This unit applies to those working as assistant surfing instructors or support staff under supervision in a range of controlled surf conditions. This unit also applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for the activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues.

1.2. Apply knowledge of the surf environment and select an appropriate activity site or location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information.

1.4. Identify potential hazards within the surf environment and minimise risks as advised by the supervisor.

2. Select surfing equipment.

2.1. Select craft and equipment after consideration of the design and construction features that make it appropriate.

2.2. Fit and adjust equipment correctly to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and craft.

3. Demonstrate surf survival techniques.

3.1. Apply techniques for survival in the water.

3.2. Negotiate hazards whilst in the water.

3.3. Demonstrate the ability to get back to the shore in the prevailing conditions, with and without the use of a craft.

3.4. Identify and apply strategies to implement when unable to self rescue or return to shore unassisted.

4. Evaluate surf survival skills.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the surf survival activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future surf survival experiences.

Required skills

listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor

problem-solving skills to determine self rescue methods appropriate for prevailing conditions

planning and organising skills to select relevant surf survival equipment

swimming skills to swim in moderate surf conditions

paddling skills to control and manoeuvre a surf craft in moderate conditions

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities and legal access

types of craft and equipment, characteristics and technology used for surf survival, and factors affecting appropriate selection

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

understanding of surf environments, including types and features of waves and rips, and how to safely avoid these when surfing

the affect of wind, tide, swell and ocean floors on surf conditions and appropriate responses

surf survival and self rescue techniques to maintain personal safety

emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for the craft and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies relevant process to plan and select appropriate craft and equipment suitable for the rescue

demonstrates self rescue and survival techniques in prevailing conditions

evaluates and reflects on own surf survival performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in surf survival and self rescue activities in different surf conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must ensure access to:

resources and information, such as weather sources, to accurately plan and select appropriate equipment for the surf survival activity

a surf beach

a qualified leader or supervisor

equipment such as a suitable craft.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of the planning and review process with evidence of reference to resources

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of surf environments, including types and features of waves and rips

observation of safe participation and demonstration of surf survival and self rescue techniques in prevailing conditions

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOSRF202A Demonstrate basic surfing manoeuvres in controlled conditions.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods

energy content.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

healthy dietary pyramid

food preparation

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including tide times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Knowledge of the surf environment may include:

characteristics of different types of waves

distinguishing features of rips.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

procedures and company or enterprise policies

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.rips

lateral currents

marine creatures

rocks

sandbars

other surfers or swimmers

large waves

shorebreaks

dumping waves.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure

Craft may include:

hard surfboards

soft surfboards

bodyboards

sit on top kayaks

handboards

stand up paddle boards.

Equipment may include:

wetsuit

swim suit

rash vest

craft

fins.

Techniques may include:

swimming or paddling diagonally across rips

attracting attention of lifeguard

floating and treading water

recognising hazards

keeping a safe distance from hazards.

Prevailing conditions may include:

size of the surf

availability of assistance

imminent hazards

imminent risks.

Strategies may include:

using recognised signals for assistance

remaining with craft where possible

floating and treading water.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.