Personal Survival Awards

These awards change from time to time to take account of the latest research into immersion in cold water.  Designed to educate, these are a must for every swim programme.  It is essential that they are taught with imagination and as realistically as possible.  They could provide opportunities and a sound basis for projects and assignments covering all areas of the curriculum.

Notes to the Examiner:-

• Pupils should take the tests in the order listed here without any pauses, and without making any contact with the pool walls or floor.  If pupils are unable to remember the complete sequence instruction may be given by the teacher during which time the pupils must tread water.  The strokes used should be at the very least, efficient, i.e. smooth, controlled and stress free, but not necessarily complying with ASA law;

• Goggles should not be worn unless conditions of the water make this necessary/advisable;

• Circuits rather than lengths should be swum and pupils must wear clothing throughout both awards;

• Everyday clothes must be worn e.g.

• Boys-swim wear, long sleeved shirt, long sleeved jumper and trousers,

• Girls-swim wear, long sleeved blouse, long sleeved jumper, and skirt or trousers.

Level One

1. This group of skills tests the pupil's ability:-

2. To enter water of at least full reach depth from the side of the pool by sliding in from a sitting position;

3. To tread water for 2 minutes;

4. To swim 25 metres to a floating object;

5. To take up and hold the H.E.L.P. position for 5 minutes in water of at least full reach depth;

6. To swim 50 metres retaining the floating object;

7. To climb out from water of at least full reach depth without using the steps or rail or any other assistance;

8. To answer 3 questions on when the skills learned might be used.

Level One Sample Questions:

1. What is the safest way of entering unknown water?

2. Why should you keep your clothes on in cold water?

3. Should you take any clothing off in an emergency and if so which?

4. Why should you use only gentle movements when swimming in cold water?

5. Why do you keep your legs pressed close together in the H.E.L.P position?

6. Why do you keep your arms close to the sides in the H.E.L.P. position?

7. Why should you keep your head out of the water as much as possible?

Level Two

1. This group of skills tests the pupil's ability:-

2. To enter the water of at least full reach depth using a straddle entry;

3. To tread water for 2 minutes with 1 arm out of the water (the raised hand to be above the head throughout, candidates may change arms twice throughout);

4. To swim 25 metres to a floating object;

5. To take up and hold the H.E.L.P. position for 6 minutes;

6. To participate in a HUDDLE for 2 minutes using any floating object for support with at least 2 other similarly clothed swimmers who may be candidates.

7. To swim 100 metres retaining a floating object;

8. To climb out from water of at least full reach depth without using the steps or rail;

9. To answer 3 questions on when the skills learned might be used.

Level Two Sample Questions:

1. Which parts of the body lose heat most quickly?

2. Why should you not surface dive in cold water unless it is essential?

3. Why should you avoid jumping into unknown water?

4. If you have to swim during an emergency, why should you take the flotation aid with you?

5. When is the only time you should swim without a flotation aid?

6. Why is it most effective to H.E.L.P. or HUDDLE wearing a lifejacket?

Theory

Much research has been carried out recently into survival in cold water.  In providing the survival awards, the ASA has taken note of this research.  The awards emphasize education for survival and are not intended as a means of measuring the aquatic prowess of participants.  There are plenty of other awards for this purpose. 

The 3 most important activities are treading water, plus the H.E.L.P. and HUDDLE positions.

From the outset, those participating in water sports must be made aware of the prime importance of wearing a lifejacket and should be given the opportunity of practising skills outlined whilst wearing one.

The HUDDLE, as the name suggests, involves participants in huddling together around flotation aids in order to conserve heat.  The aim should be to pack tightly in groups of 3 or more.  The HUDDLE is also most effective when lifejackets are being worn, but other flotation aids may be used in an emergency.  After being taught the principles, participants should be encouraged to work out for themselves the most effective methods of using any flotation aids.

Te whole emphasis on survival in cold water must be directed towards retaining body heat.  For this reason, movement in the water must be kept to a minimum and those areas of the body which lose heat most quickly, ie. the head, sides of the chest and the groin, must be given maximum protection.

The first step towards preserving the heat is the retention of clothing.  Only heavy outer, waterlogged clothing should be removed.

Treading water must be performed using the gentlest of movements from the legs, using the arms to assist the leg action as necessary.

H.E.L.P.is the Heat Escape Lessening Posture for individuals using a flotation aid-ideally a lifejacket.  Other articles that might be used are plastic containers, buckets, bowls, inner tubes, wood, etc.  In the H.E.L.P.position the head should be clear of the water.  The casualty keeps the legs pressed tightly together and allows them to float into a comfortable position keeping the arms pressed closely to the sides.

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