SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

PUASAR012C - Apply surf awareness and self rescue skills

Description

 This unit covers the competency required to deal with surf awareness and self-rescue skills to safely participate in activities in the surf environment.

Pre Requisites

 Nil

Application

Participating in any potentially hazardous aquatic operation will require the effective application of a variety of skills and knowledge. Competence in this unit will include appropriate application of surf awareness, and effective application of self-rescue skills. Successful achievement of this unit will require practical and effective application of skills in a real or simulated activity in a surf environment.

This unit is typically relevant for lifesavers, lifeguards, search and rescue officers or other rescue personnel who are required to perform or participate in activities (regularly or occasionally) in a surf environment

Performance Criteria

 1. Apply knowledge of the surf environment    
1.1 Potential hazards and environmental conditions of the surf environment are identified
1.2 Characteristics of different types of waves and their impact on surf safety are used to identify safe surfing locations
1.3 Distinguishing features of rips, gutters and sweeps are identified and used to determine the most suitable surfing venue
1.4 Different types of beaches and the safety aspects of the beach structure are identified
    
2. Apply surf skills and techniques    
2.1 Techniques for survival in the water are implemented
2.2 Personal safety and environmental hazards are avoided while in the water
    
3. Implement self-rescue techniques    
3.1 Surf is negotiated in prevailing conditions using craft and without craft
3.2 Return to shore in prevailing conditions is achieved, using craft and without craft
3.3 Strategies when not able to self-rescue or return to shore unassisted are implemented

Required Skills & Knowledge

 Required Skills
  •     paddle surf craft and use rescue tubes
  •     swim in the surf in moderate conditions
  •     use recognised signals

Required Knowledge
  •     effects of wind, tide, swell and ocean floor on surf conditions
  •     features and signs of rips, gutters, sweeps and currents
  •     surf awareness including beach safety zones
  •     surf hazards
  •     surf survival techniques
  •     self-rescue techniques
  •     types of waves and their characteristic features

Range Statement

Hazards and environmental conditions may include    

  • Dumping waves
  • Large waves
  • Lateral currents
  • Marine creatures
  • Other surfers or swimmers
  • Other equipment
  • Own equipment
  • Rips
  • Sandbars
  • Shorebreaks

 

Characteristics of different types of waves may include  

  •  Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
  • Plunging (dumping)
  • Steep, powerful, dangerous
  • Shallow water depth
  • Spilling (crumbling):
  •     deeper water
  •     wave face less steep
  •     wave slower to break

Distinguishing features of rips include    

  • Darker blue/green foam or debris
  • Lack of waves
  • Rippled surface


Techniques for survival may include    

  • Attracting attention of lifesaver/lifeguard or others who may be able to help
  • Floating and treading water
  • Recognising hazards and keeping a safe distance from hazards
  • Swimming or paddling diagonally across rips


Personal safety and environmental hazards may include    

  • Hydration
  • Hypothermia
  • Sun safety

 

Prevailing conditions are influenced by    

  • Availability of assistance
  • Imminent hazards
  • Imminent risks
  • Size of surf


Craft may include    

  • Bodyboards
  • Handboards
  • Hard surfboards
  • Sitting on top of kayaks
  • Soft surfboards

Strategies when not able to self-rescue may include    
  • Floating and treading water
  • Remaining with craft where possible
  • Using recognised signals for assistance

Evidence Guide

 Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit    
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
  •     apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques
  •     apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to surf lifesaving.
    
Context of and specific resources for assessment    
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed while participating in lifesaving activities or in a simulated environment and under a range of weather conditions.

Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
  •     surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft

Method of assessment     
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
  •     direct observation
  •     interviewing the candidate
  •     journals and workplace documentation
  •     third party reports from supervisors
  •     written or oral questions.

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