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Open Water Lifesaving

For lifesavers who have learnt rescue skills in the pool, the next step is to put this into practice in the open water.

RLSS UK has a number of open water lifesaving awards as part of the progressive programme of awards, and NSVL can offer training for them all from our headquarters on Whitley Bay beach.

Our Rookies programme gives Rookies the chance to visit the beach and experience the sea in the summer season, and for those 12+ we can offer the Assistant Beach Lifesaver, Bronze Cross (14+) and Silver Cross (15+) awards.

All of these provide an excellent step towards gaining the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification at 16.

The awards are also suitable for adults who do not want to take the full Beach Lifeguard qualification.

Assistant Beach Lifesaver Award Tests
	1	2	3	Theory
Aged 14 at date of examination A current Bronze Medallion. Open water experience during that season Clothing must be worn, but wetsuits are not permitted.	Receive details of injuries sustained by two casualties from a beach lifeguard. Run 400m to the nearest phone, request the appropriate emergency service and advice that service of the number of casualties, their condition and the assistance required.	A conscious weak swimmer is in difficulty 50m from wasit depth water. Taking instructions from a lifeguard and use any equipment from the list to: Demonstrate a 50m safe approach, communication from a stand off position and a 50m non-contact rescue. Assist the casualty to land and treat for a cold water injury.	A conscious casualty is in deep water at least 50m beyond waist depth. Using an item of equipment from the list not used in (2) rescue the casualty. Assist the casualty to land and treat for shock.	Answer a number of questions from the Rookie Star Grade 4 and Optional Programmes on: Water Safety; Self Rescue; Rescue principles; Sea awareness; Torpedo buoy; Bends and hitches; Mask Snorkel Signals; Customer Relations; Radios; Body boards; Rescue ski; Rescue board
Equipment	4	5	6	Life Support & First Aid
Torpedo buoy Swim fins and towel Rescue board Rescue ski Rowing craft Body board	In waist deep water, take instructions from a beach lifeguard who has brought ashore an unconscious casualty. Take over the handling of the casualty from the lifeguard who is required to assist another casualty in deep water. Assess the condition of the casualty and carry out supported EAV whilst landing the casualty with assistance of a bystander. Once on dry land, instruct the bystander to get assistance from the emergency services whilst carryingo out single operator CPR on a recognised manikin for between 2 and 6 minutes at the Assessor's discretion. Place a casualty in the recorvery position and treat for shock.	Using the appropriate hand signals, simulate the direction of a beach lifeguard to a point where an unconscious casualty has disappeared from sight in deep water.	A conscious casualty is in difficulty in deep water 200m from the point of entry. Using an item of rescue equipment not used in (2) or (3), perform a safe approach over 200m and provide support pending the arrival of an inshore rescue craft or lifeboat.	Answer a number of questions from Rookie Star Grade 4 Emergency Response. Complete the Life Support 1 syllabus.

Bronze Cross and Silver Cross Assessment Tests
Bronze Cross	Rescue close in	Rescue further out	Resuscitation rescue	Theory (Bronze and Silver Cross)
Aged 14 at date of examination A current Bronze Medallion. Open water experience during that season Clothing must be worn, but wetsuits are not permitted.	A conscious casualty is in deep water 2 to 8 metres beyond waist depth. A selection of rescue aids is available. Perform a reach, throw or wade rescue assist casualty to land demonstrate appropriate aftercare	Two conscious casualties are in difficulty up to 20m beyond waist depth. One is between 10 and 20m beyond waist depth. A selection of rescue aids is available. Demonstrate the rescue of both casualties making use of the available aids and bystanders	An 'unconscious' casualty is floating face down 20m beyond waist depth. No buoyant rescue aids are available. Swim to the casualty, turn the casualty and tow 20m. Assess the casualty's condition, simulate supported rescue breathing, land casualty with assistance, place in recovery position, treat for shock and cold	Answer 4 - 6 questions on identifying local hazards and water safety in and around open water Answer 2 - 3 questions on the effects and implications of the elements on performing a rescue. Answer 2 - 3 questions on the practical treatment for hypothermia, shock and drowning
Silver Cross	Rescue close in	Rescue further out	Resuscitation rescue	Contact Rescue
15 years old at date of assessment. A current RLSS Bronze Cross and Life Support 2 Award. Clothing must be worn, but wetsuits are not permitted.	Two conscious casualties are in difficulty up to 8m beyond waist depth. A selection of rescue aids is available. Bystanders may be used. Demonstrate the rescue and appropriate aftercare of both casualties making use of the available aids and bystanders	Two casualties are in difficulty between 10 and 20m beyond waist depth. A selection of rescue aids is available. Bystanders may be used. Demonstrate the rescue and appropriate aftercare of both casualties making use of the available aids and bystanders	An 'unconscious' casualty is floating face down 30m beyond waist depth. Swim to the casualty, turn the casualty and assess the casualty's condition. Tow 30m to firm support simulate rescue breathing, check for signs of circulation, land casualty with assistance and place in recovery position treat for shock and cold	A conscious casualty is in difficulty 30 metres beyond waist depth. No aids are available. Swim 30m to casualty perform a defensive action/block, demonstrate a contact tow over 30m. Escape and take appropriate action when necessary. Assist casualty to land

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