prevention • Moving & handling
• Activity hazards. of hyperventilation. casualties safely.
• People hazards. • Review of a BLS protocol.
• Sprints & tows.
31) One hour skills consolidation 71
Depending on candidates strengths and weaknesses either:-
1. BLS as per assessment matrix.
2. Operational practice theory as per assessment matrix.
3. Aquatic rescue skills as per assessment matrix.
4. First aid as per assessment matrix.
Wet Dry Wet/Dry No. Page Reference for Lesson Plan
4 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Objectives
Aims
By the end of the session a candidate will be able to…
1 To introduce the role of the lifeguard and ✓ explain the role of the lifeguard and teamwork
principles of swimming pool supervision. ✓ identify three attributes of a good lifeguard
✓ compare the advantages and disadvantages of intensive, extensive and combined
zoning.
2 To introduce the principles of first aid and ✓ list the three 'P' principles of first aid
management of unconscious casualties. ✓ identify three items that should be found and one item that would be inappropriate
in a first aid box at work
✓ identify the elements that should be considered in making a diagnosis
✓ demonstrate the primary assessment of an unconscious adult
✓ list three possible causes of unconsciousness
✓ demonstrate turning a casualty from front to back.
3 To provide an understanding of the chain ✓ name the four links in the chain of survival
of survival and priorities of casualty ✓ explain the priorities of casualty management (non-spinal)
management. ✓ demonstrate appropriate action for a vomiting adult casualty
✓ demonstrate application of the recovery position.
4 To introduce a range of pool rescue methods ✓ demonstrate the effective use of a range of reaching and throwing rescue aids
and equipment. ✓ demonstrate safe entry into the water with and without a torpedo buoy
✓ demonstrate a safe and effective wading rescue and identify when this type of rescue
might be appropriate
✓ demonstrate head first and feet first surface dives to retrieve a submerged manikin.
5 To provide an awareness of the use of ✓ describe one way how technology might be used to assist in bather supervision
technology in bather supervision. ✓ identify two advantages and two disadvantages each of standing, sitting and patrolling
To provide an understanding of the benefits lifeguard positions
of different supervision positions. ✓ discuss the implications of small pool supervision
To introduce the principles of hazard ✓ list the four hazard categories and give two examples from each
identification and risk assessment. ✓ describe how rowdy customers might be managed
✓ complete a simple risk assessment using the HSE format.
6 To provide an understanding of heart attacks, ✓ provide a simple definition of a heart attack

hygiene precautions and secondary ✓ describe five possible signs and symptoms of a heart attack
assessment. ✓ demonstrate appropriate management of a casualty who is having a heart attack
✓ describe two hygiene procedures and explain their importance
✓ give two examples of situations where it might be appropriate to move a casualty
✓ define shock and identify five signs and/or symptoms
✓ list three possible causes of shock
✓ demonstrate with explanation the management of a casualty who is suffering from
shock.
7 To introduce practical adult basic life support ✓ define cardiac arrest

techniques. ✓ demonstrate adult basic life support on an adult manikin.
Identify two possible problems with BLS ✓ define asphyxiation and give two possible causes
✓ identify two possible problems with BLS.
8 To develop pool rescue skills to include a ✓ demonstrate a safe stand off distance from casualties
range of casualty tows and provide an ✓ demonstrate techniques to escape from front and rear grasp
understanding of personal safety. ✓ demonstrate the application of each of the three support tows over 5 metres
✓ demonstrate use of extended arm tow over 20m
✓ demonstrate how to turn a face down unconscious casualty.
4 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (continued)
9 To provide an understanding of different ✓ demonstrate the characteristics of different aquatic casualty types
casualty types, their implications and ✓ list the correct sequence of actions during rescue
recognition. ✓ select three different communication systems that might be used by lifeguards and
provide an advantage and disadvantage of each.
10 To develop competence in the first aid ✓ describe three types of bleeding wounds
management of bleeding, burns, head injuries ✓ demonstrate appropriate management of simple bleeding wounds
and shock. ✓ describe the management of burns and scalds and identify three situations when a
casualty would be sent to hospital
✓ identify the implications of electric shock on the management of a casualty
✓ describe the treatment of fainting
✓ identify three possible outcomes of a head injury and describe the treatment for
conscious and unconscious casualties.
11 To develop and practise adult basic life support ✓ demonstrate effective basic life support on an adult manikin
skills. ✓ describe the implications on basic life support techniques of a casualty who has a
tracheostomy
✓ demonstrate application of the pocket mask and effective rescue breathing on an
adult manikin
✓ demonstrate on a manikin the management of a conscious and unconscious choking
adult casualty
✓ demonstrate the management of adult choking.
12 To develop casualty rescue situations to include ✓ demonstrate a stirrup lift in deep and shallow water
use of torpedo buoy and recovery techniques. ✓ demonstrate an assisted lift of a conscious or unconscious casualty
✓ demonstrate the techniques for in-water rescue breathing.
13 To provide trainee lifeguards with an awareness ✓ discuss the implication of specialist equipment on pool supervision
of the implication of specialist equipment on ✓ identify and discuss management issues associated with children
pool supervision. ✓ identify and discuss management issues associated with disabled swimmers.
To provide trainee lifeguards with an
understanding of management issues
associated with higher risk bather groups.
14 To provide an understanding of fracture ✓ identify and describe three different types of fractures
management principles and develop ✓ demonstrate the management of a range of upper body fractures.
competence in the first aid management of ✓ explain the management of crush injuries.
upper body fractures.
15 Introduce practical basic life support ✓ demonstrate effective child basic life support on a manikin
techniques and the management of choking ✓ demonstrate the management of child choking on a manikin
for children and infants. ✓ demonstrate effective infant basic life support techniques on a manikin
✓ demonstrate the management of infant choking on a manikin.
16 Introduce the principles of aquatic spinal cord ✓ demonstrate safe approach of a casualty with suspected spinal cord injury out of
injury management. standing depth
✓ apply a vice grip to a face down casualty in deep water, turn and trawl the casualty
to standing depth
✓ as part of a team, stabilise the casualty.
17 To provide trainee lifeguards with an awareness ✓ discuss the implication of specialist activities on pool supervision
of the implication of specialist activities on ✓ identify the elements of PSOPs
pool supervision. ✓ list five topics which might be included within a Normal Operating Procedure.
To provide trainee lifeguards with an
understanding of the structure of PSOPs and
NOPs.
18 To develop understanding of fracture ✓ demonstrate the management of a range of lower body fractures
management. ✓ define strains and sprains
To provide an understanding of the ✓ list the four elements in the treatment of ligament and muscle injuries
management of ligament and muscle injuries. ✓ describe the appropriate treatment of dental injuries
To provide an understanding of the ✓ demonstrate on a manikin the appropriate treatment of an eye injury.
management of eye and dental injuries.
19 To develop and practice basic life support and ✓ demonstrate 20m swim with 20m tow of conscious casualty, stirrup lift and treatment
rescue techniques. for heart attack
✓ demonstrate 20m swim with 10m tow, assisted lift, turn from front to back, primary
assessment into adult or child basic life support.
20 To develop and practice aquatic spinal cord ✓ demonstrate safe approach of a casualty with suspected spinal cord injury within
injury management skills. standing depth
✓ turn a face down casualty using a head splint
✓ as part of a team, stabilise the casualty
✓ identify situations where a casualty must be removed from the water
✓ as part of a team, demonstrate a horizontal lift.
21 To provide trainee lifeguards with an ✓ discuss the links between the NOP and EAP
understanding of the structure of EAPs. ✓ explain the structure and content of an EAP
✓ identify post incident follow up activities and reporting
✓ describe the symptoms of PTSD and identify three situations when help should be
sought.
22 To provide trainee lifeguards with an ✓ describe appropriate treatment for insect stings
understanding of poisoning and anaphylactic ✓ provide a definition for anaphylactic shock, list three signs and/or symptoms and
shock, common medical conditions, and describe appropriate first aid management
injuries caused by heat and cold. ✓ define epilepsy, list three possible signs / symptoms of an epileptic emergency,
describe appropriate management in and out of water
✓ define asthma, list three possible signs / symptoms of an asthmatic emergency, describe
appropriate management in and out of water
✓ define diabetes, list three possible signs / symptoms of a casualty with low blood
sugar levels, describe appropriate first aid management
✓ identify a situation where heat exhaustion might occur, list three possible signs /
symptoms, describe appropriate first aid management
✓ define hypothermia, list three possible signs / symptoms, describe appropriate first
aid management for a conscious and unconscious casualty
✓ identify two situations in a swimming pool environment where the risk of hypothermia
might be increased.
23 To develop understanding of spinal injury ✓ describe three signs and or symptoms of spinal injury
causation and management. ✓ identify two types of spinal injury and for each provide an example of an accident
that might cause that injury
✓ as part of a team, demonstrate appropriate technique for obtaining a clear airway for
a casualty with suspected spinal cord injury
✓ identify the priorities of casualty management where there is a suspected spinal cord
injury.
24 To develop aquatic spinal cord injury ✓ demonstrate (or describe where appropriate) safe approach of a casualty with suspected
management skills. spinal cord injury within very shallow water and turn a face down casualty using a
bear hug
✓ as part of a team, stabilise the casualty
✓ in deep water demonstrate a safe and effective vice grip turn and trawl to shallow
water.
25 To develop understanding of swimming pool ✓ evaluate different poolside locations in relation to lifeguard positions (standing,
supervision techniques. sitting, patrolling), zoning type and communication
✓ accurately mimic different casualty types in the water
Develop and practise pool rescue skills. ✓ correctly identify different casualty types from accurate demonstrations
✓ as part of a team, demonstrate the management of minor pool emergencies and
evaluate performance
✓ identify a range of lifeguard hazards.
26 Develop skills in basic life support of a casualty ✓ as part of a team, demonstrate effective technique for obtaining a clear airway in a
with suspected spinal cord injury. casualty with suspected spinal cord injury
✓ as part of a team, demonstrate action for a casualty with suspected spinal cord injury
who is vomiting - with/without spinal board.
27 Develop skills in the management of a casualty ✓ as a team member and team leader, demonstrate the preparation and application of
in the water with suspected spinal cord injury. an approved spine board
✓ as a team member and team leader, demonstrate a safe lift onto poolside
✓ as a team member, demonstrate basic life support techniques on a spinal board using
an adult manikin.
28 Develop awareness and skills in accident ✓ supervise an area of the pool and take action to prevent a rescue situation developing
prevention. ✓ as part of a team, demonstrate emergency response to a range of minor incidents
and rescues
✓ as part of a team, demonstrate emergency response to a major incident (spinal injury)
✓ complete the two lifeguard fitness tows within the required time limits (20:20 conscious
casualty in 65 secs and 20:10 unconscious casualty in 45 secs).
29 To provide trainee lifeguards with an ✓ define the term 'drowning'

