Water rescue requires the mastery of a set of knowledge and techniques to rescue a drowning victim. But how do you learn and train in aquatic rescue? Which rescue dummy to choose? We tell you everything about this essential educational tool for any swimming and sea lifeguard course.

Pool mannequin for lifeguards and aquatic events

With the help of a swimming pool mannequin, amateurs and seasoned rescuers can learn, master, and perfect the aquatic rescue skills necessary for each drowning situation.

Discover in particular the reference and the very popular Ferron MP swimming pool rescue mannequin. Of an adult size and the appropriate weight for water rescue events, it is ideal for training sessions to prepare for the state lifeguard certificate and the swimming lifeguard certificate (BNSSA, BSB, BEESON). Indeed, once submerged, it weighs the regulatory weight of 1.5 kg at a depth of 1m. In addition, to facilitate and allow progressive learning, its weight-lead system allows it to be reduced to 1kg.

Another model is also loved by trainers and lifeguards, and that is the aquatic mannequin, Ruth Lee. Designed to represent the full body of an adult with realistic weight distribution, it allows different scenarios of water rescue to be staged. Very solid and unconformable underwater, it is designed in France with solid materials to ensure a long period of use.

This rescue dummy has all the features that allow apprentice lifeguards to train effectively and improve their grip techniques, lifting a person to the surface, towing, and removing the victim out of the water.

Aquatic rescue dummy for rescuers at sea

Designed to simulate a conscious or unconscious victim in the water, the Male Overboard mannequin Ruth Lee floats in a realistic position where the head and shoulders are inconspicuous. Its technical characteristics make it possible to replicate very realistic movements and movements of a drowning victim.

This educational and training tool allows lifeguards to effectively learn all the skills required to safely extract a drowning victim in the sea, in a stream, or in a lake.

This rescue dummy considerably improves training performance and allows you to acquire the best gestures and reflexes to adopt in an emergency.

Zoom on some rescue techniques in white water or in a swimming pool

In the water, a person in difficulty about to drown panics very quickly. Thus, when the rescuer approaches, the person will want to cling to him and can block his rescue actions.

Therefore, to avoid sinking with the person in difficulty and to remain in control of his movements, the rescuer adopts release techniques:

Wrist relief: First, leaning on the victim, turn your hands to take their wrists. Then, let go of one of your hands and take with it the opposite arm of the victim just above his elbow. And finally, turn the victim to position him in the towing position.
Neck clearance: First, take the victim’s hands so that you reach for the inside of the palm and the thumb with your fingers. Then easily turn his wrists so that the victim can let go of the neck. Finally, turn the victim and position him in the towing position.
Note: be careful never to let go of the victim in your release gestures.

Following the release and placing in towing position, the rescuer adopts the back-pedaling technique. This technique allows the victim to be towed out of the water. Here are some essential points to observe when backpedaling:

  • The head of the victim or the rescue dummy must be continuously above the water.
  • The pace must be sustained.
  • The rescuer’s grip on the victim must be firm and solid throughout the backpedal.