• Medical Considerations
Training involves physical exertion in both pool and open-water environments and some medical
conditions can affect ability and performance in the water. Although our tropical water temperature
allows the pursuit of aquatic activities throughout the year, however, prolonged exposure during a hot day or cold weather may invite adverse medical effect, i.e. heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn, hypothermia and etc..
If a candidate has any medical condition that might impair them they would be advised to consult their doctor before undertaking the training course or examination. A trainee should inform his trainer if he has any long-term medical condition, e.g. asthma, arthritis etc or if he needs medication at any time during the training, e.g antibiotics, pain relief. These situations may affect one’s performance and in some circumstances, may result in severe medical consequence. The information will be kept in confidence, but others who need to know (fellow Trainers and Examiners etc.) will be advised.

• Attire
Minimum of appropriate swim wear, shorts/T-Shirt, footwear, additional protective outfit (i.e.
stinger/wetsuit) and/or with recognized workplace uniform, where appropriate and applicable.
Footwear may be discarded during swim rescues if it is safe to do so. For pursuit of open-water
training/examination, a high visibility lifeguard cap or swim cap must always be worn.

• Cleansing Manikins
When using manikins ensure they are properly cleansed before and after they are being used. Usually some sterilizing wipes are available for this purpose.

• Jewellery and Clothing
Jewelry including body jewelry must be removed during training and examination. A trainer/examiner will insist that jewelry is removed as it may be hazardous for the candidate or person acting as casualty.

• Entering Water by Diving
When entering the water a safe entry appropriate for the circumstances must be demonstrated. When diving, a shallow dive may be used. However, candidates should be able to dive, without risk to their hearing, to a maximum depth of 1.5m or 1.8m. It may be appropriate for candidates to seek medical advice with regard to diving to depths greater than 1.5m or 1.8m. Trainers and Examiners MUST advise candidates of the dangers inherent in diving to depths greater than 1.5m or 1.8m.

• Diving to Depths
You should be aware that there may be a risk of damage to your hearing by diving to depths greater than 1.5 metre. All dives are undertaken at your own risk. If you are unsure, please discuss with your Trainer or Examiner.

• Spectacles, Goggles and Contact Lenses
To avoid injury the wearing of spectacles in the water by a candidate or ‘casualty’ during swimming
sessions or examinations is not permitted. Spectacles may be worn in theory tests and to view
practical tests. Where a candidate wears spectacles, these may be removed prior to entering the
water. Candidates are responsible for and should make suitable arrangement for their safe keeping. Contact lenses may be worn for training and assessment (where applicable) at the discretion of the candidate. The SLSS recommends that candidates seek advice from their doctor or optician.

 

In line with medical advice, goggles can be worn by candidates during both training and assessment (where applicable) for lifesaving awards:
- You need to be aware of the relative risks associated with goggles. Goggles should be put on
and removed by holding the lenses in place over the eyes whilst carefully adjusting the elasticized
strap at the back of the head.
- Care should be taken to ensure that goggles are adjusted correctly and do not become
dislodged or dragged when catering the water.

 

• Landing and Lifting
When lifting or landing a ‘casualty’, an assisted lift shall always be demonstrated.

• Water/Climatic Information
Knowledge of the water (open-water) and weather conditions should be obtained in prior from the
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Meteorological Service.