understanding of the drowning in its various ✓ describe possible implications of hypothermia on basic life support techniques
forms. ✓ demonstrate adult, child and infant basic life support techniques on
appropriate manikins.
To practise and develop basic life support
techniques.
30 To practise and develop pool rescue ✓ demonstrate a range of rescue techniques

techniques. ✓ attempt and evaluate multiple rescues
✓ demonstrate (or describe) pull ashore, assisted walk out, assisted carry
✓ complete the two lifeguard fitness tows consecutively within the required time limits.
31 To consolidate and improve confidence in any

areas of weakness identified by the trainer or
trainee lifeguards.
5 – LESSON PLANS
The purpose of these lesson plans is to provide you with a clear

guide to content and information pertaining to Unit 1 of the NPLQ
7th Edition. To accommodate the numerous learning styles and
teaching approaches it is considered valuable for candidates to
understand fully the range of teaching points given, and to add in
their own suggestions for preferred method of training and equipment
to be used.
We realise that there is often considerable information to learn when

you are developing a new skill. However, by working through these
lesson plans, we are confident that you will find it easier and quicker
to develop your own training style and develop a course, which
meets the criteria, and develops a consistent approach to the NPLQ.
NPLQ UNIT 1 MASTER PROGRAMME
LESSON PLAN 1 TRAINER’S NAME
DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE
TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Attendance requirements • Minimum of 31 hours of training followed by an independent assessment
for Unit 1 of the NPLQ
• Minimum of 7 hours of training and continuous assessment for Unit 2 of
the NPLQ
Role of the lifeguard • To act as part of a team

• Be proactive
• To watch pool and its users
• To identify emergencies quickly and acts accordingly
• To supervise specialist activities
• To give immediate first aid
• To communicate with bathers and team members
• To follow pool rules and procedures
• Be courteous to customers and staff members
Attributes of a lifeguard Personal attributes:
Alert • Be caring and want to help others
• Be able to work on their own and as part of a team
• To look and behave in a professional manner
• Be clean, tidy, correct uniform
• Be punctual
• Be seen to be alert when supervising
Well trained Training includes:
• Working effectively as part of a lifeguard team
• Maintaining observation of pool and pool users
• Water safety and accident prevention
• Supervision of pool users
• Effective communication with pool users and other team members
• Effect prompt rescue
• Use of a range of emergency equipment
• Entering water safely for different situations
• Dive to deepest part of pool
• Recover and land a pool user in difficulty
• Perform Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid
• Be trained in Pool Standard Operations Procedures (PSOPs)
• Retain competence by attending in service training
In service training:
• During work hours
• Competency based
• Incident training
• Regular dives to deepest part to recover manikin

• Regular fitness & speed swimming
• CPR training
• Spinal Cord Injury Management (SCIM) training
• Training should be recorded
Physical fitness Physical fitness – this should be continuously maintained but when beginning
training you should be able to:
• Jump or dive into deep water
• Swim 50 metres in no more than 60 seconds
• Swim 100 metres continuosly on front and tread water for 30 seconds back
in deep water
• Surface dive to floor of the pool
• Climb out unaided, without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits
Principles of swimming pool Supervision:

supervision • Be a good communicator
• Educate pool users
• Be aware of hazards and dangers, congested areas
• Know number of pool users
• Be aware of pool users activities
• Be aware of pool users trying to get attention
• Enforce PSOPs, explaining why
• Have good observations skills (watching activities without taking
direct action)
• Supervise activities (directing an activity, taking control of bather behaviour)
• Be proactive, early recognition of those in difficulty
• Be well positioned
• Be continually scanning
Principles of scanning Definition:

Constantly watching the area of the pool designated to you.
How:
• Use a sweeping action
• Take in everything that happens at various points
• Use frontal vision
• Use peripheral vision
• Scan through the water as well as the surface
• Look left, right and if necessary behind you
• Scan hand rails, scum channels & gutters
• Scan areas around features
• Use all your senses
• Be aware of bathers smelling of alcohol
• If using a high chair, also look in front, as this maybe a ‘blind spot’
• Ensure you know where team members are
• Focus on pool users, make eye contact if possible
• Watch their facial expressions
• If patrolling, ensure you continue scanning throughout
• At the beginning and the end of a rotation scan area thoroughly
• Pass on comments to next lifeguard
• Continue scanning as you pass information to another lifeguard or pool user
10:20 system 10:20

Definition:
Scan area in 10 seconds, get to an incident within 20 seconds
Zoning Definition:
Splitting pool into areas for different lifeguards to scan & observe.
• Zones include steps, walkways, entrances & pool.
• Zones vary depending of size and shape of the pool, activities, lighting,
features, number of users, number of lifeguards.
• Zones aren’t flat, remember to look through water to pool floor
Advantages of zones:
• Responsible for fewer pool users
• Users are nearer and easier to supervise
• Scan a manageable area
• Rotate between zones to prevent boredom
• Share observation of high risk areas with lifeguard team
• Can be assigned according to experience & skills
Intensive Intensive:
Definition – specific section of pool allocated to a lifeguard, maybe part of
pool or a specific feature e.g. programme swim area, flume, wave machine,
recreational area split into overlapping sections. Intensive zones may follow a
lie e.g. river ride
Disadvantages:
• Lifeguards might miss an incident
• Maybe hard to recognise boundaries
• In an incident there might be confusion as to who is responsible
• More lifeguards needed (more expensive)
Extensive Extensive:
Definition – usually in smaller or traditional pools. Each lifeguard scans whole
pool
Advantage:
• Each lifeguard looks at whole pool
• Gives good team work
• Lifeguards can be positioned to suit activities
• Fewer lifeguards needed
• Whole pool covered by more than one lifeguard
Disadvantages:
• Not suitable for special features
• Lifeguards can’t rotate as much
• High risk areas may not get enough attention
• Lifeguards may be further away from incidents
• Lifeguards may be distracted by boisterous behaviour & miss a ‘silent
drowner’
Combined Defintion – in a smaller facility each lifeguard looks after a smaller area e.g.
diving area and has over view of whole pool
Larger free form pools have special features needing intensive observation with
extensive scanning of more general areas
Advantages:
• Many or all lifeguards have an overview of all activities
• Lifeguards can work as a team
• Lifeguards can identify patterns of pool use
• In emergencies lifeguards can contact emergency services without leaving
a zone unsupervised
Disadvantages:
• Greater concentration on the whole pool
• Less interactions with users
• Need for elevated positions
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Principles of first aid • Preserve life
• Prevent the situation from getting worse
• Promote casualty recovery
First aid regulations The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require that in order to
provide first aid to their employees who are injured or become ill at work,
employers must have adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and
personnel.
Contents of first aid box • White cross on green background

• Contents should be replaced immediately after use
• No drugs should be in a first aid box
Definition: identifying cause of illness or injury

Making a diagnosis – • History and symptoms – what the casualty or others tell you
History & symptoms, signs • Signs – what a lifeguard can see or feel
Primary assessment The primary assessment is concerned with assessing the casualty for life threatening
injuries and taking immediate and appropraite action. Priorities when treating
a casualty are:
1 Determine the need for and give CPR
2 Control severe bleeding
3 Manage choking
4 Care for the unconscious, breathing casualty
5 Treat for shock
Note the process:

• Danger
• Responsiveness
• Airway
• Breathing
• Chest compression
Management and causes of
unconsciousness Causes include:
• Reduced supply of blood to brain from suffocation, heart attack,
stroke, shock
• Head injury
• Poisoning, drugs, alcohol
• Extremes of temperature
• Drowning
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
Diagnosis:
• May vary from slight drowsiness or confusion to deep coma
• Gently ‘tap’ casualty on shoulders
• Ask ‘are you awake?’
• Don’t move casualty whilst doing this
• Look for any facial response
Treatment:
• Extreme care needed if unconscious casualty needs handling
• Primary assessment
• Secondary assessment if necessary
• Place in recovery position if regular breathing, ensure injuries
aren’t aggravated
• Protect from cold and wet
• Record any changes in condition
• If consciousness returns, provide reassurance
• Treat for shock
Turning casualty from front If you cannot detect if a casualty is breathing in a face down position, or you
to back are certain they are not breathing turn them onto their backs
• Kneel by the casualty’s side and turn his head to face away from you
• Place the arm nearest to you above his head
• With one hand grasp the casualty’s far shoulder and with your other hand
clamp his wrist to his hip
• With a steady pull roll the casualty over against your thighs
• Lower the casualty to the ground on his back, supporting his head and
shoulders as you do so
• Place the casualty’s extended arm by his side
• It is important to turn the casualty over as quickly as possible, taking great
care not to injure his head
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Chain of survival • Implementation of your EAP and alerting of emergency services
• Early basic life support
• Early defibrilation
• Early advanced life support
Priorities of casualty 1 Determine the need for and give CPR

management 2 Control severe bleeding
3 Manage choking
4 Care for the unconscious, breathing casualty
5 Treat for shock
Managing vomiting • May happen during or after resuscitation.

