Rescue me

Lesson 11 – 60 minutes

Learning outcomes

• Attempt or perform swimming in surf with a rescue tube.
• Attempt or perform a tube rescue for a swimmer in distress.
  

Preparation

• Rescue Tubes (enough for one between two participants).
• Swim Fins (optional).
• Swim Buoys x 2.
• Water Safety Personnel (1:5).
  

Discuss

• Discuss the parts of a Rescue Tube and when it is used.
  

RESCUE TUBE
Parts of the Rescue Tube.

• Tube shaft – is the main floatation device.
• Clip and ring – the clip connects to the ring at either ends of the tube to secure the patient.
• Rope and strap – used by the lifesaver to tow the patient in the tube.
• When a Rescue Tube is used / when on patrol / doing roving patrols / to conduct rescues.

Discuss

• Start the lesson by discussing the surf conditions and safety considerations before entering the water.
  

Activity 1

1. Have water safety personnel set up a small swim course using swim buoys.
2. Organise the participants into small groups (as many groups as there are rescue tubes).
3. Give each group a rescue tube.
4. Send out the first participant of each group to swim around the buoys and repeat till all participants in the group have had a turn.
   

Discuss

• Discuss with the participants the technique for conducting a Rescue Tube Rescue.
  

Coaching Points

RESCUE TUBE RESCUE

1. Enter the water holding the tube under your arm and swim fins in the other hand.
2. Run and wade to knee depth before throwing the tube to the side and putting your fins on.
3. Observe your patient continually.
4. Swim until you are within 2m of the patient and tell them what you are going to do.
5. Push the tube towards the patient while reassuring them.
6. Clip the patient into the tube and begin to swim back to the beach towing the patient.
7. Anticipate waves and secure patient if possible.
8. Assist from the water.
   

Demonstrate

• Chose a participant to help you with the demonstration.
• Using the participant as a patient conduct a simulated tube rescue on the beach.
  

Activity 2

• Ask the participants to pair up and give each pair a rescue tube.
• Have the participants practice tube rescues on the beach.
  

Activity 3

1. Conduct tube rescues in the water.
2. Ensure water safety personnel are in place.
3. Have one participant (the patient) from each pair swim out to sea and signal for assistance.
4. The next participant in the pair (the rescuer) swims out to the patient and conducts a tube rescue returning to shore with the patient.
5. Have participants swap roles and repeat tube rescue.
   

ASSUMED SKILLS
This lesson assumes participants have acquired previous skills from earlier awards:

• Wading and dolphin-diving.
• Body surfing.
• Surf swimming techniques.
• Negotiating large waves.
• Experiences a rescue tube.