This is a sample lifesaving exam. The actual syllabus varies in different countries. Use it as a reference for the training you need for your lifesaving class.

Theory Questions

Answer 4-8 questions on lifesaving. Show a clear understanding of the following areas:
1. Water Safety
2. Survival in Water
3. Rescue Principles

1. Land Based Rescue

A conscious casualty is in deep water, 2 to 10 meters from safety. A selection of rescue aids is avaliable, as specified by the examiner.
1. Demonstrate a land based rescue.
2. Ensure the safety of the casualty.

This will either be a rope throw, pole reach, torpedo throw, or reaching with an item of clothing. Whatever you do, DON'T enter the water!

2. Water Based Rescue (Wading Rescue)

A conscious casualty is in deep water, 15 to 20 meters from safety. A selection of rescue aids is avaliable, as specified by the examiner.
1. enter shallow water and wade towards the casualty.
2. demonstrate a water based rescue.
3. assist the casualty to land.

If possible take a (buoyant) aid with you and minimise the contact between yourself and the casualty.

To land the casualty, the examiner wants to see a stirrup landing, so avoid the temptation to use the steps!

3. Non-Contact Rescue - this is a timed swim

A conscious casualty is in deep water, 50 meters from safety. The rescuer will start the test dressed in swimwear, long sleeved shirt, and trousers or skirt, any of which can be discarded as desired. Don't forget to take an item of clothing with you before you dive in. No other rescue aids are avaliable.
1. Enter deep water.
2. Swim 50 meters to the casualty.
3. Demonstrate a non-contact tow over 50 meters.
4. Assist the casualty to land from deep water.
5. Treat for shock.

A time of 3 minutes 15 seconds will be allowed, from the start of the test to the end of the swim and tow. The timer stops when you touch the side of the pool, so do this, THEN support the casualty. Try not to touch the bottom of the pool when you turn around during the tow. Keep talking to the casualty.

4. Contact Rescue

A conscious casualty is in deep water, 50 meters from safety. No rescue aids are avaliable.
1. Swim 50 meters to the casualty.
2. Demonstrate a contact tow over 50 meters.
3. Escape and take defensive action when necessary.
4. Assist the casualty to land from deep water.
5. Provide aftercare.

The casualty will attempt to grasp the rescuer before the tow starts and will struggle once during the rescue. Take your time to get your breath back during this tow, it isn't timed. Escaping takes up quite a bit of energy! Shout and get about 3 meters away from the casualty when they struggle.

5. Resuscitation Rescue

An unconscious casualty is submerging 15 meters from safety. No buoyant rescue aids are avaliable.
1. Enter the water and swim 15 meters.
2. Recover an object (brick) from a depth of 1.5 to 1.8 meters.
3. Substitute the object for an unconscious casualty.
4. Tow the casualty to a point of support.
5. Shout for help.
6. Assess the condition of the casualty (a pulse is present).
7. Commence supported expired air ventilation.
8. When appropriate land the casualty with assistance.
9. Reassess the condition of the casualty.
10. Continue expired air ventilation on land as directed by the examiner.
11. Place in the recovery position.

A time of 1 minute and 15 seconds will be allowed from the start of the test to the point at which both rescuer and casualty are in a position of firm, secure support. DON'T change which hand you are towing with to make support easier, so think about it before you start towing.

When landing the casualty make sure that someone has control of the head. Be prepared for action for vomit, which some examiners might ask for.

6. Initiative Test - Incident

Two casualties are in deep water up to 20 meters from safety. The rescuer will start the test dressed in swimwear, long sleeved shirt, pullover and trousers or skirt. A selection of other rescue aids may be made avaliable. Bystanders may be used.

Demonstrate the attempted rescue of both casualties, making use of avaliable aids and bystanders.

The test will last at least one minute, where the examiner can stop it when they see fit. Anything could happen in the incident, so just be aware of EVERYTHING happening in the pool.

Quickly assess the situation, don't waste time, jump in as you are and use your clothes as rescue aids for non-contact rescues. Take a bouyant aid and a stick along, just in case.