An initiative test is where there are two or more casualties up to 25 meters from safety in various situations that must be dealt with within at least two minutes. Afterwards the candidate will be asked to answer questions regarding their actions.

You may also include questions on water safety and rescue techniques including priorities of a rescue and survival in water. The answers are all hidden on this web site.

In an initiative test the teacher sets up a scenario in which one or more rescuers deal with an emergency situation. Consider these factors when planning an incident:

1. What is size of the area?
2. How deep is the water?
3. How many casualties and in what state are they?
4. How far are they from a point of safety?
5. What rescue aids are available?
6. Where are the points of safety?

When setting up your initiative test make sure it is a realistic scenario. Make them think, avoid the obvious. In a real incident the casualties probably wear clothes, so bear that in mind as it can make a significant difference.

The rescuer should always start fully clothed. Any clothes can be used as rescue aids, but may be discarded if they are seen as a hindrance.

The initiative test should only contain elements which your class has already trained for. You may want to set an initiative test at the end of a training sessions as a review of the new skills.

Setting up the scenario

The pool should be as they can see it, not contain imaginary elements like shopping trolleys stuck in mud below the surface or any such things.

Brief the casualties where you want them, what kind of casualty they portray and how many clothes they should wear.

Clearly describe the situation to the rescuers without giving away the plot. Rescuers should asses the situation and act accordingly.

Example 1

A casualty in waist deep water has severe stomach cramps. The rescuer should demonstrate an effective wading rescue and assist the casualty out of the pool.

Example 2

A non-swimmer has slipped and fallen into deep water in a pool. The rescuer should demonstrate an effective land-based rescue and instruct the casualty to climb out.

Example 3

A weak swimmer and a non-swimmer are about 10 meters from the pool side. The rescuer should demonstrate an effective rope rescue and instruct the casualties to climb out of the pool.

Example 4

An unconscious casualty floats about 5-8 meters from the pool side. A panicking non-swimmer is about 20 meters away. The rescuer should demonstrate an effective rescue, choosing which casualty to get out first. This will require the rescuer to enter the water to reach the non-swimmer, reassure him and get him out of the water.

Example 5

Sometimes there may be no rescue aids available, so the rescuer has to use his/her clothes instead. In this scenario there is an injured swimmer and a weak swimmer in need of help over 15 meters from a point of safety. The rescuer has to decide what clothes to keep on and what to take off.

If you can think of more scenarios please email them in. We would be most grateful.