• Danger of vomit entering airways & lungs.
• This can cause breathing problems and pneumonia
Treatment:
• Turn the casualty away from you. Keep him on his side and use your elbow
and forearm to prevent him toppling on to his head
• Ensure that his head is turned towards the floor and his mouth is open and
at the lowest point, thus allowing vomit to drain away
• Clear any residual debris from his mouth with your fingers
• Immediately turn him on to his back, re-establish an airway, and continue
rescue breathing at the normal rate
Principles of airway • Turn the casualty onto their back and then open the airway using head tilt
management and chin lift
Keeping the airway open, look, listen and feel for normal breathing:
• LOOK for chest movement
• LISTEN at the casualty’s mouth for breath sounds
• FEEL for air on your cheek
Look, listen and feel for 10 seconds to determine if the casualty is breathing
normally. If you have any doubt whether breathing is normal, act as if it is not
normal.
Recovery position When:

• Casualty unconscious, breathing
Why:
• Safe position, allows monitoring of casualty, and vomit to drain away safely
How:
• Remove the casualty’s spectacles (if worn)
• Kneel beside the casualty and make sure that both his legs are straight
• Place the arm nearest to you out at right angles to his body, elbow bent,
with the hand palm uppermost
• Bring the far arm across the chest, and hold the back of the hand against
the casualty’s nearest cheek
• With your other hand, grasp the far leg just above the knee and pull it up,
keeping the foot on the ground
• Keeping his hand pressed against his cheek, pull on the leg to roll the
casualty towards you onto his side
• Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and the knee are bent at right
angles
• Tilt the head back to make sure the airway remains open
• Adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, to keep the head tilted
• Check breathing
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT Pole, torpedo buoy, throw bag, submersible manikin

Physical fitness and ability test • Please see lesson plan 1
Land based rescue • Shout and signal
Reaching and throwing rescue Reaching

• Very effective. Suitable for most conscious casualty types
• Safe for lifeguard
• Best form of land based rescue
• Can be performed with pole or torpedo buoy
• Lifeguard should kneel or lie on poolside for stability and reach
• Lifeguard firmly holds rescue aid
• Instruct casualty to take hold of it
• Pull them in steadily, talking to them throughout
• Help them out of the water
Throwing
• Suitable for weak swimmers, possibly injured
• Safe for lifeguard
Slide in, step in, straddle with / Slide in entry – slow but safe method, good in busy pool
without torpedo buoy • Entry should be controlled
• Maintain sight of casualty
• Establish firm foot hold on pool floor
• Use for suspected spinal casualties
Step in entry – if you have to enter from a height

• Loose sight of casualty
• Don’t use into shallow water
Straddle entry – specialised skill only into deep water and not from a height
over 1 metre
• Maintains sight of casualty
• Slow entry method
• Look at point beyond casualty
• Step out from standing position, aim for distance
• Lean forward
• Extend one leg forward, one back, knees slightly bent, arms extended
sideways and forwards, palms down
• Keep head still, looking forward
• As you enter the water, press down with arms and close legs using
scissor action
• Keep head above water throughout
With torpedo buoy
• Hold it across your chest, ends under your arms throughout
• Hold strap so it doesn’t tangle in your arms or legs
Safe diving where appropriate Dive from poolside to recover casualty from pool bottom:
• Water should be at least 1.5 metres deep
• Ensure no other bathers near
• Take one deep breath
• Keep your eyes open
• Dive at steep angle
• Swim to the casualty or grasp them if in your reach
• Place both hands under their arm pits
• Push off from the bottom, holding the casualty
Wading rescue When:

• Up to waist depth water
How:
• Enter safely and as close to casualty as practical
• Can perform hand to hand grasp of casualty or grasp around their waist
• Consider taking reach pole or torpedo buoy for reach rescue
• Consider torpedo buoy for throw rescue
• Proceed to pull them towards lifeguard as reach / throw rescues
Feet / head first surface dive and Feet first surface dive:
retrieve submerged casualty How:
• Tread water above casualty
• Using strong breast stoke kick or egg beater kick
• Press down with your hands, raising your body vertically
• Breathe in before submerging
• Keep your legs together, hands by side
• As your head goes underwater sweep arms upwards
• When your feet touch the bottom, tuck or pike your body
• Swim to the casualty or grasp them if in your reach
Head first surface dive:
• Swim to a point above the casualty
• Submerge head & shoulders by pulling your arms backwards in breast
stroke type movement
• Bend at waist
• Lift your legs out of the water
• Swim down to casualty
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Use of technology in assisting • Video / CCTV
bather supervision • Shouldn’t be used to replace lifeguards
• May assist a lifeguard in identifying an incident
• Acts as back up
• Confirms actual chain of events
• May give clear view of underwater
• Cannot perform a rescue
Lifeguard positions High chairs:

Advantage:
• Wide view
• Less reflection and glare
• See bottom of pool in deep water
• Away from noise, splashing, distractions
• Highly visible to bathers
Disadvantage:
• Remote from pool users for communication
• Reduced concentration
• Usually hot
• Maybe difficult to see pool immediately in front of chair
Patrolling:
Rules:
• Follow NOP guidelines how to patrol
• Never turn back on water
• Look behind you periodically
• Step back from edge, gives wide view but not immediately in front of you
Advantage:
• Easy to communicate with bathers
• Helps lifeguard to prevent accidents
• Makes use of frontal & peripheral vision
• Moving aids concentration
• Gives different views of pool
Disadvantage:
• Lifeguard may get wet leading to loss of concentration
• Can be tiring
Small pool supervision Small pools have specific risks.

• Subject to risk assessment
• Governed by PSOPs
• Maybe conflict between recreational users and swimmers
• Over crowding
• Pool sides maybe crowded too
• Physical characteristics of the pool
Managing the rowdy • Smile and appear approachable

• Establish eye contact
• Be courteous but firm
• Give reasons for any warnings or instructions
• Avoid anger or inappropriate language
• Never try to intimidate users
• Remain calm and in control
Hazard Types 1. Look for hazards

Physical 2. Decide who might be harmed & how
3. Evaluate the risks, decide whether existing precautions are adequate
or if more can be done
4. Record findings
5. Review assessment & revise if necessary
• Changing rooms to pool

• Size of pool
• Shape, gradients and features of pool
• Depth of water
• Troughs, gutters, hand rails, lane ropes
Lifeguard • Floor surfaces
• Natural light
People • Special features (flumes, rides, waves, diving, river rides etc)
• Drain covers
• Steps / ladders
• The way the lifeguard works
• Bathers under influence or drugs / alcohol

Activity • Disabilities
• Poor health, medical conditions
• Elderly
• Young
• Nervous / timid bathers
• Swimming near features e.g. diving board

• Self appointed teacher
• Pushing in / ducking / bombing
• Fighting / bullying
• Running on poolside
• Gymnastics / acrobatics
• Boisterous games
• Underwater swimming / hyperventilation
• Diving
• Using equipment e.g. snorkels, fins, rings in general swimming
• Lifeguard not trained

• Lifeguard not watching the pool
• Lifeguard not following PSOP
• Lifeguard tired, talking inappropriately on poolside
LESSON EVALUATION
R L S S U K T R A I N E R A S S E S S O R E D U C A T I O N P R O G R A M M E 2 1
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Management of heart attacks – Heart Attack:

conscious casualty Definition:
Coronary artery supplying blood to heart suddenly becomes blocked
Cardiac arrest can follow
Diagnosis:
• If casualty is conscious he will complain of severe, crushing, tight pain in
the centre of their chest
• Pain may spread to arms, throat, back
• Appears pale, sweaty, signs of shock
• Difficulty breathing
• Feels giddy
• May sink to the ground
• Circulation may become weak and irregular and may fail
Treatment;
• Alert lifeguard team
• Send for ambulance
• If the casualty is in the water they should get out immediately
• Consider assisting them up the steps, or horizontal lift
• If conscious, place in half-sitting, half-lying position ( W )
• Loosen tight clothing at neck & waist
• Provide reassurance
• Fetch medication
• If casualty becomes unconscious, place in recovery position
• Monitor breathing and / or signs of circulation
• Start CPR if needed
Hygiene procedures and Hygiene:

importance • Wear protective gloves
• Aprons ideal because T shirt and shorts give little protection
• Wash hands (soap and water) before and after first aid
• Lifeguards should cover cuts with waterproof dressing
• Do not touch a wound
• Do not cough / sneeze / talk over a wound
• Follow clean up procedures
• Wash area with disinfectant
• Follow hazardous waste procedures
Moving and handling casualties Determine how to move a casualty considering the following:
• Type of injury & seriousness
• Conscious & able to walk – conscious but unable to walk – unconscious
• Suspected spinal injury
• Casualty’s weight
• Number of team members & helpers
• Distance to move casualty
• Only move a casualty if absolutely necessary
• Follow manual handling procedures
Management & causes of shock Shock:

Definition:
Failure of circulatory system which results in an inadequate supply of oxygenated
blood to the vital organs.
Causes include:
• Loss of fluid from the circulation
• Heart failure; heart attack; severe irregularity to heart beat
• Drowning
Diagnosis:
• Feels faint
• Dizzy, confused
• May become unconscious
• Skin becomes pale
• Cold to touch
• Cold sweat, shivering
• Pulse is rapid but weak
• Breathing is rapid, casualty gasps for air
• Behavioural changes
• Slurred speech
• Lack of co-ordination
Treatment:
• Call ambulance
• Prevent heat loss with under-blankets and over-blankets
• Re-warm passively
• Nil by mouth
• No smoking
• Treat cause
• Tender loving care
• Lay casualty down, raise legs providing this is not detrimental to the cause
• Loosen tight clothing
• Observe and record casualty’s condition
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Cardiac arrest The term cardiac arrest means that the heart has stopped pumping blood around
the body.
Cardiac arrest may be due to a lack of oxygen resulting from asphyxia caused,
for example, by drowning. It may also occur because of direct damage to the
heart through injury, coronary thrombosis (a heart attack), electric shock, or
some other medical condition. Within seconds, the casualty will lose consciousness
and if the heart is not restarted, will die within a few minutes. Urgent action
is needed if the casualty is to survive.
Adult BLS Adult Basic Life Support (Sudden Collapse):
Check for danger

Check casualty for a response
Alert colleagues
Open airway
Assess for breathing

– absent / not normal
Ensure an ambulance
is called
Give 30 chest compressions

Give 2 rescue breaths
Continue 30 chest compressions

followed by 2 rescue breaths
Problems with BLS If distension of the stomach is seen (a swelling appearing in the abdomen
below the left lower ribs):
• Attempt to improve the casualty’s airway by increasing head tilt and
chin lift if possible.
• Do not apply pressure over the stomach as this is very likely to induce
vomiting. Provided a clear is maintained the air in the stomach is likely
gradually to escape.
Chest doesn’t rise:

