SLSGB Rescue Water Craft (Jet-ski) Driver

To provide a qualification that meets the International Lifesaving Standards for professional lifeguarding as an operator of a Jet Ski that has a sled for rescue operations.

Validity

12 months from the date of assessment. An SLSGB RWC proficiency must be completed to maintain validity, on an annual basis.

Pre-requisites

• Minimum of 18 years of age on the date of assessment.
• Hold a valid SLSGB Beach Lifeguard Qualification, or a nationally/internationally recognised ‘Lifeguard’ qualification equivalent.
• Minimum Guided Learning Hours – 20 hours prior to assessment.

Syllabus

PART A: THEORY, FITNESS AND DRY TESTING

• Theory: Complete the RWC – Driver -theory Paper (multiple choice, pass mark of 80%). Theory questions concern all aspects of RWC operations and are given on the day of Assessment. Answers to theory papers may be given orally if required.
• Fitness: Complete the standard fitness test for RWC operations.
• Dry: Demonstrate knowledge of the following sections.

Section 1 Technical Knowledge

• Technical information
• Pre-Operational Duties
• Post-operational duties

Section 2 General Knowledge

• Public image
• Risk vs. benefit
• Signals
• Radio
• International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
• Knots
• Preparing a RWC for transportation
• Rescue Boat Code

PART B: RESCUE SKILLS AND WET TESTING

Section 3 General Operations

• Effective positioning of the RWC for operations
• Launch and recovery
• Starting and boarding
• Driving in surf
• Beaching the RWC

Section 4 Hazards and Surf Survival

• The Punching Manoeuvre
• Impeller Clearance Procedure
• The Capsize Drill
• Engine failure in surf and returning a disabled RWC to shore

Section 5 Rescue Techniques

• A single casualty rescue from a surf zone or unbroken water by a solo driver
• A single casualty rescue from a surf zone or unbroken water by a dual crew
• A single casualty rescue near rocks or obstacles by a dual crew requiring a Rescue Tube
• A mass rescue
• Mass rescues Requiring Alternative Techniques

Section 6 Casualty Management and Evacuation

• Casualty lifting techniques
• Dive incident management and hypothermia
• Casualty transfer

Section 7 Patrol, Search and Craft Assistance

• Patrolling and shepherding
• Combined RWC/IRB operations
• Search types
• Windsurfer recovery
• Kite Surfer recovery

Assessment

• Complete the SLSGB RWC driver-training course and in the process accrue 20 hours afloat (including 10 hours in surf greater than one metre high, for ‘Surf Endorsement’).
• Submit a completed training log for each candidate to the Assessor.
• Each candidate completes a multiple choice theory paper (pass mark 80%).
• Each candidate completes Part A: Theory and Dry Testing.
• Each candidate completes Part B: Rescue Skills and Wet Testing.