Snorkelling, Open Water

Transcription

1 Snorkelling, Open Water Activity scope This document relates to Snorkelling as a club activity. This may include swimming on the surface of the water using snorkelling equipment, or breath-hold diving and swimming below the surface for a relatively sustained period of time. This document refers to snorkelling undertaken at any venue other than a swimming pool. Risk Level The actual risk level will vary according to the specific circumstances of the activity and these must be considered when assessing the inherent risk level and planning the activity. As a starting point, ask the following questions: Which Pathfinders will be involved? Where will the Pathfinders be? What will the Pathfinders be doing? Who will be leading the activity? What will the Pathfinders be using? High Inherent risk level Likely chance of a serious incident and injury requiring medical treatment Action required / approval An Activity Risk Assessment must be completed. Youth Director to review and approve risk assessment. Obtaining parental permission is recommended. Pathfinder Leaders/leaders: Activity description: Start Date Finish date: No of Pathfinders (approx.): Class Groups Supervision ratio (approx.): pg. 1 Northern Austrlain Conference Youth Department 2016

2 Listed below are the minimum recommendations for this type of activity. For any items ticked No, provide further information regarding the additional or alternate controls to be implemented for the safe conduct of the activity Minimum supervision Adequate adult supervision is to be provided. In determining what is adequate, consider the number of pathfinders, their individual needs, and the nature of the activity Supervisors should be knowledgeable of the requirements of the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2010 (the Code). The Code directs that for a group of 10 or less snorkellers, the supervisor may also be the guide and lookout. With groups over 10, a separate person must be identified as the lookout. The Code also directs that pathfinders/parents be advised that snorkelling is a dangerous activity and that those participating must, if they have a medical condition that may impact on their safety, be cleared by a medical practitioner, to do so. At least one adult must hold the minimum qualifications as outlined below, under Minimum Qualifications Blue Card requirements must be adhered to. Two adults including: one adult with the minimum qualifications outlined below two adults ready to enter the water at ALL times. Note: Additional adult supervision may be required depending on: individual needs and number of pathfinders conditions/characteristics of the dive (site/route) plan profile of the group including their degree of training and experience purpose of the activity experience of the leader(s). Minimum qualifications The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to raise their qualification level above the minimum listed. Current first aid Qualifications including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR or ready access to first aid facilities, including qualified personnel Blue Card requirements met For the adult leading the activity: Bronze Medallion or equivalent OR competence (demonstrated ability) in the teaching of recreational swimming. A pathfinder leader could demonstrate their competency through their: knowledge of the activity and the associated hazards and risks experience (i.e. previous involvement) in undertaking the activity demonstrated ability and/or expertise to undertake the activity possession of qualifications related to the activity. pg. 2 Northern Austrlain Conference Youth Department 2016

3 Minimum equipment/facilities If No is ticked, provide further information. Yes No First aid kit suitable for activity Communication system: phone-line at location mobile phone Pathfinder/adult messenger Walkie Talkie/UHF radio Other Sun safety equipment (hat, sunscreen, shirt etc) Drinking water (Pathfinders should not share drinking containers.) Dive flags Flotation and reaching aids (Reaching aids may include light-weight poles, noodles or ropes with a float attached.) Further information Governing bodies/associations Yes No Guidelines/codes of practice are established for this activity. See Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2010, Safety in Recreational Water Activities Bill 2011 and review other industry websites, e.g. AUF, AUSI. Have these been considered during the planning of this activity? Further information: Hazards and suggested control measures All persons engaging in this activity should: identify the hazards, including any additional hazards not mentioned here assess their significance manage the potential risks. Listed below are indicative hazards/risks and suggested control measures. They are by no means exhaustive lists. After checking these, add details of any other identified hazards/risks and additional controls you intend to implement. Hazards/risks Control measures Yes No Implementation plan / Animal bites/diseases Marine Stinger Dangerous animals Adhere to the Surf Life Saving Queensland Marine Stinger Risk Management Guidelines. Additional controls pg. 3 Northern Austrlain Conference Youth Department 2016

4 Hazards/risks Control measures Yes No Implementation plan / Biological Material Body fluids Environmental Conditions Temperature Weather conditions Water visibility Rips Physical exertion Strains and sprains Cramps Exhaustion and fatigue Vehicles Boats, cars Water Risk of drowning Panic Pathfinders Special needs High risk behaviours Medical conditions Pathfinder numbers Pathfinders with open cuts and abrasions are to be removed from the activity and treated immediately. If bleeding cannot be controlled completely, the participant should not be allowed to return to the activity. All clothing, equipment and surfaces contaminated by blood should be treated as potentially infectious Select dive location having regard for the: o depth of water o tidal flow and currents o visibility o water temperature o underwater vegetation o marine life o protection from watercraft. Assess weather conditions before and during activity (e.g. temperature, storms). Advise pathfinders against hyperventilation Have appropriate warm-up and warmdown activities. Follow progressive and sequential skills development. Constantly monitor Pathfinders for fatigue and exhaustion. Constantly monitor surroundings for presence of vehicles. Consult appropriate documents, such as zoning plans produced by the Department of Environment and Resource Management or other relevant authority. Ensure pathfinders participating are suitability competent. Adhere to Recreational swimming guideline Obtain parental permission, including relevant medical information. When Pathfinders with medical conditions are involved, ensure that relevant medical/ emergency plans and medications are readily available (insulin, Ventolin, Epipen, etc.) Ensure there is adequate adult supervision. Ensure systems are in place to monitor pathfinder numbers. Additional controls pg. 4 Northern Austrlain Conference Youth Department 2016

5 Additional control measures These would relate to the specific Pathfinder needs, location and conditions in which you are conducting your activity. Hazards/Risks Control Measures Submitted by: Date: List the names of those who were involved in the preparation of this risk assessment. Approval Approved as submitted: Approved with the following condition(s): Not approved for the following reason(s): By: Signed: Designation: Date: Monitor and review To be completed during and/or after the activity and/or at the completion of the series of activities. Are the control measures still effective? Have there been any changes? Are further actions required? Details: Yes No pg. 5 Northern Austrlain Conference Youth Department 2016