• Increase chin lift, check head tilt. Don’t over extend head
• Check casualty’s mouth for debris
• Make sure you make a good seal round mouth
• Consider changing to mouth to nose
• Assess if action for choking is needed
During chest compression one or more ribs may be heard to break. In elderly
people, or those with particularly rigid chests, this may be unavoidable. It is far
more likely to occur if the hands are incorrectly placed on the sternum with
pressure no longer being applied directly downwards towards the spine. If a
rib does break, no action should or can be taken during resuscitation, which
should continue uninterrupted. After recovery, the casualty may be expected
to be in some pain.
Asphyxia The term asphyxia means that not enough oxygen is getting into the body,
either because someone has stopped breathing, or cannot breathe properly.
There are many causes, including:
• Suffocation
• Reduction in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, for example because
of poisoning or severe bleeding
• Inadequate breathing because of a chest injury, deep unconsciousness,
drug overdose, or electric shock
• Drowning
• Fluid in the lungs stopping oxygen being transferred to the blood
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT
Safe approach of casualties • If you have to enter the water, enter as near to the casualty as possible.
• If wading, wade no deeper than waist depth so you aren’t off balance.
Escape from front & rear grasp Escape from rear grasp:
If grasped around neck:
• Take a deep breath, tuck your chin onto your chest
• Grasp their elbow and wrist on the upper arm
• Push up the elbow, pull down on wrist of the same arm. Act quickly and
vigorously
• Push casualty’s arm over their head
• Duck under the arm and elbow
• Escape behind and away from casualty
• Take up defensive ‘stand off’ position
• Reassess
If grasped round waist from behind:
• Take hold of a finger or thumb on each of casualty’s hands
• Exert pressure against joint, lever hands apart
• Push the elbows and hands outwards, forcing casualty’s arms apart
• Release hold, swim away
• Reassess
Escape from a from grasp:
• Start to escape immediately to prevent casualty’s legs wrapping round you
• Take a deep breath, tuck your chin onto your chest
• Extend your arms forcefully against casualty’s chest, armpits or waist
• Duck away vigorously
• Reassess
If grasped round neck from front:
• Grasp casualty’s shoulders
• Take a deep breath
• Push vigorously upwards to push casualty’s arms above you
• Duck underwater
• Reassess
Hip support tow Hip support tow:

When:
• panicking casualty, gives control and reassures casualty
How:
• Approach from behind casualty and underwater
• Grasp around chest or waist, (depending on size) with your arm
under theirs
• Sit them on your hip

• Maintain grip on your casualty
• Swim sidestroke
• Observe them and direction of travel
• Lifeguard likely to be underwater
• Use over short distance
• Surface to breathe if necessary
Under arm support tow Under arm tow:

When:
• Relatively passive / co-operative casualty
How:
• Grasp underside of their upper arm
• Use right arm to right keeping towing arm straight
• or right arm to left, supporting casualty’s shoulder’s on your towing arm
• apply gentle lift to casualty’s arm, ensure their head is above water
• swim sidestroke or lifesaving backstroke
Under shoulder support tow Under shoulder support tow:

When:
• Alternative to hip support. Good with large casualty.
• Can also be done in standing depth or panicking children.
How:
• Approach from behind casualty and underwater
• Grasp around their chest
• Place your shoulder under their armpit
• Keep side of your face close to centre of their back
• Swim sidestroke
Extended arm tow Extended arm tow:

When:
• Passive casualty. Unconscious casualty, maintains open airway.
How:
• Hold casualty’s chin using cupped palm of your hand
• Ensure fingers clear of throat
• Lock elbow of towing arm straight
• Use side stroke or lifesaving backstroke
• Keep towing arm straight and in line with casualty
• Observe casualty and direction of travel
Turning unconscious casualty Turning casualty:

in the water • Swim to one side
• Place hands on casualty’s shoulders
• Pull furthest shoulder towards you
• Push closest shoulder down
• Roll the casualty’s body to face up position
• Support their back and chin
• Take up extended arm tow
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Characteristics of:-
Drowning bather Drowning bather

• Vertical in water
• Head out at very early stages only
• Takes a gulp and then sinks
• Pushes down with arms head tilted back
• Sinks again with arms over head
• May repeat but most likely to disappear under water
Distressed swimmer Distressed swimmer

• Can attract attention may wave or shout
• Tends to be at an angle in the water
• Can help themselves a little
Weak swimmer Weak swimmer

• Static in water but able to attract attention
• Hold injured part
• Appear unconscious
Unconscious bather Unconscious bather

• Face down arms and legs limp
• Totally limp in water
• Incapable of supporting themselves
Injured swimmer Injured swimmer

• Clutching injured part of body
• Attracting attention
Sequence of actions during Rescue pathway

rescue • Shout and signal
• Reach
• Throw
• Wade
• Swim and aid
• Swim and tow
Advantages of different rescue Land based

methods and equipment. • Safe
• Controlled
• Quick
Reaching and throwing

• Safe
• Controlled
• Ropes can become tangled
Wading
• Injured bathers may need assistance
Swimming Rescues
• Last option
Communication Systems
• Signage
• Whistle
• Hand signals
• Speech
• Alarm systems
• Radio
• PA system
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Management of bleeding Diagnosis:

External bleeding – obvious but secondary assessment maybe necessary to
ensure hidden bleeding isn’t missed
Internal bleeding – signs of shock, treat for shock
Treatment:
• Follow hygiene measures as before
• For severe bleeding, alert lifeguard team
• Apply direct pressure to wound using sterile pad or dressing
• If bleeding comes through dressing apply another on top of first
• If bleeding still persists take off both dressings and start again. It is likely
that either the dressing wasn’t directly over the wound or not providing
sufficient pressure
• If the wound is large pressure may be required by pressing the edges of the
wound together
• Lay casualty down
• Raise injured part above the heart where possible
• Treat for shock
• Scalp and head wounds may be associated with other head injuries
• Minor bleeding, apply pressure using to wound using sterile pad or dressing
• Foreign body in wound - don’t apply dressing over wound but edges
of wound
• Treat for shock
Types – external or internal

Types of bleeding Arterial bleeding – oxygenated, bright red blood. Under pressure from heart
so spurts from would in time with heart beat. A severed artery can rapidly drain
circulation and cause shock and death.
Venous bleeding – dark red blood. Will gush profusely from wound
Capillary bleeding – occurs at site of most wounds especially grazes
Bruising – is a form of capillary bleeding. Capillaries are ruptured by a blow

and bleed into the tissues below the skin.
Management of a nosebleed Causes include:

• Spontaneous bleeding
• Blow to the nose
• Violent sneezing
Treatment:
• Sit casualty down
• Lean their head forward
• Ask them (if possible) to pinch the soft tissue on both sides of their nose,
just below bridge
• Tell them to breathe through their mouth
• Apply pressure for up to 10 minutes
• Pressure maybe reapplied for another 10 minutes if necessary
• Ask casualty not to cough, sniff etc as this may dislodge a clot
• If bleeding continues get medical assistance
Dressings & bandages Dressings and bandages:

Definition:
Dressing – sterile, protective covering, placed on a wound to control bleeding,
prevent infection, absorb discharge
NB: if wound has a foreign object no pressure should be applied to it.
Triangular – can be used as a sling to support or protect arm or chest. Can be
used to secure dressings on hands, feet, head - all being folded as necessary.
Slings – support and protect injured arms, wrists, hands.
Slings – elevated or arm
Burns and scalds Definition:

• Burn is caused by dry heat
• Scald is caused by wet heat
Causes include:
• Likely to be incurred in kitchen areas or plant room
• Cooking
• Electric shock
• Chemicals
Diagnosis:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Serious burns will have little or no pain as nerve endings are damaged
through the whole thickness of the skin
• Loss of fluid leading to shock
• If casualty is unconscious look for scorching; skin damage; reddening
Treatment:
• Unless very minor call for ambulance
• Immerse burned area in cold running water for 10 minutes. This draws the
heat from the injured area
• If clothing is stuck to burnt area don’t remove it
• Remove rings and jewellery before burnt area swells
• If necessary cover lightly with sterile dressing
• Don’t burst blisters, this leads to infection and fluid loss
• Don’t apply creams
• Treat for shock
• Chemical burns – get ambulance immediately and refer to COSHH sheets
Electric shock Definition:

• Unconsciousness
• Spasm of respiratory muscles which stops breathing
• Cardiac arrest
• Burns at point of contact
Treatment:
• Start CPR if necessary
• Place in recovery position
• Look for signs of shock and burns and treat accordingly
• Get medical aid
Fainting and head injuries Fainting:

Definition:
• Temporary reduction of blood supply to brain
• May follow feeling dizy
Causes include:
• Injuries
• Illness
• Fatigue
• Long periods in hot atmosphere
Diagnosis:
• Yawning
• Swaying, unsteady and giddy
• Face pale
• Cold sweat on face, neck & hands
• Consciousness maybe clouded
• Full faint casualty will be unconscious
• Breathing may be shallow
• Pulse weak and slow initially, becoming quicker
Treatment:
• Casualty feeling faint, advise them to breathe slowly and deeply
• Sit them down lower head between their knees (depending on severity)
in fresh air or lay them down
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Full faint – lay casualty down, raise legs, ensure open airway
• If recovery is delayed place in recovery position and call ambulance
Head Injuries:
Can damage the brain leading to dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness. Causes
include:
• Falls
• Banging head on overhead objects
• Diving into shallow water
• Direct blows may cause scalp wounds, bleeding
Concussion:
• Brain shaking
• Dizziness or nausea
• Mild headache
• Short term loss of memory
Compression:
• Level of consciousness will deteriorate
• Intense headache
• Noisy breathing, getting slow
• Slow strong pulse
• High temperature
• Change in personality
Treatment:
• If unconscious alert lifeguard team
• Call ambulance
• Follow treatment for unconscious casualty
• If conscious treat cuts etc
• If concussion suspected monitor level of consciousness and record
• Transfer casualty to hospital
Assessing unconscious casualties – secondary assessment:

Secondary assessment • Check breathing
• Hygiene
• Talk to casualty throughout, hearing is the last sense to go
• Look at casualty’s face during assessment to see pain stimulus
• Head
• Eyes
• Nose
• Face
• Mouth
• Breathing rate
• Neck
• Chest or back
• Abdomen
• Pelvic girdle
• Limbs (legs first, then arms)
Lifeguards should also ask bystanders for information
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Adult BLS with 2 rescuers Whenever possible, lifeguards should work in teams. CPR, particularly chest
compression, is very tiring. When two or more rescuers are present at a
resuscitation attempt they should take turns to perform life support, changing
places about every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue. Ensure the minimum of delay
during the changeover of rescuers.
Implications of casualty with Continue rescue breathing with lifeguards mouth or around the opening in
tracheostomy the neck.
Pocket mask and adult BLS – Although the risk of transfer of infection from casualty to rescuer (or rescuer
single and two rescuers to casualty) is very low, training in the use of pocket masks and other barrier
devices is an important part of your foundation training. However, the use of
oxygen and defibrillation (electric shock) is not included as these are techniques
requiring additional specialist training.
The most effective barrier device is the pocket mask with a one-way valve to
prevent the casualty’s exhaled air being inhaled by the rescuer.
Masks are reusable but must be thoroughly cleaned after use. One-way valves
must be discarded after use on a casualty.
Adult choking Choking:

Definition – when vomit or food is swallowed but goes into the windpipe
Conscious blocking the airway.
Signs & Symptoms:
• History of eating or vomiting
• Gripping their throat
• Partial blockage causing distress
• Coughing
• Noisy / wheezy breathing
Assess severity
Severe airway obstruction Mid airway obstruction

(ineffective cough) (effective cough)
Unconscious Conscious Encourage cough
Start CPR 5 back slaps Continue to check

5 abdominal thrusts for deterioration to
ineffective cough or
until obstruction
relieved
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT
Stirrup lift • Move to a position behind casualty

• Cup one hand under their foot or knee, right hand to right foot
• With firm grip on poolside with your other hand
• Tell them to climb out and move away from pool edge
• If you’re in shallow water and standing both hands maybe cupped
• During landing place one hand on casualty’s lower back to ensure they are
constantly moving forward
• Casualty may also be able to assist in lifting them
• Support casualty throughout landing
Assisted lift conscious casualty • Requires 2 or 3 lifeguards

• 1 lifeguard must take charge
• Helpers in the water can assist by lifting & supporting casualty’s hips
• Keep the casualty facing poolside
• Raise their hands, wrists and forearms onto poolside
• On agreed command everyone should lift at same time.
• Lift to casualty’s hips or thighs
• Lower casualty’s truck to poolside, supporting their head
• Both legs can usually be lifted together. In case of heavy casualty’s one leg
at a time
• Swing casualty so they are parallel to poolside
• One Lifeguard must support head throughout
• Turn casualty & assess for resuscitation as necessary
Rescue of unconscious and • Slide in entry – hold the torpedo buoy in one hand with the strap over one
conscious casualty with / without shoulder.
torpedo buoy • Straddle entry - hold the torpedo buoy across your chest with the ends under
your arms.
• Swimming – place the shoulder strap across your shoulder and make sure
the trailing strap does not get tangled in your legs.
• Conscious casualty – torpedo buoy over one shoulder
– hold with both hands and reach out to casualty
– instruct them to lean forward and grab it
Submerged casualty. • You need to be able to dive to the deepest part of the pool you work at to
recover a casualty lying on the bottom.
• Feet first surface dive
• Head first surface dive
• Dive from the poolside
In water rescue breathing in The mouth-to-nose technique of rescue breathing is preferable in the water
shallow and deep water because it frees an arm and hand (used to close the nose in the mouth to mouth
supported technique) to support the casualty and to hold on to the side.
On reaching support:–
• Support the casualty with one arm passing behind the neck to grip the
side or other means of support.
• Use your other hand to lift the casualty’s chin.
• If assistance is immediately available, recover the casualty onto the poolside.
• If there is a delay before assistance arrives, look, listen, and feel for normal
breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
• If the casualty is NOT breathing normally, maintain chin lift and start rsecue
breaths.
• Continue rescue breaths until assistance arrives to recover the casualty onto
the poolside.
• Once the casualty has been recovered onto the poolside, reassess for normal
breathing.
• If the casualty is NOT breathing normally, maintain head tilt and chin lift
and give 5 initial rescue breaths.
• Then give 30 chest compressions.
• Continue with 2 rescue breaths to 30 compressions.
• Ensure that an ambulance has been called.
Assisted lift unconscious • Requires 2 or 3 lifeguards

casualty • 1 lifeguard must take charge
• Helpers in the water can assist by lifting and supporting casualty’s hips
• Keep the casualty facing poolside
• Raise their hands, wrists and forearms onto poolside
• On agreed command everyone should lift at same time.
• Lift to casualty’s hips or thighs
• Lower casualty’s trunk to poolside, supporting their head
• Both legs can usually be lifted together.
• Swing casualty so they are parallel to poolside
• One lifeguard must support head throughout
• Turn casualty and assess for resuscitation as necessary
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Supervision of specialist
equipment:-
Diving boards and platforms Hazards in diving areas:

• Depth of water must meet current guidelines
• Starting blocks should only be used for competitive swimming and supervised
by a qualified coach
Causes of accidents:
• Collision due to poor visibility at entry point
• Collision due to divers not clearing area quickly
• Misuse of equipment e.g. multiple bouncing
• Damaged equipment
• Weak swimmers diving into deep water
• Diving from side of board & hitting pool edge
• Running dives from diving boards
Supervision:
• Lifeguard dedicated to boards and landing area
• Don’t allow those waiting to sit on guard rails
• Control queues
Water slides and flumes Waterslides & flumes:

Range from very short rides to large inflatable structures and multiple slides
Hazards:
• Meant to provide element of danger
• Attract poor & non swimmers
• Swimmers splashing down may fall onto other bathers
• Attract large number of users
• Queuing leads to overcrowding and pushing
Supervision:
• Check daily
• NOP identifies ride technique
• Minimum size of user
• How long it takes to ride the flume
• May have camera at splash down
• May have traffic light system
• Staffing levels determined by risk assessment
• Usually direct supervision at top to control riders and bottom to control exit
• Good communication between top and bottom is essential
Wave making equipment Wave making equipment:

Regular training is essential
Hazards:
• Wave warnings (audible and visual) lead to increase bather numbers
• Bathers should be restricted near wave making chambers
• Waves cause disorientation especially with weak swimmers
• Small children may be knocked off their feet
• Diving and jumping should be prohibited during wave sessions
• Turbulence reduces visibility through the water
Supervision:
• NOP should identify level of supervision
• Need to know how long it takes for waves to grow and drop back
• Surf features need extra supervision
• Before and after sessions scan pool floor
• Look for bathers getting tired or struggling
Moving water features River rides etc:

Sometimes inflatables or floating mats are provided for users
Hazards:
• NOP should identify level of supervision
• NOP should identify lifeguard positions to reach a bather in difficulty
• Small children maybe knocked off balance
• Bathers may find it difficult to leave the ride
Supervision:
• Inflatables or mats require closer supervision
• Give bathers specifics instruction re rides
• Maintain as much view as possible of the ride
• Don’t allow jumping or diving
Inflatable & play equipment Inflatables and play equipment:

NOP will identify when, where & how these are used.
Hazards:
• Diving, jumping or falling from them
• Trying to jump onto them from poolside
• Becoming trapped underneath
• Getting caught in anchor lines
• Jumping onto anchor lines
Supervision:
• Very direct supervision needed
• Follow manufacturers guidelines re staffing levels
• Large inflatables should be away from pool side
• Tethered in deep water
• Need a clear view of inflatable and surrounding water
• Lifeguard must be able to see under it
• Enforce rules relating to it’s use strictly
• Stop bathers jumping or diving from equipment or from one item to another
• Only allow bathers of similar age / size at a time
• Children can topple off mats
• Weak non swimmers can end in too deep water
• Don’t allow jumping onto mats from poolside
Admissions policy The NOP at each pool will contain the admission policy. It is essential this is
complied with at all times.
Management of the very young The NOP at each pool will contain the policy for dealing with the very young
and children. and children.
Child protection procedures. Forms of abuse:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Neglect
• Bullying
Lifeguard needs to consider:

• Reporting signs of child abuse
• Responding to a child’s disclosure of abuse
Lifeguard action:
• Be aware of pool operator’s policy & act accordingly
Special provision for some Swimmers with disabilities.

bathers including for • Covers huge range of disabilities.
example, disability. • Provides degree of independence, mobility & activity
• Pool operators should encourage enjoyable & safe use of facilities for those
with special needs
Remember:
• Treat all people equally whether they have special needs or not
• Don’t patronise
• Combine care & dignity
• Don’t generalise
• Ask if someone needs assistance, ask them not a helper
• Take care when handling wheelchairs etc
• Get same level eye contact with wheelchair uses
Supervision:
There are two main groups of disability
1. Congenital disabilities
2. Acquired disabilities
• Need for good observation

• Assess bathers ability
• Provide assistance where needed, e.g. to get into the pool, once in they
maybe very competent
• Swimming techniques maybe unconventional
• Be sensitive & aware to their needs
• Training should be given in there is a hoist etc
• Special care maybe needed in rescuing bathers
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Management of fractures Diagnosis:

• Protruding bone
• Deformity
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Cracking sound at time of injury
• Lack of movement
• Limb maybe at unusual angle
Treatment:
• Get an ambulance
• Don’t move the casualty unless essential
• Immobilise affected area
• Support affected area
• Support upper limb or hand with a sling if this doesn’t cause more discomfort
• Cover an exposed wound with a dry, sterile dressing
• If it is an open fracture apply dressing ensuring no pressure on any
exposed bone
• If a lower limb injury has to be moved, gently strap uninjured leg to injured
leg padding between
• Consider use of stretcher or spineboard if moving is essential
• Treat for shock
Types of fracture Fractures:

Types:
Open Fracture – exposed wound, end of broken bone protrudes through
the skin
Closed Fracture – skin isn’t broken
Complicated Fracture – associated with open or closed fractures. This is an
injury to a major blood vessel, brain, lungs, nerves, liver, joints or other parts
of the body
Upper body:
• Collar bone
• Ribs
• Wrist
• Forearm
• Upper arm
Dislocation Dislocation:
Definition:
When a bone or joint is displaced. Often associated with muscle or ligament
damage.
Diagnosis:
• Pain
• Lack of movement
• Deformity
• Swelling
• Nausea
Treatment:
• Call an ambulance
• Let casualty stay in a ‘comfortable position’
• Support that position with padding and / or bandages
• Don’t try to re locate joint
• Treat for shock
Elevation sling Elevation sling:

• Support casualty’s forearm on the injured side across their chest
• Place their fingers over the opposite shoulder
• Place triangular bandage over their hand and arm
• Right angled point extended below elbow of injured arm
• Upper end of bandage over shoulder where fingers are
• Gently place base of bandage under forearm
• Using reef knot tie both ends
• Secure point with safety pin or tuck in between arm and bandage
• Check circulation on injured side
Arm sling Arm sling:

• Casualty sitting
• Support forearm on injured side; casualty maybe able to do this
• Use hollow between elbow and chest and slide one end of open triangular
bandage between chest and forearm
• Right angled point should extend past elbow on injured side
• Place upper end over shoulder on uninjured side and around the back on
the injured side
• Support forearm, carry lower end of bandage up over forearm and hand
• Leave fingers of injured arm supported but exposed
• Using reef knot tie in hollow above collar bone on injured side
• Secure point with safety pin or tuck in between arm and bandage
• Check circulation on injured side
Crush injuries Crush injuries:

