The purpose of this guide is to establish a minimum level of knowledge and skills for the water rescue responder. The application will improve the quality of initial emergency response, the rescue of the water victims, and the safety of the rescuers.

All persons who are identified as water rescuers and water rescue responders shall meet the requirements of this guide.

This guide does not preclude the scope of performances for water rescuers needing more advanced or more specialized water rescue training.

This guide will assist government agencies, state, local, or regional organizations; fire departments; rescue teams, and others who are responsible for establishing a minimum performance for personnel who respond to water emergencies.

1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope of performance of a water rescuer I who may be responsible for the initial on scene evaluation, performing land based water rescues, and providing initial patient care at a water rescue incident.

1.2 This guide is one in a series; water rescuer I is only a beginning level designed for a water rescue responder. Duties and responsibilities at water rescue operations vary according to the water rescuer's skills and knowledge. As the water rescuer level I progresses and becomes more proficient, the individual will move from responder to in-water rescuer to rescue boat operator.

This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.