Lifesaving

Skills Development

Specific Foundation / Core

The course is also offered to exchange programme students.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to have acquired the following: Knowledge - Understanding of instructional methods for teaching swimming techniques in lifeguarding. - Ability to select appropriate preparatory exercises that facilitate the learning of these techniques. - Theoretical background in human physiology in cases of drowning. - Knowledge of rescue techniques. - Knowledge of first aid techniques. Skills - Effective organization and management of lifeguarding spaces and equipment. - Proficiency in victim approach and towing techniques. - Competent use of lifesaving equipment. - Application of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, and injury management. - Capability to detect risk, rapidly assess emergency situations, and communicate effectively. Abilities - Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively within a team to carry out successful rescues. - High level of endurance and strength, with the ability to swim quickly and over long distances. - Perceptual skills for monitoring and promptly recognizing potential hazards. - Qualification for obtaining a lifeguard certification.

Course Purpose and Description The aim of this course is to cultivate a comprehensive and holistic understanding of swimming techniques and lifesaving skills in the context of lifeguarding. Particular emphasis is placed on the didactic approach to teaching, with a focus on the continuous observation, identification, and correction of technical errors, as well as the enhancement of the participants’ swimming proficiency. The course follows a dual-structured approach: on the one hand, it incorporates theoretical knowledge regarding human physiology in drowning situations; on the other, it emphasizes the practical application of lifesaving techniques. The instructional framework is organized into three main modules: (a) an introductory module, which addresses the properties of water, human physiology, and swimming techniques used in lifesaving, (b) a module focused on the management of lifeguarding environments to optimize rescue effectiveness, and (c) a practical module that involves experiential and hands-on training across the full scope of the curriculum. Course Objectives The course aims to: - Present the physical properties of water and human physiology. - Provide guidance on organizing safe swimming-based lessons for lifeguarding instruction. - Employ a pedagogical approach tailored to learners in lifeguard training. - Develop participants' swimming and lifesaving competence. Weekly Schedule – Content – Learning Outcomes Week 1 – Introduction. Water properties, human physiology, and lifesaving swimming techniques. - Understanding the lifesaving process (Knowledge) Week 2 – Front and sidestroke swimming. Skill assessments. - Knowledge and competence in lifesaving swimming techniques (Knowledge – Ability) Week 3 – Swimming for physical fitness. Assessments. - Understanding training methods for enhancing swimming and lifesaving skills (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 4 – Use of training aids. Swimming in clothing. Improvised flotation from clothing. - Recognizing the needs of participants in lifesaving swimming (Skill – Ability) Week 5 – Swimming for physical fitness. Assessments. - Understanding training methods for enhancing swimming and lifesaving skills (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 6 – Rescue techniques in pools, lakes, rivers, and the sea. - Development of experience and execution in lifesaving operations (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 7 – Release techniques. Towing techniques in water. - Development of experience and execution in lifesaving operations (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 8 – Land-based victim transport techniques. Free diving. - Development of experience and execution in lifesaving operations (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 9 – Underwater swimming. Breath control. Visibility and hearing in water. - Development of experience and execution in lifesaving operations (Knowledge – Skill – Ability) Week 10 – Physiology of drowning. Dry drowning. Freshwater vs. saltwater drowning. - Theoretical knowledge (Knowledge) Week 11 – First aid. - Theoretical knowledge and its practical application (Knowledge – Skill) Week 12 – Practical training. - Application of lifesaving techniques and feedback (Skill – Ability) Week 13 – Final presentations. Comprehensive review of learning outcomes and course evaluation. - Presentation, critique, and evaluation (Ability) Teaching Methods The course will employ a range of active learning strategies, including: - Lecture-based presentations and participatory in-class discussions. - Small-group collaborative projects with an interdisciplinary perspective, promoting cooperative learning. - Development of practical skills through experiential and hands-on exercises. Learning Resources & Materials Students will have access to a variety of academic resources, primarily available via the institution’s e-learning platform. These will include: - Weekly study notes. - Suggested supplementary readings for deeper understanding. - Selected case studies related to the field of lifeguarding.

25-06-2025