Movimentu Kalma Iha Bee Project (Calm Moving Water Project), Atauro Island, Timor-Leste.

Zone Learning 1 – CPR & Recovery Position

Zone 1 introduces participants to the DRSABC emergency response framework, providing the foundational steps required to respond safely and effectively in an emergency situation. This knowledge is essential in helping community members recognise danger, assess a casualty, and take appropriate action before further help arrives.

DRSABC includes:

D – Danger: Check the area is safe for yourself, the casualty, and others before approaching.

R – Response: Check if the casualty is conscious and responsive.

S – Send for Help: Call for emergency assistance or alert others nearby.

A – Airway: Ensure the airway is clear and open.

B – Breathing: Check if the casualty is breathing normally. (10 seconds)

C – CPR: Begin chest compressions and rescue breaths if required. (2 Breath: 30 Compressions)

Participants also learn the recovery position, an important technique used to safely position an unconscious breathing casualty. This helps maintain an open airway, supports breathing, and reduces the risk of choking while waiting for further assistance.

Zone Learning 2 – Floating & Survival Swimming Skills

Zone 2 teaches participants essential water survival skills, including kicking on their front and back, floating, and staying afloat in both assisted and unassisted environments.

These skills are designed to ensure participants can move safely through the water toward shore, a flotation aid, or a safe point while awaiting rescue. Learning how to remain calm, control breathing, and conserve energy in the water is critical to increasing survival outcomes during water-related emergencies.

A strong focus is placed on floating and staying afloat, as these are vital survival techniques for Atauro Island community members. Many local water incidents occur from individuals accidentally falling from fishing boats while collecting or managing nets.

Zone Learning 3 – Survival Backstroke

Zone 3 teaches participants the Survival Backstroke, an essential water safety skill designed to support safe movement through the water while conserving energy.

Survival backstroke allows participants to remain on their back while gliding across the water’s surface, promoting normal breathing, body control, and relaxation in the water. This technique is highly effective for travelling longer distances with minimal physical effort, making it an important skill during emergencies or when fatigue begins to set in.

By learning survival backstroke, participants develop greater confidence in their ability to stay calm, breathe effectively, and move toward safety while using as little energy as possible.

Zone Learning 4 – Lifejacket Safety & Water Survival

Zone 4 teaches participants the importance of lifejacket safety and correct lifejacket use in both land-based and water environments.

Participants learn how to properly put on and remove a lifejacket, as well as how to safely assist others with fitting and adjusting lifejackets both on land and in the water. These practical skills help build confidence and ensure participants understand how to use flotation equipment effectively during emergencies.

Participants are also given opportunities for independent lifejacket water practice, allowing them to experience buoyancy, body positioning, and movement while wearing a lifejacket. This develops familiarity and comfort in the water while learning how flotation devices support survival.

As part of this zone, participants are taught the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Position), a critical survival technique used to reduce body heat loss and conserve energy while waiting for rescue in the water.

Zone Learning 5 – Rescue Awareness & Aquatic Emergency Response

Zone 5 teaches participants how to recognise and respond to aquatic emergencies safely and effectively.

Participants learn a range of basic rescue techniques, including throw rescues, accompanied rescues, and unaccompanied rescues. These skills help participants understand how to support someone in difficulty in the water while prioritising their own safety.

A key focus of this zone is teaching participants how to assess emergency situations and use resources available around them to assist others. This includes identifying and using nearby objects or flotation aids that can be thrown or extended to a person in distress to help keep them afloat or assist in moving them toward safety.

Learning these techniques prepares participants for real-life scenarios and strengthens their confidence, decision-making, and practical response skills during water-related incidents.