Nationally Accredited - Perth and Broome WA
SISCAQU021

Perform Complex Water Rescues

Advanced rescue training for pool lifeguards and outdoor recreation leaders. Multi-casualty incidents, suspected spinal injuries, medical events in the water, and rapidly evolving rescue scenarios requiring coordinated team response.

Face-to-face
5 hours
Online theory
~3 hours
Renewal
3 years
Min. group
10 people

About This Course

Advanced Skills for Complex Aquatic Emergencies

Standard pool lifeguard training prepares you for a single conscious casualty in a controlled environment. SISCAQU021 goes further -- preparing lifeguards and outdoor recreation leaders for the complex, rapidly evolving emergencies that actually test you: multiple people in distress at once, casualties with suspected spinal injuries, medical events in the water, and situations requiring coordinated team response under pressure.

Applicable to both indoor and outdoor aquatic venues, whether built or natural. Covers assessment, decision-making, communication, advanced equipment use, and multi-factor rescue scenarios.

Delivered on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Nationally recognised statement of attainment issued upon successful completion.

Unit of Competency
SISCAQU021Perform Complex Water Rescues3-year

Course Content

What SISCAQU021 Covers

  • Situational assessment for complex multi-factor rescues
  • Appropriate rescue action selection and decision-making under pressure
  • Effective team communication and coordination during complex incidents
  • Multi-casualty rescue management
  • Rescues involving medical events in the water
  • Suspected spinal injury -- immobilisation extraction techniques and equipment
  • Advanced rescue equipment selection and use
  • Navigating hazards during active rescue operations
  • Managing rapidly evolving situations with multiple team members
  • Organising ongoing care and emergency services handover
  • Best practice, legislation, and organisational policy compliance
Practical Assessment Requirements

To pass the practical assessment, participants must demonstrate:

  • 25m non-contact tow of a casualty
  • 10m contact tow of a conscious casualty
  • Submerged casualty rescue
  • Rescue of a casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation extraction techniques and equipment
Entry requirement -- prior rescue experience

Participants must have a basic understanding of performing water rescues prior to enrolling. Suited to current pool lifeguards and outdoor recreation leaders with existing aquatic rescue competency.

Course Delivery

Online Theory + Face-to-Face Practical

SISCAQU021 uses a blended delivery model -- online theory is completed before the face-to-face session so that all practical time at your facility is focused on rescue skills and scenarios.

  • Online pre-course learning: Approximately 3 hours via the Training Desk student portal. Includes theory and assessment tasks. Accessible via computer, smartphone, or tablet.
  • Face-to-face practical: 5 hours delivered at your pool or aquatic facility. All practical rescue skills, scenario training, and assessments completed on-site.
  • Delivery location: Your pool, aquatic centre, or facility across Perth metro and Broome WA. We come to you.
  • Certificate: Nationally recognised SISCAQU021 statement of attainment issued by Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909 upon successful completion.
Who should do this course?
  • Pool lifeguards wanting to advance beyond basic certification
  • Outdoor recreation leaders responsible for aquatic activities in natural environments
  • Aquatic centre supervisors and senior lifeguards
  • Emergency response team members at aquatic facilities
  • Council and government aquatic facility staff requiring advanced competency

Common Questions

SISCAQU021 FAQ

Do I need to be a current pool lifeguard to enrol?
You need a basic understanding of performing water rescues prior to enrolling -- this course is not for beginners. Current pool lifeguards and outdoor recreation leaders with existing rescue experience are the primary audience. Contact us before booking if unsure.
How long does the online component take?
Approximately 3 hours, though this varies by individual. Those with prior experience may complete it faster; those newer to the subject may need more time. Online work must be completed before attending the face-to-face session. You need a computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access.
Can WCWS deliver at our pool in Broome?
Yes -- WCWS is based in Broome and delivers all aquatic training throughout the Kimberley with no fly-in costs. We are one of the only nationally accredited aquatic safety training providers actually based in Broome.
Is SISCAQU021 nationally recognised?
Yes -- SISCAQU021 is a nationally recognised unit from the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. The statement of attainment is issued by Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909, on whose behalf West Coast Water Safety delivers the training.
How often does SISCAQU021 need to be renewed?
Every 3 years. WCWS can schedule renewal sessions at your facility to keep your whole team current across all aquatic rescue qualifications in a single visit.

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Book SISCAQU021 for Your Team

Complex water rescue training at your pool. Min 10 participants - Perth and Broome WA.

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