'The Kingfishers'

Lifesaving Techniques

Royal Life Saving Society

Techniques

Body is tucked tightly and the head is protected by the arms and hands.

Fall in entries are used when the depth or state of water cannot be accurately determined

The log roll entry can be used if the water is clear.

TOWING

Red tows are the most hazardous because they involve entering deep water or entering the contact zone or direct contact with the casualty,

Amber tows are hazardous because they involve the rescuer entering the water, or reaching in to the “contact zone” or indirect contact with the casualty

Amber - Reaching rescue

Amber - Watercraft rescue

Amber - Wading rescue

Green tows are the least hazardous because they do not involve entering the water and use non-contact methods of rescue. However, these skills still present a risk to the rescuer.

Green - Shout and Signal rescue

Green - Throwing rescue

The photos below show the RED tows.

Rope Throw

Coils of rope should be of even lengths

Hand, into which the rope is coiled, should be held still

Stable base with opposite foot to throwing arm, forward

Keep focused on casualty

Shout instructions and reassurance

Underarm throw - throwing arm remains straight and follows through forward

Rope Throw

Coils of rope should be of even lengths

Hand, into which the rope is coiled, should be held still

Stable base with opposite foot to throwing arm, forward

Keep focused on casualty

Shout instructions and reassurance

Underarm throw - throwing arm remains straight and follows through forward

Rope Throw Pull In

This is an AMBER skill because the rescuer reaches into the contact zone and there is indirect contact with the casualty:

Thrower stays low (kneel or lay down) with a wide stable base, positioned away from the water’s edge

Pull on the rope strongly, hand over hand

Extended Arm Tow:

Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.

Towing arm is fully extended to maintain distance from casualty, and to facilitate the tow.

Contact by the rescuer is made by cupping the hand around the chin of the casualty, away from the throat/mouth - to keep the head out of the water.

Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick or side stroke.

Clothing Tow:

Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.

One hand supports the back of the casualty’s head to keep it out of the water.

The other grasps the casualty’s shirt / top near the shoulder

Rescuer keeps their elbows as straight as possible

Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick

Chin Tow:

Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.

Contact is made by cupping the hand around the chin of the casualty, away from the throat/mouth - to keep the head out of the water and the airway as clear as possible.

Casualty is brought close to the rescuer's body by flexing at the elbow.

Rescuer rests the casualty’s head on their shoulder

Tow using lifesaving backstroke kick

Cross Chest Tow:

Only used with an unconscious casualty - it is graded a RED rescue because it requires direct contact with the casualty.

Position the towing arm over the shoulder and across the chest of the casualty.

Towing arm runs diagonally across the chest of the casualty

Rescuer must not put their hand or arm under the casualty’s arm pit.

Lift the casualty with your hip.

Tow using lifesaving side stroke

Towing With An Aid

This is a RED skill because it requires the rescuer to enter the water and reach into or enter the contact zone, using indirect contact with the casualty:

Enter the water safely with a suitable aid (pole, branch, item of clothing etc)

Wade or swim to casualty

Use the defensive stand off position and communicate with the casualty

Keep as far from the casualty as possible and extent the aid to them

Tell the casualty to hold onto the aid, turn onto their back and kick their legs

Use life saving backstroke or sidestroke to tow the casualty to a safe landing position

If the casualty climbs up the aid, let go and use the defence reverse - making lots of splash