I am going to be getting my rescue certification in the next year or so. I am told this class is quite physically challenging. For the people who've done it recently, how did you prepare your self? I am not a big burly guy by the way... i am 5'9 and about 136lbs. I am wondering if there is any specific thing i should do to prepare my self. I have been going to the gym, lifting weights, and i plan to start doing laps in our local pool. If there is any other recommendations, i would greatly appreciated it. Thanks!
Is training required for Rescue??
- Thread starter Linze0611
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KenJr
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My wife, myself and our 15 year old just completed our NAUI Rescue course this weekend. I am 52 my wife is 50. It was one of the most physically challenging things I have done in my life. I would say you are doing everything you should to prepare(a lot more than I did, but wish I had).
As hard as this course was it is the best training we have done.
As hard as this course was it is the best training we have done.
Rescue is one of the most fun courses you will ever do IMHO, provided of course your instructor is not wanting to make it to much of a boot camp style thing. You are already doing well in preparation and I do not think you should worry about it too much. Staying fit is always a good idea for all divers and size also doesn't matter that much. Sure egressing a big, heavy bloke will be more difficult than a light and skinny one, but if the situation demands, or even if you have bystanders readily available make us of them and "deputize" them to assist you in getting the guy out of the water. Use your resources, I say!Linze0611:
Best thing is to pay close attention in learning how to deal with the situation calmly, methodically, slowly (without wasting time), and properly. The thing I find most of my students struggle with is to calm themselves down and take control of the stress they themselves are experiencing first before they engage to quickly and effectively dealing with the issue at hand.
The fitter you are, the easier you will be able to deal with any situation, that goes for all divers, not just Rescue students
) My instructor was an ex fireman and then professional paramedic and our course was riddled with real life scenarios - including assisting on a real ambulance duty with him and his crew. It's amazing to see these guys in action as calmly as ever - it gave me a real good example to strive for.Hope you have every ounce of fun I did on mine!
Ditto, my advice is to swim and dive as much as you can. It is a great course. The best till you get to Dive Master!
Exactly!Louma:
johntt1986
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yep for sure what everyone else said, a little extra training wouldnt hurt at all
fisherdvm
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I am half of the size of the folks I rescued. It was no problem at all to tow them, or to approach and assist them.
I wouldn't do a fireman carry on these 200 plus pounders, though... That's what we have the plastic rescue dummy for.
I personally did not find the physical demand of rescue that challenging, but I do stay fit. I don't think size of the rescued in the water is an issue, just don't attempt to lift someone you are not capable of... That would wear you out quickly.
I wouldn't do a fireman carry on these 200 plus pounders, though... That's what we have the plastic rescue dummy for.
I personally did not find the physical demand of rescue that challenging, but I do stay fit. I don't think size of the rescued in the water is an issue, just don't attempt to lift someone you are not capable of... That would wear you out quickly.
It's not about being super mane. It's about doing the best you can with what you have and who you are.
Improved fitness and strength are both good stuff but as long as you are a fit diver just go for it. Many things have modified techniques and procedures for times when proportions just won't work.
Pete
Improved fitness and strength are both good stuff but as long as you are a fit diver just go for it. Many things have modified techniques and procedures for times when proportions just won't work.
Pete
fisherdvm
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I'd second what spectrum said. They are not going to purposely trying to humiliate you. Folks are making the class into Ranger training, it isn't.
It is better to take it if you are fit for diving. I wouldn't defer it because you haven't got the stamina you did in high school. Realistically, I think the scenarios can be difficult for a poor swimmer. These folks can get panicked if a realistic scenario have you gasping for air. I think if your main swim stroke is the back stroke, you should work on your swimming before doing the rescue class.
It is better to take it if you are fit for diving. I wouldn't defer it because you haven't got the stamina you did in high school. Realistically, I think the scenarios can be difficult for a poor swimmer. These folks can get panicked if a realistic scenario have you gasping for air. I think if your main swim stroke is the back stroke, you should work on your swimming before doing the rescue class.
I third it...
you didn't specify which agency - however the PADI rescue course can be tailored somewhat to account for differences in physical size and strength. Clearly a 4 foot thai girl is not going to be able to haul a 90kg rugby player out of the water onto a boat but she might be able to pull him out through the surf onto a beach. It should be physically demanding, but it doesn't have to be. Equally I don't agree with the "boot camp" philosophy either
Good luck and HAVE fun!! IT should be one of the best courses you ever do!
you didn't specify which agency - however the PADI rescue course can be tailored somewhat to account for differences in physical size and strength. Clearly a 4 foot thai girl is not going to be able to haul a 90kg rugby player out of the water onto a boat but she might be able to pull him out through the surf onto a beach. It should be physically demanding, but it doesn't have to be. Equally I don't agree with the "boot camp" philosophy either
Good luck and HAVE fun!! IT should be one of the best courses you ever do!
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