Application
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 and Performance Criteria
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
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
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. |
Sectors
Not applicable |
Competency Field
Search and Rescue |