Causes include:
• Structural damage
• Equipment falling over or collapsing
• Possible pinning of a person to wall by a vehicle
Treatment:
• Call ambulance
• If primary survey shows that CPR needed, proceed with CPR
• If CPR not required it is essential to ascertain how long the casualty has
been trapped
• If it is unknown or exceeds 15 minutes, DO NOT remove the object trapping
the casualty
• Toxins build up and would be released into the body.
• Treat for shock if necessary
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT
Introduction An ‘infant’ is defined, for the purposes of resuscitation, as in the first year of life.
A ‘child’ is considered to be up to the age of puberty.
When carrying out CPR of infants or children, the techniques of rescue breathing
and chest compression are similar to those for an adult, modified to allow for
the difference in size and maturity of the casualty.
Many children do not receive resuscitation because potential rescuers fear causing
harm. This fear is unfounded; it is far better to use the adult sequence for
resuscitation of a child than to do nothing.
Child BLS The following modifications to the sequence of life support, however, make it
Infant BLS even more suitable for use in children and should be learnt as additional skills
by lifeguards, particularly those likely to be faced with a child or infant that
requires life support:
Lone Rescuer • Give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions
• A lone rescuer should perform CPR for approximately 1 minute before going
for help.
• Compress the chest by approximately one-third of its depth. Use two fingers
for an infant; use one or two hands for a child needed to achieve an
adequate depth of compression.
Pocket mask and child BLS • The most effective barrier and device is the pocket mask with a one way
valve to prevent the casualty’s exhaled air being inhaled by the rescuer.
Child and Infant choking Assess severity
Severe airway obstruction Mid airway obstruction

(ineffective cough) (effective cough)
Unconscious Conscious Encourage cough
Start CPR 5 back slaps Continue to check

5 abdominal thrusts for deterioration to
* see note below ineffective cough or
until obstruction
relieved
* Abdominal thrusts are dangerous in infants.

Instead, give 5 chest thrusts
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

SCIM Spinal Cord Injury Management
Safe approach of casualty out of • Enter carefully to avoid excessive water movement
standing depth • Swim head up, slowing near casualty
• Approach casualty from one side
Vice grip within standing depth
• Reach under casualty going round their near arm
Vice grip turn and trawl – deep • Place forearm along their breastbone, supporting their face just above chin,
water your finger and thumb in Y position
• Place your other forearm along their spine
• Fingers outstretched on back of head, clamping securely
• Position elbows then hands
• Keep fingers, hands, wrists and elbows rigid
• Elbows and forearms should be gently but firmly pressed together
• To turn casualty face up, look at their nose, place your head in the water
and slide underneath them
• Maintain vice grip
• Slowly and controlled roll them to face up
• In deep water as you do the turn kick hard to ensure they stay on the surface
• Ensure casualty isn’t ‘lifted’ during turn
Trawl:
• Maintain vice grip
• Sse egg beater leg action if possible or side stroke, breast stroke legs
• Avoid jerking movements
• Keep casualty horizontal
• When you put your feet down ensure casualty remains flat
Stabilise the casualty • Maintain vice grip

• Instruct first lifeguard to support head, one hand each side of head, fingers
and thumbs above and below casualty’s ears
• Instruct next lifeguard to support same side as vice grip at waist and buttocks
with their forearms, palms down
• If another lifeguard is available they can support under knees and ankles,
palms down
• When at poolside ready for horizontal lift or where lifeguard has spineboard
initial lifeguard can remove vice grip, placing their arms palms down under
the casualty’s shoulders and waist
Communication with team • Communication with all team members is vital

members • The person in control of the head is in charge at all times
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Supervision of specialist Hazards in diving areas:
activities Depth of water must meet current guidelines
Starting blocks should only be used for competitive swimming and supervised
by a qualified coach
Diving and jumping Causes of accidents:
Collision due to poor visibility at entry point
Collision due to divers not clearing area quickly
Misuse of equipment e.g. multiple bouncing
Damaged equipment
Weak swimmers diving into deep water
Diving from side of board and hitting pool edge
Running dives off poolside
Running dives from diving boards
Diving sideways off poolside
Diving into crowded pool
Backward dives
Dives with arms by sides of body
Somersaults
Supervision:
• Lifeguard dedicated to boards and landing area
• Don’t allow those waiting to sit on guard rails
• Control queues
Lane swimming Hazards in lane swimming:

• Misuse of lane ropes
• Fast swimmers catching slower swimmers
• Nose to tail swimming
• Swimmers colliding with others moving in opposite direction
• Crowding at end of lane hampering turning
• Swimmers in lanes stopping to talk
• Children or weak swimmers in incorrect lanes
• Swimming across lanes
Supervision:
• Control direction of swimmers
• Control ability of swimmers in each lane
Water polo Hazards of water polo:

• Injury
• Swimmers colliding
Supervision:
• Structured training and matches only
Sub aqua Sub aqua:

Popular in many pools.
Hazards:
• Relate to activity
• Lifeguards need specialised training if they are to be involved
• Damage to poolside
• Contamination from equipment used in open water venues
Supervision:
• NOP / EAP must reflect policies
• Only supervise if you have specialised training provided beforehand
• If sub aqua provide their own lifeguards they must know NOP / EAP
• If rescue is necessary remove mask and snorkel asap
Canoeing Canoeing:
Some pools permit canoe training especially for beginners
Lifeguards needs specialised training and vigilance.
Hazards:
• Activities range from basic to advanced training
• Novices often capsize, risking hitting pool floor or side. Suitable head
protection should be worn
• Games e.g. canoe polo may lead to collision, participants being hit with
paddle or ball
• Damage to poolside
• Contamination from equipment used in open water venues
Supervision:
• NOP / EAP must reflect policies
• Only supervise if you have specialised training provided beforehand
• If sub aqua provide their own lifeguards they must know NOP / EAP
• How many canoes at any one time
• Who & how rescues to be effected
• Close supervision needed
Teaching and coaching Hazards:

• Suitability of pool design
• Water temperature
• Water clarity
• Water depth
• Organisation of the pool for lessons
• Staff requirements
• Number of pupils
• Ability of pupils
Structure of PSOP. PSOP – required by law, written following a risk assessment, has two parts NOP
and EAP
Structure and content of • Details of facility
NOP. • Potential risk factors
• Systems of work and operating systems
• Dealing with customers
• First aid arrangements
• Lifeguard duties and responsibilities
• Arrangements for programmed activities
• Details of alarm systems
• Arrangements for hiring
Programmed and other
regulated activities. The NOP will contain details of how to deal with programmed and any other
regulated activities.
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Management of fractures – lower Please see lesson plan 14
body
• Upper leg
• Lower leg
• Knee
• Ankle
• Foot
Ligament and muscle injuries Sprains and Strains

• Strains – muscle Definition:
• Sprains – ligament Often referred to as ‘soft tissue’ injuries because they affect ligaments and muscles
Sprain – occur at joints where ligaments have been wrenched or torn
Strain – occur if a muscle is over stretched
Sprain Diagnosis
• Pain
• Swelling
• Immobility if it’s a joint
• Bruising / discoloration
Treatment
• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
Strain Diagnosis
• Localised intense pain
• Swelling
• Possible severe cramp
Treatment
• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
Cramp Cramp
Definition
A sudden and involuntary and painful contraction of a muscle. Dangerous in
water as it impedes swimming. Causes include:
• Cold conditions
• Sudden or unusual exercise
• Blow or injury to the muscle
• Excessive loss of salt through sweating
Diagnosis
• Pain in the muscle, often calf or trunk
• Muscle will feel hard and tight
• Casualty won’t be able to relax it
Treatment
• Assist casualty from the water
• If lower limb affected the casualty may lie down and elevate affected limb
• Stretch the muscle carefully and gently straighten
• If calf muscle is affected straighten the knee and gently push the casualty’s
toes towards their knee
• If abdominal muscle affected, casualty should stand straight and gently arch
their back
• Advise the casualty to massage the area gently to help it relax
• Advise the casualty to rest before further activity
Eye and dental injuries Eye Injuries

Definition
Any eye injury is potentially serious and can result in damage, infection or
blindness. Causes include:
• Particles of grit and dust
• Loose eyelashes
Diagnosis
• They stick to the inner surface of the eyelid causing discomfort and
inflammation
• Eye will be painful and itchy
• Vision may be impaired
• Eye may water
• Area around the eye may be red and painful
Treatment
• Advise the casualty not to rub the eye
• Sit casualty facing the light
• Gently separate the eyelids with finger and thumb
• Examine every part of the eye
• Take extra care if the casualty wears contact lenses
• If foreign body can be seen try to wash it out with sterile or tap water using
an eye glass or irrigation unit
• If unsuccessful apply eye pad
• If eyes have been exposed to direct glare from sun, protect from light, get
medical assistance
• Never attempt to remove a foreign body from the coloured part of the eye
or embedded in the eye ball
• Call an ambulance for the above immediately
Dental injuries
Causes include:
• Casualty slips and trips
• Casualty struck in the mouth
Diagnosis
• Possible bleeding
• Damage to teeth
Treatment
• Retrieve broken / damaged tooth
• Teeth knocked out should be put into milk
• Let casualty rinse their mouth with warm water
• Apply cold pack to outside of cheek
• Send to dentist
• If tooth socket is bleeding place sterile pad or gauze over socket and apply
pressure
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

BLS – Pool The aim of lesson plan 19 is to ensure candidates have time to practice the
skills previously taught in the classroom
Submerged casualty
Assisted lift unconscious casualty
Turning casualty from front to

back on poolside
Recovery position
Conscious casualty –
20m swim with 20 tow,
stirrup lift out and treatment
for heart attack
Unconscious casualty –
20m swim with 10m tow,
assisted lift, turn from front to
back, primary assessment into
adult or child BLS (exchange live
casualty with manikin on
poolside)
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet/Dry
EQUIPMENT

