NVBLQ adjustments due to COVID-19 During COVID-19 some adjustments have been made to NVBLQ training and assessments. Where skill cannot be performed in full slight adjustments have been made and are detailed below. NVBLQ qualifications awarded with ‘COVID restrictions’ on the certificate will have been assessed using the adjustments below. Operators/Employers should competency test the NVBLQ holder to ensure there are competent to carry out the necessary skills to work within the venue/facility. Skill Adjustments for training and assessment during COVID-19 Swim 400 metres in under 8 minutesWater-based fitness skills in a pool or open water environment. Swimming pool - 400m swim in 8 minutes or less, if use of a swimming pool if not feasible then one of the following must be completed: 400m swim in calm water/ minimum waves and current within 9 minutesor200m run – 200m swim – 200m run test within 9 minutes. Casualty recognitionDescribe and demonstrate the characteristics of casualties in distress and describe surveillance methodology. If no access to pool demonstrate in beach environment Defence and release actionsDemonstrate rescues without equipment – rescuer safety. Where someone from the same household bubble is not available, a manikin should be used for this skill and it should be supported by explanation. If no access to pool demonstrate in beach environment. Search for and retrieval of a submerged casualtyDemonstrate a surface dive and underwater swim If no access to pool demonstrate in beach environment, the candidate should demonstrate they can dive to 1.5 m and retrieve an object from the seabed. Candidate should also describe how they would use a search pattern to search for a casualty who is submerged. Contact towsDemonstrate rescues without equipment – recover casualty If no access to pool demonstrate in beach environment. 1 contact tow (depending on conditions) should be demonstrated using a manikin where someone from the same household bubble is not available. Hand, flag and whistle signals Operational communications within a lifeguard team. Candidate should have their own personal whistle. Run 200m, swim 100m, conscious casualty tube rescue, run 200m Demonstrate a level of fitness combined with applied knowledge and skills in an operational environment and demonstrate rescues with equipment – rescue tube. Focus of this test is techniques and assessor can ask candidates to demonstrate specific skills in isolation, for example wading or porpoising. Where someone from the same household bubble is not available a manikin should be used for this element, supported with demonstration and explanation of use of rescue tube. NB where a manikin is used, the manikin can be fed to the candidate by the Trainer on a rescue board, the Trainer must maintain the distancing guidance. Run, unconscious casualty retrieval, assessment, and treatment Demonstrate lift and carry of casualty. Skills should be broken down to allow to move from manikin to live casualty when it is safe to do so, for example once the casualty reaches shallow water a team wearing PPE can take over. Where someone from the same household bubble is not available a manikin should be used for close contact part of this skill. Rescue board skills and casualty rescue (unconscious) Demonstrate rescues with equipment – rescue board. Requires separate demonstration of elements: Demonstrating board paddling technique elements (no change). Demonstrate putting an unconscious casualty onto board (using manikin or someone from the same household bubble). Returning to shore - explain trim and balance with casualty in the surf zone (using manikin or someone from the same household bubble). Contact towDemonstrate rescues without equipment Where someone from the same household bubble is not available a manikin should be used for this skill and it should be supported by explanation. Manage Cookie Preferences