Updates to the syllabus content:
Rescue 2 – Update to the guideline of test item 7:
Test Item 7: Appropriate entry and head up approach 25 metres. Recover a submerged manikin from the bottom (not more than 2 metres) and carry to shallow water. Show correct follow up procedures
Old Guideline: Simulated rescue situation as outlined by the Examiner. Carry subject to shallow water before commencing resuscitation.
New Guideline: Exchange the manikin for the subject at the surface and carry the subject to shallow water before commencing resuscitation.
Rescue 3 – Update to the test item and guideline of item number 5:
Updated Test Item 5: Double Rescue involving a 50 metre continuous head up approach with a rescue tube and a ringbuoy to 2 drowning subjects. Pass the ringbuoy to one subject and rescue tube to the other. Tow one subject 50 metres while encouraging the other back to safety.
New added guideline: The rescuer may clip the rescue tube and the ringbuoy together for the approach
-BLS 3: Test item 2 has been amended from “Demonstrate BVM usage (2 person)” to read “Demonstrate BVM usage (2 person) in a CPR Scenario”
Endurance 1 & 2: New condition added stating ‘swimming pool only’.
Additional changes made for clarification on some items:
· “Goggles can be used in this award” added to Endurance 1 & 2, Survival 1 & 2 and Rescue 1 award
· “Goggles may not be used in this award” added to Rescue 2 & 3 & 4
Rescue 5 – a reminder of the new award that was added. This is to help transition participants into a Beach Lifeguard course as this rescue 5 covers the pool section and can be used as RPL.
New wording for WSI material:
Following research and engagement with the ILSF, WSI have redefined the use of the some of the terminology listed below:
Subject – Only to be used in reference to the person in difficulty in a training scenario
Casualty – To be the main word used when referencing a drowning person or the person who is need of assistance in the water
Victim – To be used when referring to a deceased person
Patient – Used when referencing a person who has gone into medical care
Updates will be done to all manuals in due course and any new material should follow the usage guide listed above.
Instructor Packs:
The Lifeguarding Skills & Syllabus Development Commission have approved that the instructor packs will no longer include the full Master Syllabus (MS). Going forward they will contain the Lifesaving section only with a couple additions from the specialist awards.
PHECC:
I am delighted to inform you all that our re-accreditation has been successful with PHECC. The next steps will be to get set up administratively with them and once this is in place we will prepare a plan to re-certify instructors and begin re-introducing CFR courses on the WSI portfolio.
Hypoxic Blackout – Following the tragic incident in the Orchard Leisure Centre pool, Armagh the following update is provided on hypoxic blackout and signs for Lifeguards and attendees to watch out for:
Hypoxic Blackout or Shallow Water Blackout (SWB), also known as shallow water drowning, is a loss of consciousness whilst swimming, caused by hyperventilation and breath holding.
Hyperventilation and Underwater Swimming
Hyperventilation occurs when someone breathes too quickly or deeply. Hyperventilation lowers the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, which removes the “trigger” to breathe, even when oxygen levels become low.
Some swimmers intentionally hyperventilate before attempting to swim a long distance underwater. This practice is dangerous because it can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness caused by lack of oxygen.
This loss of consciousness, known as shallow water blackout, can occur at any depth and frequently affects experienced swimmers, free divers, and endurance athletes who hyperventilate in an effort to enhance performance. It has been linked to serious accidents and drownings, making it a significant concern for lifeguards. Without rapid rescue, death by drowning will ensue.
Lifegugrd control measures for underwater swimming risks
Lifeguards play a crucial role in preventing accidents related to underwater swimming and hyperventilation.
It is important to discourage prolonged breath-holding and educate swimmers about the associated risks.
Lifeguards should be aware that shallow water blackout may not affect your typical at-risk swimmer.
Lifeguards should be on the lookout for swimmers who hyperventilate (take short, shallow, fast breaths) OR take large forced breaths before underwater swimming.
Warning Signs of a Swimmer in Danger:
· Staying submerged for an unusually long time
· Lack of purposeful movement/ swimming motion
· Failing to respond to external cues
· Spasms in the arms, legs, or jaw
Lifeguards should continuously monitor swimmers engaging in underwater activities and act proactively, intervening immediately if any concerning signs appear.
Engaging with swimmers as soon as they surface can help reinforce safety measures and prevent potential incidents and enforce facility rules in relation to underwater swimming.
It is also important to caution individuals who repeatedly dive to retrieve objects, as this activity can pose similar risks.
Swimming Pool Lifesaving Awareness Course
Previously known as the ‘Swimming Teacher’s Life Saving Award’, this course has been refreshed and restructured to be more inclusive and appealing to individuals and organisations seeking essential lifesaving skills—particularly in and around swimming pools.
This award is ideal for leisure centres with a diverse team of staff who may not be qualified lifeguards, as well as swimming teachers looking to expand their expertise by incorporating fundamental lifesaving techniques into their skillset.
This course can be delivered by any qualified WSI Tutor. There is no HQ administration fee for this course. To register this course with HQ please fill out this link: https://watersafety.ie/swimming-pool-lifesaving-awareness-course-details After the course you can fill in the completion form: https://watersafety.ie/swimming-pool-lifesaving-awareness-course-completion-form/
Only E-Certs will be processed for this awareness course, which will be distributed by the course provider.
***The old award is going to be discontinued. The award will be phased out from the end of August 2025. If anyone has a course lined up already for after this date, please contact Hannah in HQ