Retrieve Underwater Object (RUO)
INTRODUCTIONRetrieve Underwater Object develops submersion skills, specifically focusing on depth control and underwater navigation. It is characterized by submerging down to an object and grabbing it with the hands, while keeping the eyes open. Becoming proficient with Retrieve Underwater Object develops Underwater Competency and Breath Control Competency.
Underwater skills allow the full breadth of aquatic environments to be explored, and have many safety applications, such as ducking under an oncoming wave or even navigating the confines of a sinking boat. Underwater skills also play a crucial role in finding and returning to the surface after an unexpected entry, which can place an individual in virtually any position and facing any direction. Retrieve Underwater Objective incentivizes students to cope with the sensations and factors that accompany being underwater, and helps them become more comfortable with submersion, opening their eyes to look underwater, and controlling their depth.
Individuals who are first learning to submerge and retrieve objects may find it difficult to get down to the depth of the object. Because of this, initially focusing on the concept of buoyancy, and using weight above the water to aid in submersion (such as with a bobbing action) can provide success with the skill before depth control is mastered. Focusing on the concept of ‘action-reaction’, in this case sweeping the hands upward to propel downward, can aid in developing the ability to reach and maintain depth. The ability to maintain depth can also be developed by building an understanding of the relationships between a full breath of air, buoyancy, and the time that can be spent submerged. As individuals become more proficient underwater the focus should shift to adaptability, including being able to perform both feet first and head first surface dives, and navigating and finding objects while submerged.
The Retrieve Underwater Object skill is defined as the following:
Note: This skill may be performed using the pool bottom or wall.
Body
Eyes remain open while retrieving object
Hands away from face; does not cover mouth, does not hold or plug nose
Skill sequence
Start with head above surface
Fully submerge body down to object; may be feet first or head first
Travels underwater approximately 6 feet toward object
Retrieve object with hands
Return to surface
Breathing
Breath held or exhaled while underwater
Test Course
Perform this assessment in water that is chest deep, placing the object on the pool bottom approximately 6 feet away from the students starting position. If chest deep water is unavailable, hold the object so it is submerged about 4 feet below the surface, approximately 6 feet away from the students starting position. Students may use any method to travel while submerged.
If a student is unable to travel while submerged (or unable to travel the full 6-feet underwater), you may need to modify the test course to most accurately assess the students ability to submerge and retrieve. Place the object directly below the student. In this case, they will not be able to perform all the criteria necessary to receive the highest score, but it may allow them to demonstrate their actual ability in submerging to depth and retrieving, and thus receive an appropriate lesser score.
Scoring
The following scoring rubric lists the gradients of key requirements and deficiencies that provide an overall description of different competence levels.
A single score of 1 - 4 is assigned based on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s performance.
✔
1
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Unwilling to be submerged to depth of object
✖ Does not attempt to submerge
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Submerge face (eyes, mouth, and nose)
Attempts to submerge to depth of object
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not retrieve object or drops object before reaching the surface
✖ Retrieves object with feet
✖ Needs assistance submerging or returning to surface
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Submerges down to depth of object
✔ Locates object underwater
✔ Retrieves object with hands
✔ Returns to surface
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Retrieves object that is less than 6ft away
✖ Feels/grasps to locate object (keeps eyes closed underwater)
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Submerges down to depth of object
✔ Looks to locate object underwater
✔ Travels underwater ~6ft to object
✔ Retrieves object with hands
✔ Returns to surface