Team leadership Team leadership is essential in any spinal cord injury management.
Safe approach of casualty within Enter the water with care and approach the casualty from one side. Approach
standing depth swimming head up and as you get closer slow down to minimize splashing and
water distance.
Head splint Head splint doesn’t give such secure care as a vice grip or a bear hug
Technique used in pool with low staffing levels
Stabilise casualty with effective • Slide into pool
communication with team • Approach from one side of casualty facing their head
members • Gently grasp their right and left arms with your corresponding right
and left arms. Place your hands midway between casualty’s elbows &
shoulders
• Gently move their arms to water surface with teir ears covered by
their upper arms
• Carefully squeeze their arms against their head, preventing any
movement
• Position your thumbs on the back of their head
• Maintain pressure on their arms
• Roll the casualty towards you by pushing the arm nearest to you down
and pulling the arm furthest away towards you
• Continue the roll until they are face up
• Keep your shoulder nearest to them out of the water
• Maintain pressure on arms
• Support back of their head on your submerged forearm
• Instruct next lifeguard to secure head as for vice grip
• Next lifeguard secures at waist and buttocks
• Lifeguard with spineboard can lower casualty’s arm, communicating with
the other lifeguards
When / why stabilised in the Refer to PSOP

water
Horizontal lift When used:

If spineboard isn’t available
If casualty has stopped breathing
• Recommend 5 personnel (2 lifeguards, 3 trained)
• Lifeguard will have done spinal turn
• Lifeguard will take head
• Trained person at hips, supporting at waist and buttocks
• Trained person supporting at knees and ankles
• Trained person on poolside to take charge of head
• Lifeguard who did turn is in charge of lift, giving clear instructions to team
members
• Lifeguard on poolside takes care of head as casualty lifted to poolside
• Initial lifeguard supporting head carefully removes their hands
• Rest of team remove hands starting with lower legs, then waist then
initial lifeguard who performed turn
• Lifeguard remains securing head
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Links with NOP & EAP. Describe the fact the NOP & EAP both from part of the PSOP.
Principles involved in EAP. • Responsibilities and key tasks

• Communication
• Emergency equipment
• Post incident actions
• Number of staff
• Local factors
In and out of water emergencies. Aquatic emergencies include:

• Swimmers getting into difficulties
• Non swimmers getting out of their depth
• Injuries sustained in water
Out of Water emergencies:
• Falls or slips on poolside or changing rooms leading to injuries
• Equipment failure
• Public order disturbances
• Fire & security alerts
• Chemical discharges
Major and minor emergencies. Minor emergencies – pose little danger

Major emergencies – is serious, may be life threatening
Structure and content of EAP. Details to be included:

• Whose in charge in an emergency
• Whose calls emergency services
• Whose in charge after further assistance is sought
• Key tasks and steps in dealing with an emergency
• Details of the systems of communications during an incident including
public announcements, info to police, family etc
• Type of emergency equipment and its location. First aid provision and
procedures for aftercare
• Procedures for compiling reports, replenishing First aid supplies and
equipment
• Links with NOP ensuring number, location and role of staff
• Number of lifeguards to deal with an incident and public response
Types of emergency to be included:
• Overcrowding
• Disorderly behaviour and abuse to staff
• Lack of water clarity
• Evacuation of building
• Casualty in water
• Serious injury to bather or customer
• Emission of toxic gases
• Bomb threat
• Lighting failure
• Structural failure
Teamwork during emergency • Teamwork is essential. Lifeguards need support from other lifeguards
response. and staff
• Good team is more effective than individuals
• Team can deal with major emergencies
Post incident follow up activities • Incident report form

and reporting. • Debrief staff
Post traumatic stress disorder. Reaction to a situation. Some feel fear, shame or anger. Sometimes this lasts
days, weeks or occasional years
Types of fear:
• Danger or injury
• Breaking down or losing control
• Similar event happening
• Being blamed
Shame:
• At feeling they might be helpless even if they weren’t
• Being emotional & needing others
• Not reacting as per training
Anger:
• About what happened
• Towards the cause of the incident
Feelings:
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Could have done more
This will last longer if someone died, it was horrifying, you had a close relationship
with victim
Other signs / symptoms:

• Tiredness, sleeplessness, nightmares
• Loss of memory
• Dizziness, shaking
• Breathlessness or choking sensation
• Nausea or diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Tensions, aches in neck or back
• Strained relationships
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Poisoning, bites and stings. Poisoning:
Causes:
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Industrial chemicals or gases
• Conscious or unconscious
• Disorientation
• Breath may smell
• Staining around mouth/nose
• Needle marks
• Drug/medication around casualty
Treatment:
• Get medical aid
• Do not attempt to resuscitate in a smoke filled room
• Remove casualties to a safe place
• Check breathing and circulation
• If necessary start CPR
• Do not inhale casualty’s exhaled breath
• If unconscious, but breathing put in recovery position
• Check COSHH if appropriate
Insect stings and bites:

Definition:
Stings are usually more painful than dangerous.
Diagnosis:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
Treatment:
• If sting is visible try to remove by brushing it out of the way from the skin
using the back of a knife, finger nail or credit card
• Do not use tweezers, this may squeeze the poison into the casualty
• Apply cold compress to relieve pain and swelling
• Advise casualty to seek medical help if pain persists
• Advise casualty to seek medical help if swelling persists
• Stings in mouth, give ice to suck
• Call an ambulance or transfer to hospital for mouth stings
Identification and Definition:

management of Massive reaction to wasp, bee sting, some fish, nut and some medicines. Multiple
anaphylactic shock. stings can cause anaphylactic shock to those who otherwise aren’t affected.
Potentially fatal condition. Can develop in seconds
Diagnosis;
• Shock
• Anxiety
• Swelling of face and neck
• Blotchy skin
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Impaired breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness
Treatment:
• Call for an ambulance
• Look for medic alert bracelet or SOS talisman
• Conscious casualty – place in a comfortable position
• Unconscious casualty – place in recovery position, monitor, give rescue
breaths and / CPR if necessary
Medical conditions. Epilepsy:

Epilepsy Definition:
Normal brain activity is disrupted resulting in seizures. Type of seizure is
dependant on which part of the brain is affected.
Diagnosis:
• Major seizures which affect a large area of the brain
• Casualty becomes rigid and falls to the ground making jerking movements
• Muscles stiffen but jerking isn’t rhythmical
• Casualty collapses suddenly
• Brief loss of consciousness (absences may pass unnoticed and treated as
‘day dreaming’)
• When the disturbance in the brain activity involves a distinct area of the
brain and include rhythmical twitching of a limb. Sensations e.g. ‘pins and
needles’; involuntary action e.g. plucking at clothing; lip smacking
• Reponsiveness clouded
• Confusion
• Possible aura before seizure – strange feeling; smell or sensory disturbance,
this may act as a warning
Treatment:
Seizures in the water
• If non convulsive seizure or absence, help casualty out of water quietly and
calmly
• If a convulsive seizure, support casualty to keep their face out of the water.
Hold from behind either their head or under both shoulders
• Ensure their head doesn’t hit the lifeguard
• Ensure the lifeguard and casualty are positioned in shallow water and away
from poolside
• Assist them from the water after the seizure
• Monitor their breathing and circulation, treat accordingly
• Call an ambulance, all seizures in water should be sent to hospital because
of possible secondary drowning
Seizures on land:
• During a non convulsive seizure or absence the casualty may only require
observation and understanding
• During a convulsive seizure do not restrain the casualty
• Only move them if there is danger of injury or of falling into the water
• Objects which could cause injury should be removed
• Put casualty into recovery position as soon as possible

• Following the seizure they should rest until fully recovered
• Get an ambulance if:
– there is an injury
– attack lasts more than 5 minutes
– attack is repeated without consciousness gained
– if seizure is unusual for that person
Asthma Definition:
Occurs when muscles in the air passages go into spasm, narrowing the airway.
This and accumulated mucus in the airway lead to
Diagnosis:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Usually have more difficulty breathing out
Treatment:
• Reassure the casualty
• Assist them from the water if necessary
• Sit them down, usually on a chair, and lean them forward
• They will usually know a comfortable position
• Encourage them to use their inhaler
• Don’t let them use someone else’s inhaler, it may be a different prescription
• If attack is mild and quickly relieved (within 3 minutes) they can re enter
the water
• If attack is severe and / or lasts longer / medication doesn’t help / casualty
feels distressed
• Send for ambulance
Diabetes Definition:
A disturbance in the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It may
result in:
• Hyperglycaemia (too much blood sugar)
• Hypoglycaemia (too little blood sugar)
Both conditions are very serious, if not treated can result in unconsciousness
and possible death.
Hyperglycaemia usually develop gradually so the lifeguard is unlikely to encounter
this.
Hypoglycaemia can develop very quickly. Usually caused by lack of food or too
much insulin
Diagnosis:
• Paleness
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Limbs may tremble
• Faintness
• Possible unconsciousness
• Can be mistaken for drunk
Treatment:
• If conscious, give a sweet drink (2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar). If they improve
quickly they had too much insulin. If not it won’t cause harm.
• Call for an ambulance
• Place unconscious casualty in recovery position
• Monitor breathing and signs of circulation
Heat and cold injuries. Definition:

Cooling of core temperature by at least 2 degrees from 37 to 35.
Hyperthermia Diagnosis:
Hypothermia • Shivering
• Changes in behaviour
• Slurred Speech
• Lack of co-ordination
• Slowing of physical and mental activity
• Skin may go blue
Causes:
• Exhaustion
• Intoxication by drugs or alcohol
• Injury especially spinal
• Evacuation from pool
Treatment:
• Move casualty into warm area
• Cover with blanket, under and over
• Keep casualty horizontal
• Observe breathing and circulation
• Get medical aid
• Transfer to hospital
• If there is a need to give CPR the resistance in the chest for both rescue
breathing and chest compressions will be notably increased
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

Signs and symptoms of a • Lack of movement in one or more limbs
spinal injury • Disorientations, confusion
• Tingling or numbness in limbs
• Casualty floating face down, unable to turn over
• Unconsciousness
• Possible respiratory & cardiac arrest
Types of and injury recognition. When fragments can move & push onto the spinal canal. If canal is narrowed
Vertebral fracture spinal cord is crushed.
Severe impact causes this, e.g. diving into shallow water
Vertebral dislocation If ligaments are torn allowing one bone to move forwards or backwards thus
crushing spinal cord
Injuries involve ligaments and / or bones, leaving spasm of muscles holding
spine together
Result of collision at an angle e.g. two bathers colliding in a flume
Flexion injuries Ligaments at back of vertebrae are torn allowing vertebrae above to slide forwards
Happens when head is forced forwards
Extension injuries As flexion injury but when head is forced backwards

