A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Appendix D Sample First Aid Kit)

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1 Snorkeling Secondary - Curricular 2018 All pools are governed by the Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565, July 1, 2018 by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and by the Recreational Camp Regulation 568. Sections of these regulations have been highlighted, as they are of the utmost importance for the safety of students participating in swimming programs. This activity page must be presented to the activity provider prior to the activity taking place. The activity provider must meet the minimum requirements listed on this page. For more information on planning trips using outside providers, consult Appendix O - Outside Activity Providers. Equipment A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Appendix D Sample First Aid Kit) A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be accessible. Determine that all equipment is safe for use (e.g., no sharp edges, sharp corners, cracks, or splinters). Students must be encouraged to report equipment problems to the teacher. Accessibility to standard safety equipment as stated in Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565. Of particular note: ring buoys reaching poles spinal boards For Recreational Camps: Must have accessibility to standard safety equipment, as stated in Regulations 503/17: one or more buoyant rescue aid attached to a shoulder loop with a 6mm (1/4 )-line at least 1.6m (5 ) in length one or more reaching poles of 3.7m (12 ) or greater in length one or more buoyant throwing aids attached to a 6mm (1/4 ) line at least 8m (26 ) in length spinal board paddleboard or boat, when any part of the swimming area is more than 50m (164 ) from the shore. Snorkeling Page 1 of 7

2 Clothing/Footwear/Jewellery Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Suitable swimwear is required. Fins or suitable footwear to protect against protruding objects in lakes, rivers or ponds. Fins, if worn, must fit properly. Follow the rules of the pool/activity provider for the wearing of jewellery. When long hair poses a safety risk it must be secured. Devices (e.g. hair pins, clips and barrettes) used to tie back long hair must not present a safety concern. Facilities Backyard pools must not be used. Pool deck must be clear of obstacles. Acceptable snorkeling locations include: school/community swimming pools commercial pool facilities recreational camps (lakes, ponds, rivers) within designated areas open water snorkeling must occur within clearly defined boundaries Determine that all facilities are safe for use. Students must be encouraged to report facility problems to the teacher. No cave snorkeling. Special Rules/Instructions Be aware of students whose medical condition (e.g., asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion, orthopaedic device) may affect participation. (Consult Fundamentals of Safety) Students with infected cuts or sores must not be in the pool. Inform in-charge person on deck of any student with a medical history or any medical problems that may affect the student s safety in water (e.g., diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy, frequent ear infections). Students must not participate in the activity until they receive information on concussion prevention specific to the activity, inherent risks of the activity (e.g. outline possible risks and ways to minimize the risks), and procedures and rules for safe play. Students must receive instruction on the importance of reporting symptoms related to a suspected concussion. Snorkeling Page 2 of 7

3 Refer to individual school board s transportation procedures related to communicating with parents/guardians the location of an off-site activity and the means of transportation used as well as to the need for obtaining parent/guardian permission. Emergency procedures must be outlined to students prior to entering the water. Activities must be modified according to the age, ability level, language, and experience of students and the facility available. Previous training, fitness level and the length of time and intensity of physical activity must be taken into consideration. Skills must be taught in proper progression. A proper warm-up and cool-down must be included. Students must adhere to the following rules: no running or pushing on deck no gum chewing no food in pool area stay clear of diving area no diving off deck into water less than 2.75m (9 ) in depth no street shoes on deck Initial instruction on snorkeling must occur in shallow water. Snorkeling instructional swim may include organized games, relays, etc., but CANNOT include an unorganized free swim. Adequate liquid replacement (personal water bottles, water fountains) must be accessible for students before, during and after physical activity to prevent dehydration. Swim Test for Water Activities Prior to snorkeling, students must successfully complete the following swim test in its entirety: rolling entry (backwards or forward) into deep water at 2.75m (9 ) minimum depth tread water for 1 minute swim 50m (164 ) continuously any stroke The components of the swim test must be completed in sequence and without any aids or stops. The test must be administered by a certified aquatic instructor (test is based on the Lifesaving Society s Swim to Survive Standard). The swim test must be completed within the school year in which the activity is taking place. In lieu of completing the swim test, students may provide proof of Bronze Medallion certification or higher. Snorkeling Page 3 of 7

4 Results of the swim test must be documented and communicated as per school board policy (e.g., to the student, teacher, principal, parents/guardians, trip guide(s), lifeguards, aquatic instructor, and outside provider [if applicable]). Students who do not pass the above swim test or who do not have the aforementioned certification must not snorkel. Environmental Considerations When environmental conditions may pose a risk to student safety (e.g. thunderstorms [lightning] or student(s) with asthma, triggered by air quality), teachers must take into consideration their school board/school s protocols and procedures related to: environmental conditions (consult Appendices F-1 to F-6: Lightning Protocol, Sample Air Quality Index, Sample Temperature, Tornado, Ultra Violet Index, and Wind Velocity Preparedness Guides]); and insects (e.g., mosquitoes and ticks [consult the school/school board s protocols and/or regional Public Health Department s website]). Students must receive instruction on safety procedures related to environmental conditions and be made aware of ways to protect themselves (e.g. sun burn, heat stroke). At all times the school board s weather and insect procedures are the minimum standards. In situations where a higher standard of care is presented (e.g., outside activity providers, facility/program coordinators), the higher standard of care must be followed. Supervision On-site supervision is required. A teacher or other school supervisor must accompany pupils to the site and be on site for the duration of the activity. Snorkeling Instructor Qualifications A teacher who is providing instruction and is unfamiliar with snorkeling techniques must seek assistance from an appropriate source (e.g., experienced staff member or a qualified snorkeling instructor). Non-teacher instructor must hold an instructor certificate issued by one of the following: American and Canadian Underwater Certifications (A.C.U.C.) National Association of Underwater Instructors (N.A.U.I.) Professional Association of Diving Instructors (P.A.D.I.) Where the non-teacher snorkeling instructor is not certified there must be a certified lifeguard present. Aquatic Instructor Qualifications for the Swim Test for Water Activities Snorkeling Page 4 of 7

5 Aquatic instructors must hold one current (to be current, the date on the certificate must not be older than two years) aquatic instructor certificate and one current assistant lifeguard or lifeguard certificate. If the aquatic instructor does not hold a lifeguard certificate or an assistant lifeguard certificate, a certified lifeguard must also be on deck during the aquatic instruction and/or swim test. Aquatic Instructor Certificates: Canadian Red Cross - Water Safety Instructor Certificate Lifesaving Society - Instructor Certificate Lifesaving Society - Swim Instructor Certificate YMCA - Instructor Certificate Ontario Teachers Aquatic Standard (OTAS) - for pool situations only Lifeguard Certificates: Canadian Red Cross - Pool Lifeguard Lifesaving Society - National Lifeguard - Pool Equivalent certificate approved by Minister of Health and Long Term Care Assistant Lifeguard Certificates: Canadian Red Cross - Assistant Lifeguard Lifesaving Society - Bronze Cross Equivalent certificate approved by Minister of Health and Long Term Care Lifeguard Qualifications An individual over the age of 18 (e.g. teacher, instructor, trip guide, volunteer) must have a current (to be current, the date on the certificate must not be older than two years) lifeguard certificate issued by one of the following organizations: Canadian Red Cross - Pool Lifeguard Lifesaving Society - National Lifeguard Pool Equivalent certificate approved by Minister of Health and Long Term Care Supervision Ratios for the Swim Test for Water Activities There must be a minimum of two certified aquatic instructors on deck or in the pool. Supervision ratio is 2 aquatic instructors to 1-50 students, with both instructors also certified as lifeguards, or one lifeguard and one assistant lifeguard. In situations where there are students, an additional certified aquatic instructor is required. If assistant lifeguards are used, the number of assistant lifeguards on deck may never exceed the number of lifeguards. Supervision Ratios for Instructional Time In pools, the supervision ratio is 2 instructors per 40 students and in lakes, ponds and rivers, etc., the Snorkeling Page 5 of 7

6 supervision ratio is 2 instructors per 25 students - with both also certified as lifeguards, or one lifeguard and one assistant lifeguard. Supervision Ratios for Recreational Time (Free Swim No Instruction) If students are issued snorkeling equipment and are given a recreational free swim in a pool, the supervision ratio must remain at 2 supervisors per 40 students. In lakes, ponds, rivers, the supervision ratio is 2 supervisors per 25 students. According to Ontario Public Pool Regulation 565, during a recreational/free swim, a certified lifeguard is required. Aquatic instructor certification and Ontario Teachers Aquatic Standard (OTAS) do not meet the safety requirements of the regulation. When certified lifeguards are on deck, the minimum ratio of lifeguards to bathers on deck and in the pool is: 2 lifeguards per bathers. If the teacher is a certified lifeguard, they may act as one of the two lifeguards, and therefore a third person is not necessary. 3 lifeguards per bathers. If the teacher is a certified lifeguard they may act as one of the three lifeguards, and therefore a fourth person is not necessary. When certified lifeguards and assistant lifeguards are on deck the minimum ratio of lifeguards and assistant lifeguards to bathers on deck and in the pool is: 2 lifeguards or 1 lifeguard and 1 assistant lifeguard per bathers. If the teacher is a certified assistant lifeguard/lifeguard, they may act with a lifeguard, and therefore a third person is not necessary. 3 lifeguards or 2 lifeguards and 1 assistant lifeguard per bathers. If the teacher is a certified assistant lifeguard/lifeguard, they may act with two lifeguards, and therefore a fourth person is not necessary. The number of assistant lifeguards may never exceed the number of lifeguards on deck. First Aid At least one aquatic instructor, lifeguard, or assistant lifeguard must have a minimum of a current (current means not more than three years prior to the day on which the holder is on duty) first aid certification from a standard first aid course from an organization whose certificate is deemed equivalent by the medical officer of health in the local health unit (from LLS Public Pools Regulation Guide) (e.g., St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society). Follow the school's first aid emergency response (consult Appendix E - Sample First Plan and Sample First Aid Emergency Response) and the school board s concussion protocol (consult the Concussion section). An emergency action plan and response to deal with evacuations and lock downs must be followed and communicated to students. Snorkeling Page 6 of 7

7 Also see Fundamentals of Safety section to view complete safety requirements Ophea Snorkeling Page 7 of 7

A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Appendix D - Sample First Aid Kit)

A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Appendix D - Sample First Aid Kit) Tug of War Secondary - Curricular 2018 This activity page must be presented to the activity provider prior to the activity taking place. The activity provider must meet the minimum requirements listed