STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Poolside Helper

STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Poolside Helper (NaRS[PH]) : Syllabus

NaRS Poolside Helper Specification

The specification for the qualification is:

Theory Section

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

1. The legislative background.
2. The swimming pool.
3. Pool safety operating procedures.
4. First Aid.
5. 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. Be able to swim 25 metres (candidates who can not swim 25 metres must be able to demonstrate the ability to wade, and effect a rescue, in a pool with a depth no greater than 1 metre).
2. 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.
3. Either:
1. Cover 5 metres in the deepest part of the pool to reach a weak swimmer in difficulty and perform a 5 metre contact tow to safety,
OR
2. Cover 5 metres in the deepest part of the pool to reach an injured swimmer and perform a 5 metre tow to safety.
4. Cover 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. Cover 5 metres in shallow water to reach a casualty with a suspected spinal injury. Take the casualty to safety and support with assistance; buoyant aids may be used.
6. While teaching a group of at least 4 pupils initiate the appropriate procedures, rescue and provide aftercare of one of your pupils from a previously unknown simulated emergency situation. At the completion of the test give reasons for your actions.

Resuscitation Section

1. Using a live simulated unconscious casualty 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.
2. Using a suitable manikin, demonstrate neutral alignment and the jaw thrust manoeuvre for a casualty with a suspected spinal injury.
3. Demonstrate CPR for 2 minutes each on:
1. An adult manikin.
2. A child manikin.
3. A baby manikin.
(Face shields or masks may be used)

Site-Specific Training

After completion of the NaRS[PH] course and examination candidates will be qualified to act as probationary pool safety cover. 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 worksheet to the satisfaction of the pool management in respect of every pool at which the swimming teacher/poolside helper operates.
• Undertake ongoing training.

NaRS Poolside Helper Assessment

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

• Completion of the end of element multi-choice question paper, each question is worth 1 mark, with a 70% pass mark.
• Completion of the Portfolio to the satisfaction of the course tutor (Foundation and NaRS[PH]).
• Completion of the Worksheets to the satisfaction of the Tutor and Examiner.
• Continual assessment by the Tutor.
• Demonstrate the ability to carry out various defined rescue activities in a safe manner.
• Demonstrate CPR and the preparatory actions and aftercare.

Re-validation

The NaRS[PH] qualification is valid for 2 years only and it is only valid for acting as a lifesaver whilst supervising a swimming lesson/coaching session. 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.