Ensure head isn’t allowed to go further backwards
Care during resuscitation with Obtaining a clear airway with suspected spinal injury including chin lift – on
suspected spinal injury. and off spinal board.
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

Safe approach of casualty in very Enter shallow water near to casualty
shallow water. Approach carefully not to cause excessive water movement
Bear hug turn. Bear hug – provides secure care for casualty. Performed in water less than
Lifeguards waist depth. Provides better care than head splint and should be used
in preference providing there is at least 1 team member present and preferably
2 available.
• Approach from one side
• Lean forward and slide each of your arms under the casualty’s corresponding
armpits
• If water is very shallow and lifeguards size permits they may straddle casualty
but should avoid their leg ‘catching’ the casualty
• Stretch your hands to grasp casualty’s head, fingers outstretched, thumb
and forefinger above and below ears
• Casualty’s head and neck are stabilised by locked lifeguard fingers, wrists,
forearms and elbows
• Apply gentle pressure to both side’s of casualty’s head and torso with elbow
and forearms
• Lifeguard drops shoulder furthest away from casualty, using opposite leg to
start push and rolling movement
• Roll underneath casualty
• Finish by lying on pool floor, casualty on top of lifeguard
• Casualty’s head and neck secured by bear hug grip
Team support & stabilisation of • Second lifeguard should stabilise head as other spinal casualties
casualty. • trained person should place their forearms underneath casualty’s lower back
at their waist and buttocks
• Lifeguard who performed bear hug can slide out when the see that the head
and lower body are supported
• Relax bear hug grip and slide out supporting casualty at shoulders and waist
• Another trained person can support at knees and ankles
Vice grip turn and trawl into Please see lesson plan 16
stabilisation.
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

Operational practice – Pool
Advantages and disadvantages During lesson plan 25, use simulated incidents to ensure candidates cover
the topic given.
Spot the casualty
Alert colleague
Affect a rescue
Teamwork
Demonstration of how lifeguard

hazards
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

Principles of casualty aftercare • Stabilise the head
• Stabilise the whole spine maintaining a horizontal position
• Recover from water urgently to prevent heat loss
• Reassure unconscious casualty
• Monitor airway and breathing
Spinal BLS:
Care during resuscitation • Chin lift NOT jaw thrust

Obtaining a clear airway • The priority is to save a life
Chin lift
Action for vomit with suspected • Person at the head is in charge

spinal injury with/without spinal • All rescuers on one side
board. • All rescuers should be prepared for vomiting during rescusitation
Log roll. • Person at head to ensure the nose, navel and toes all stay in line
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet/Dry
EQUIPMENT

Bear hug turn into support • Use when the depth of water is less than the rescuers waist
• Used to turn and initially secure the casualty
Preparation Spine board provides best care for suspected spinal casualty who is breathing
Approved spine board must comply with BS8403 2002
Position of straps and head strap Preparing spine board:

• Prepare spine board on poolside
• Loosen straps and head restraint
• When placing board in water ensure head icon is to head of casualty
• Ease straps nearest to casualty under the board
• Team are supporting casualty, palms down
• Lifeguard who did turn can assist in ‘lining’ up the board
• Tip board onto edge nearest casualty to right angles to the water
• Push it into the water
• Slide it under the casualty
Team member assistance • Team are still stabilising casualty, make alignments to board position
• Lifeguard who put board under holds board
• Person supporting lower legs slides their arms out and moves to foot of
board, holding it to prevent lateral movement
• Lifeguard supporting shoulders then slides their arms out and holds the
board
• Lifeguard with board place green strap across chest
Secure casualty on board • Head restraint – lifeguard with board places hand nearest casualty’s feet
on their eyebrows using thumb and forefinger
• If the casualty’s head is not resting on the board get the lifeguard at the feet
to tip the board to bring the board to the casualty’s head
• The board should then be placed horizontal again
• Lifeguard who was stabilising casualty’s head now removes their hands and
holds the board
• Lifeguard brings head restraint onto casualty’s head with their free hand
• Base of the head restraint should be level with casualty’s eyebrows
• Lifeguard removes first hand and then tightens side straps in turn gently
• Apex strap is tightened last, avoid over tighten this
• Lifeguard then tightens remaining straps working down the body
• Body straps maybe rechecked if necessary
Safe lift onto poolside • Casualty should be removed in a horizontal position
• One team member should climb onto poolside to receive the board
• The remaining 3 should be positioned either side at casualty’s shoulders
and foot of board. Team leader to arrange members re strength and size
of casualty
• Team leader gives clear instructions to lift
• Keep board level
• Slide it fully onto poolside
• If necessary gently turn it parallel to poolside to give access to casualty’s
head should RB or a log roll be needed or follow EAP
• Cover casualty
Adult BLS on spinal board • Strap manikin onto board to practice spinal BLS.
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet/Dry
EQUIPMENT

Operational practice During lesson plan 28 use simulated incidents to ensure candidates cover the
– Pool or Dry side. topic/subject areas given
Accident prevention
Teamwork and communication
Major incident and rescues

caused by:-
• Physical hazards
• People hazards
• Activity hazards
Lifeguard fitness sprints and

tows.
Conscious casualty
Unconscious casualty
1 hour Dry
EQUIPMENT

BLS with cold casualties In cases of profound hypothermia the heartbeat is often slow and weak. Chest
compressions should be started unless you are certain the casualty is breathing
normally.
Wet / dry drowning Wet drowning:

When – unconscious casualty’s reflex action that closed airway relaxes and
reopens. Water will then enter the lungs, increasing as casualty sinks in the pool.
Dry drowning:
When – unconscious casualty’s reflex action stays closed so no water enters the
lungs. Usually in children. As casualty’s head submerges the airway closes
preventing water or air into the lungs.
Immediately open airway with mouth clear of the water
Secondary drowning • Very small quantities of water enter the lungs

• No initial interference with oxygen transfer - no visible signs
• Water irritates lungs and they fill with fluid
• Pneumonia
• At risk for up to 72 hours
Recognition and prevention of Definition –

hyperventilation – risks to the Repeated, rapid, breathing. Lifeguards may observe swimmers doing this before
bather trying to swim underwater. They mistakenly believe that it will increase oxygen
content to stay underwater longer.
It actually decreases carbon dioxide level which takes away desire to breathe.
Swimmer will run out of oxygen, loss consciousness before desiring to breathe
again.
Lifeguard needs to assist casualty to increase carbon dioxide level
Review of all BLS protocols Use this session to review all BLS protocol, if necessary.
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet
EQUIPMENT

Reach, throw, and wade with Please see lesson plan 4
torpedo buoy
Multiple rescues / casualties When: an initial casualty has grasped another bather. Maybe necessary for more
than one lifeguard to enter the water
How:
• Maybe able to be towed together
• Use buoyant rescue aid whenever possible
• Tow to shallow water if possible
• If contact tow required use double arm tow
• Avoid water over casualties faces
• Always support weaker casualty first
• If one casualty is unconscious turn them and tow using appropriate method
Separating casualties:
• Grasp top casualty under their armpits from behind
• Force both casualties underwater
• Place your legs round first casualty, your feet against the hips & thighs of
the second
• Maintain grip of first casualty
• Straighten your legs to separate the them
• Give torpedo buoy to stronger casualty or tow both to support
• Get lifeguard team support if necessary
Moving and handling casualties Pull ashore:

safely When – pool bottom slopes gently, e.g. beach area and casualty can’t help
How:
• Bring casualty to waist depth near edge
• With team help
• Walk backwards, keep your back straight
• Hold casualty under armpits and holding their wrists
Assisted walk out:

When – shallow water, casualty can walk with assistance
How:
• Slide your head under their armpit
• Put your arm round their waist
• For large casualty’s a second lifeguard can do the same on their other side
Assisted carry:
When – if casualty can’t help themselves
How:
• Lifeguard supports casualty under armpits and takes hold of their wrists
• Second lifeguard takes hold of their legs and ankles
• Additional lifeguards can support body if available
LESSON EVALUATION
1 hour Wet/Dry
EQUIPMENT

One hour skills consolidation During lesson plan 25, use simulated incidents to ensure candidates cover the
topic given.
Depending on candidates
strengths and weaknesses either:-
1. BLS as per assessment

matrix
2. Operational practice theory
as per assessment matrix
5. Aquatic rescue skills as per
assessment matrix
4. First aid as per assessment
matrix
LESSON EVALUATION

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NPLQ Unit 1 Master Programme

A resource to help you deliver

Version 1.0 06/2006 © RLSS UK

4 Course Aims and Objectives 6

Welcome to the NPLQ Unit 1 Master Programme. The NPLQ Unit 1

This is designed to help the RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor

Where is shown on the top right hand corner of a Lesson Plan,

Operational Practice First Aid Basic Life Support Aquatic Rescue

Wet Dry Wet/Dry No. Page Reference for Lesson Plan

6 To provide an understanding of heart attacks, ✓ provide a simple definition of a heart attack

7 To introduce practical adult basic life support ✓ define cardiac arrest

29 To provide trainee lifeguards with an ✓ define the term 'drowning'

30 To practise and develop pool rescue ✓ demonstrate a range of rescue techniques

31 To consolidate and improve confidence in any

The purpose of these lesson plans is to provide you with a clear

We realise that there is often considerable information to learn when

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Role of the lifeguard • To act as part of a team

• Regular dives to deepest part to recover manikin

Principles of swimming pool Supervision:

Principles of scanning Definition:

10:20 system 10:20

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Contents of first aid box • White cross on green background

Definition: identifying cause of illness or injury

Note the process:

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Priorities of casualty 1 Determine the need for and give CPR

Managing vomiting • May happen during or after resuscitation.

Recovery position When:

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

EQUIPMENT Pole, torpedo buoy, throw bag, submersible manikin

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Land based rescue • Shout and signal

Reaching and throwing rescue Reaching

Step in entry – if you have to enter from a height

Wading rescue When:

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Lifeguard positions High chairs:

Small pool supervision Small pools have specific risks.

Managing the rowdy • Smile and appear approachable

Hazard Types 1. Look for hazards

• Changing rooms to pool

• The way the lifeguard works

• Bathers under influence or drugs / alcohol

• Swimming near features e.g. diving board

• Lifeguard not trained

DATE NEW / RENEWAL VENUE

TIME NO. IN CLASS DURATION: WET / DRY

TOPIC TEACHING POINTS METHOD / EQUIPMENT

Management of heart attacks – Heart Attack:

Hygiene procedures and Hygiene:

Management & causes of shock Shock: