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Surf Lifeguard Skills - Tube Rescue
Master surf lifeguard tube rescue: Secure the tube for quick use, wear the strap for comfort, and approach the patient with efficient swimming. Reassure and secure the patient with the tube, using backstroke for visibility on your return. Manage multiple or unconscious patients safely.
Master surf lifeguard tube rescue: Secure the tube for quick use, wear the strap for comfort, and approach the patient with efficient swimming. Reassure and secure the patient with the tube, using backstroke for visibility on your return. Manage multiple or unconscious patients safely.
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Tying a rescue tube

  • Roll the connecting lanyard around the centre (or between 1/2 way and 3/4 towards the buckle end) of the rescue tube
  • Tuck the shoulder strap under the coiled lanyard

... so that once the shoulder strap is pulled loose from the rope, the rescue tube and the lanyard will automatically unwind

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Step 2 of 15

Entering the water

  • As the rescue tube automatically unwinds, the lifeguard should place his/her head and one arm through the shoulder strap

  • The shoulder strap should sit on one shoulder and under the other, crossing the chest diagonally

Wear the strap on the opposite shoulder of your breathing side when swimming for comfort.

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When you enter the water, wade and dolphin dive till waist depth, then put on your surf fins before swimming towards the patient.

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Approaching the patient & Returning to shore

  • Swim towards the patient, observing him/her at all times
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  • When you are within voice range, reassure the patient so you create a calm atmosphere
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  • Push the rescue tube toward the patient
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  • The patient will grab the rescue tube to keep afloat. When the patient is calm, the lifeguard should clip the rescue tube around him/her
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  • The lifeguard asks the patient to lie back and assist by kicking while you swim towards the shore
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  • The lifeguard should do backstroke to keep an eye on the patient and the surf, then change to front crawl
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<p><strong>For multiple patients</strong></p> <ul> <li>The lifeguard should assess the best order in which to assist the patients</li> <li>Let other lifeguards know you need help by using the ASSISTANCE REQUIRED SIGNAL</li> <li>The 1st patient should be secured with the rescue tube</li> </ul>

For multiple patients

  • The lifeguard should assess the best order in which to assist the patients
  • Let other lifeguards know you need help by using the ASSISTANCE REQUIRED SIGNAL
  • The 1st patient should be secured with the rescue tube
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Step 11 of 15
<ul> <li>Then assist any other patient(s) to a position where they can lock their arms inside the rescue tube to keep themselves afloat</li> <li>While waiting for assistance, the lifeguard should talk to the patients, explaining what will happen when assistance arrives</li> </ul>
  • Then assist any other patient(s) to a position where they can lock their arms inside the rescue tube to keep themselves afloat
  • While waiting for assistance, the lifeguard should talk to the patients, explaining what will happen when assistance arrives
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Step 12 of 15
<p><strong>For an unconscious patient</strong></p> <ul> <li>Upon reaching the unconscious patient, immediately give the ASSISTANCE REQUIRED SIGNAL</li> <li>The lifeguard should clip the rescue tube around the patient and immediately carry out the lifeguard manual steps for unconscious patient rescue</li> </ul>

For an unconscious patient

  • Upon reaching the unconscious patient, immediately give the ASSISTANCE REQUIRED SIGNAL
  • The lifeguard should clip the rescue tube around the patient and immediately carry out the lifeguard manual steps for unconscious patient rescue
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Step 13 of 15
<p><strong>If a large wave approaches</strong></p> <ul> <li>The lifeguard should go back, secure the patient and tell him/her to hold their breath as you both go under the wave</li> <li>Duck under the wave and kick to the surface while holding the rescue tube.</li> <li>In the shallows, the lifeguard walks backwards to help the patient to dry land while watching the surf.</li> </ul>

If a large wave approaches

  • The lifeguard should go back, secure the patient and tell him/her to hold their breath as you both go under the wave
  • Duck under the wave and kick to the surface while holding the rescue tube.
  • In the shallows, the lifeguard walks backwards to help the patient to dry land while watching the surf.
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Returning to shore

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Single person drag