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SISCAQU020 - Perform water rescues


Aquatic venues pose risks which can be very serious and life threatening. Patrons can be put in danger for many reasons and can quickly become distressed in the water and in need of rescue.  

Students will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to manage the safety of participants in aquatic recreation facilities, indoor or outdoor, and perform basic water-based rescues in a range of situations. Training will also cover the requirements for reporting incidents and maintaining confidentially.

Specific licensing requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training, should be obtained from the relevant state/ territory work health and safety regulatory authority.


Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

SISCAQU020 - Perform water rescues

Course Delivery

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

Course Durations

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

Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 3 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 2 Hours

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

  • An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID).
  • Physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstration skills including:
    • Visual acuity to effectively scan and patrol the aquatic venue, monitor patron activity, and identify hazardous behaviours that may pose risks. Must also be able to recognise common visual signs of distress in the water (e.g. lack of movement, arm waving).
    • Capacity to hear and respond to audible signs of distress, such as patrons calling for help.
    • Perform two (2) non-swim rescues - reach and throw rescue
    • Complete a 10-metre non-contact tow
    • Complete a 10-metre contact tow

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

Delivery mode: Online with face-to-face - The online pre-course learning and theory assessment is expected to take approximately 2 hours to complete. These timeframes are estimates. Individuals with prior experience in similar training may complete the online component in less time, while those new to the subject may need more time to complete all the learning content and theory questions.


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

This certificate does not require renewal

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

Performance Tasks

  • Recognise and respond to three (3) situations:
    • Perform two (2) non-swim rescues - reach and throw rescue
    • Complete a 10-metre swim and then complete one non-contact tow, towing the rescued person for at least 10 metres, and remove the person from the water without assistance from another person
    • Complete a 10-metre swim and then complete one contact tow, towing the rescued person for at least 10 metres, and remove the person from the water with assistance from one other person

Documentation â€“ complete an Incident Report form 

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

Students are required to complete a self evaluation against the following core skills as part of the enrolment process. This will allow your trainer to understand any additional support that may be required during the course delivery and assessment.
Learning I can remember and follow steps to help keep myself and others safe in and around water.
Reading I can read signs, instructions, or safety guides in an aquatic environment
Writing I can write short notes or fill in basic forms about what happened during a water-related incident.
Oral Communication I can communicate clearly and listen carefully when receiving or giving instructions, especially in team-based, noisy, or time-sensitive situations
Numeracy I can use numbers to track time, check water depth, and judge distances to help make safe decisions
This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909