Effect of a water rescue course on lower limb power parameters and functional performance in the aquatic environment...

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of completing a water rescue course on lower limb power parameters assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test and on performance on task-based tests in the water.

Nineteen female lifeguard candidates (aged 18.68 ± 5.89 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used, with assessments conducted before (PRE) and after course completion (POST). The following CMJ variables were analyzed: jump height, push-off force, landing force, maximum concentric power, maximum speed, and take-off velocity. Functional performance in the water was assessed using tests in the 50 m, freestyle, front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke.

After completing the course, significant improvements were observed in selected CMJ parameters, including jump height (+8.47%; p = 0.008), rebound force (+23.42%; p = 0.006), maximum concentric power (+8.72%; p = 0.047), maximum velocity (+2.81%; p = 0.017), and rebound speed (+3.77%; p = 0.022). In the water rescue trials, significant reductions in completion times were observed for the front crawl (-4.23%; p = 0.013), 50 m kick (-5.48%; p < 0.001), two-hand pull (-7.30%; p = 0.004), one-handed chin pull (-5.40%; p < 0.001), and chest pull (-3.89%; p = 0.006).

Participation in a water rescue course significantly improves both lower limb strength and functional performance in the water. However, transfer of lower limb strength from land-based tasks to rescue tasks is moderate, and performance in the water depends more on specific functional adaptations and task-specific skills than on limb strength.