A HORROR year for drowning which claimed 302 Australian lives has prompted urgent calls from the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia for increased parental awareness, a greater emphasis on swimming and water safety education, and extreme caution when swimming in rivers, lakes and dams to halt the rising death toll.
– 2009 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report [1],
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia
LEVEL 1 – SWIMMER 1.
Explain the “buddy” system and basic rules for safe swimming.
(Swimming Achievement Badge)
In older children aged between 5 and 14, more than half of all drowning deaths occurred in rivers and almost three-quarters of those who died were boys. Too many children aren’t being given the information and skills to accurately judge the risks posed by natural waterways. …
– Rob Bradley, [3]
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia CEO
LEVEL 2 – SWIMMER 5
Using a personal flotation device (PFD) demonstrate the Heat Exposure Lessening Posture (HELP) for two minutes.
(Swimming Achievement Badge)
… The basic paradigm of aquatic lifesaving is to affect a rescue, without placing oneself at risk. Twenty-five fit, untrained adults were recruited to assess their lifeline throwing abilities. Results from 190 competitors as participants in the Line Throw events at the National Australian Pool Lifesaving Competition 2009 were analyzed for speed, efficacy, and accuracy. It takes a medium time of 35 s for an untrained bystander to throw a lifeline. Only 20% can throw a line within 2 m of the target at a first attempt. In the heat of the moment, 20% do not secure the end of the flung rope. Trained children can affect a 10 m accurate throw and pull a potential victim to safety with a medium elapsed time of 23 s. …
– “Flinging the Squaler” Lifeline Rescues for Drowning Prevention [4]
John H. Pearn, Richard C. Franklin
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education 3(3), August 2009
LEVEL 2 – SWIMMER 4.d
Explain and demonstrate a rescue method, the recovery position and the importance of getting adult help.
(Swimming Achievement Badge)
[1] 2009 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report (2009-Sep-14) [Royal Life Saving Society - Australia]
[2] 2009 Royal Life Saving Society national drowning report (PDF) (2009-Sep-14) [Royal Life Saving Society - Australia]
[3] 2009 Royal Life Saving Society national drowning report (2009-Sep-15) [Australian Policy Online]
[4] “Flinging the Squaler” Lifeline Rescues for Drowning Prevention (Abstract) IJARE, 3(3), August 2009, Copyright © 2009 [IJARE]
