Qualification details

Release 3.  Updated superseded SIS units.

Release 2.  Updated superseded HLT, MAR units.

Release 1.  This is the first release of this qualification in the PUA - Public Safety Training Package.

The PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) is designed for introductory level participants in aquatic rescue activities. This will include rescuing, resuscitating and performing basic first aid in aquatic incidents that may involve oceans, rivers, swimming pools and vessels operating in coastal areas.

The role of an aquatic rescuer is to recognise and rescue a person experiencing difficulty in the water, to identify and use different types of rescue equipment and to communicate with community members and other agencies in the event of an aquatic emergency. This may include undertaking basic patrol duties and developing surf awareness to be able to participate in lifesaving operations.

This qualification includes the units of competency required by aquatic rescuers to perform a range of activities such as responding to rescue incidents and conducting patrols. It typically involves working as a team member, under guidance, in aquatic rescue operations.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

A total of 8 units of competency comprising

• 6 core units  listed below; plus
• 2 elective units  from the general elective units listed 

Choose a minimum of 1 elective unit from the elective list below.

Select the remaining 1 elective unit from the elective unit list below or elsewhere in this training package or another endorsed training package or accredited course.

All elective units selected from outside this qualification must be from an equivalent qualification level or higher.

Elective units selected from outside the qualification must not duplicate content already covered by units in this qualification.

Where imported units are selected, care must be taken to ensure that all prerequisite units specified are complied with.

Prerequisites attached to any of the units must be obtained and are additional to the number of units required for this qualification.

Where a prerequisite is attached to a unit it is identified by the symbol ∟.

By default, all prerequisites listed with ∟ become part of the core and elective units of this qualification.

Core units  

HLTAID010

Provide basic emergency life support

PUACOM001

Communicate in the workplace

PUASAR012

Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills

PUASAR013

Participate in an aquatic rescue operation

PUATEA001

Work in a team

PUATEA004

Work effectively in a public safety organisation

General elective units 

MARF029

Meet work, health and safety requirements

MARF035

Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)

MARF041

Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)

MARK008

Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within near coastal waters

PUACOM002

Provide services to clients

PUAEQU001

Prepare, maintain and test response equipment

PUAOPE009

Navigate in an aquatic environment

PUAOPE013

Operate communications systems and equipment

PUASES012

Work as a team member in an emergency operations centre

PUAVEH001

Drive vehicles under operational conditions

PUAWHS001

Follow defined work, health and safety policies and procedures

SISCAQU019

Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations

SISCAQU020

Perform water rescues

SISCAQU028

Assist participants with disability during aquatic activities

∟ SISCAQU024 Teach water familiarisation, buoyance and mobility skills

∟ SISCAQU025 Teach water safety and survival skills

This qualification replaces but is not equivalent to PUA21012 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)