STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Pool Lifeguard

STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Pool Lifeguard (NaRS[PL]) : Syllabus

NaRS Pool Lifeguard Specification

The specification for the qualification is:

Theory Section

Complete the worksheets to demonstrate a clear understanding of the pool safety operating procedures and how they relate to pool supervision covering the following topics:

1. The role and duties of a lifeguard.
2. The legislative background.
3. The swimming pool and specialist water features.
4. Pool safety operating procedures.
5. First Aid.
6. Resuscitation.

Rescue Section

With minimum additional clothing of a T-shirt and shorts or skirt. Demonstrate the ability to carry out the following safely and effectively:

1. Either:
1. Using a reaching aid, rescue a casualty in difficulty 2 metres from the poolside,
OR
2. Using a poolside rescue aid (rope, throw bag, torpedo buoy, lifebelt etc), rescue a casualty in difficulty 8 metres from the poolside,
OR
3. Using a rescue aid wade 5 metres to rescue a non-swimmer just out of their depth and assist them out of the pool.
2. Swim 20 metres to a weak swimmer in difficulty and perform a 20 metre contact tow to safety and assist them out of the pool and provide aftercare. (The casualty should be of equivalent weight and size to the rescuer). There is a time limit of 20 seconds to cover the first 20 metres.
3. Swim 5 metres to a casualty and tow 10 metres demonstrating a tow suitable for either:
1. A non-swimmer,
OR
2. An injured swimmer.
4. Swim 5 metres to recover a simulated body from the bottom of the deepest part of the pool (using a submersible dummy or manikin). On reaching the surface exchange the simulated body for a live simulated unresponsive casualty, tow to the side and, with assistance land and place in the recovery position.
5. Swim 5 metres to a prone casualty with a suspected spinal injury, turn the casualty who is breathing, take to safety, and support the casualty with the aid of assistance for:
1. A casualty in shallow water,
AND
2. A casualty in deep water.
6. Acting as a lifeguard, individually, or as part of a team, initiate the appropriate procedures, prevent and/or rescue and provide aftercare of 2 possible casualties from a previously unknown simulated emergency situation.

Resuscitation Section

1. Using a live simulated unconscious casualty (not a manikin) demonstrate:
1. Turning a casualty from prone to supine.
2. Checking the airway, signs of breathing and signs of circulation.
3. The action for vomiting.
4. The recovery position and aftercare.
5. Obtaining an airway on a suspected spinal injury casualty with assistance.
6. The action for vomiting for a suspected spinal injury, with assistance.
2. Using a facemask on a suitable manikin, demonstrate rescue breathing for 2 minutes.
3. Using a suitable adult manikin, demonstrate 1 and 2 person cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for a total of 4 minutes.
(Face and supplementary oxygen masks may be used).
4. Demonstrate CPR for 2 minutes each on:
1. A child manikin.
2. A baby manikin.
5. Complete a 25 question multiple choice paper on Resuscitation and First Aid.

Site-Specific Training

After completion of the NaRS[PL] course and examination candidates will be qualified to act a probationary pool lifeguard. To become fully qualified candidates must:

• Undertake induction and on-the-job training, under supervision, in the site-specific procedures of the employer, in accordance with the regulations of the employer.
• Complete the site-specific worksheets to the satisfaction of the pool management in respect of every pool at which the lifeguard operates.
• Undertake ongoing training.

NaRS Pool Lifeguard Assessment

The qualification is assessed as set out below; candidates must satisfy all of the following:

• Continual assessment by the tutor.
• Completion of the Portfolio to the satisfaction of the course tutor (Foundation and NaRS[PL]).
• Complete the Worksheets to the satisfaction of the tutor and examiner (Foundation and NaRS[PL]).
• Completion of 5, multiple-choice examination papers, each question is worth 1 mark, with a 70% pass mark.
• Complete a 25 question, 30 minute multiple-choice, examination paper with questions on the resuscitation and aftercare of babies, children and adults and on basic first aid (pass mark 18).
• Demonstrating the ability to carry out various defined rescue activities in a safe manner.
• Demonstrating CPR and the preparatory actions and aftercare.

Re-validation

The NaRS[PL] qualification is valid for 2 years only and it is only valid for acting as a lifeguard whilst supervising a swimming pool. It is only valid at pools with a maximum water depth recorded on the face of the certificate. Re-validation is granted after successfully carrying out the requirements of the syllabus in force at the time. A re-validation fee is payable to the STA. Regular on-going training and practice is essential; the NaRS Record Sheet and Check Sheet are provided to record regular training.

Additional Units

As a part of the NaRS[PL] or NaRS[PA] programmes candidates may also undertake the following Additional Units:

• Unit 3 : Complete Spinal Management - Pool Environment
• Unit 4 : Supplementary Oxygen
• Unit 5 : Manual Suction
• Unit 6 : Wound Dressings, Slings and Fracture Support
• Unit 7 : Board Recovery for Non-Spinal Injuries

It is a requirement that the Additional Unit 3 : Complete Spinal Management - Pool Environment is undertaken and assessed when a course is being carried out for lifeguards at a specific pool that has a spinal board.