This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required for surf awareness, self-rescue techniques and safely participating in activities in a surf environment.

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

The unit is applicable to lifesavers, lifeguards, search and rescue officers or other rescue personnel who are required to perform or participate in activities in a surf environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Apply knowledge of the surf environment

1.1

Potential hazards and environmental conditions of the surf environment are identified, risks are assessed and control measures are implemented

1.2

Characteristics of different types of waves and their impact on surf safety are identified

1.3

Distinguishing features of rips, gutters and sweeps are identified

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 is observed and environmental hazards are avoided while in the water

2.3

Hand and flag signals are used, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Implement self-rescue techniques

3.1

Surf is negotiated in prevailing conditions, with and without flotation devices

3.2

Return to shore, in prevailing conditions, is undertaken with and without flotation devices

3.3

Strategies when not able to self-rescue or return to shore unassisted are implemented

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue