PT ENGLAND SCHOOL POLICY 2005
CANOEING
Features:
Flat water kayaking and canoeing are common activities on New Zealand’s many lakes, streams and coastal regions. These activities often form a core component of outdoor education or school camp programmes. Pt England Students will not be taken into graded rivers or surf, and will not be taken into open, swift moving or rough water. The Tamaki Estuary will be deemed rough by the judgement of the TIC when the prevailing wind exceeds 20 knots
The skills to remain afloat whilst waiting rescue and sufficient water competence to reduce the possibility of panic should the craft capsize are necessary requirements. Skills will be introduced on land and beginners will only be introduced into the water if the Estuary is deemed sufficiently calm.
Key Dangers:
• Lack of site knowledge.
• Being hit by a paddle
• Inadequate supervision, or on-water support
• Lack of suitable clothing, helmets, flotation devices etc.
• Underwater snags and obstacles.
• Drowning.
• Lack of Instructor knowledge.
• Water conditions too severe for student skills.
• Hypothermia and other injuries consistent with water emersion.
People Management Guidelines
It is recognised that it may not always be possible for tutors involved in teaching canoeing to hold either of the instructor positions and consequently it recommends that the staff involved in teaching canoeing and kayaking should show evidence of recent and extensive personal canoeing and instructing experience, preferably with a recognised club or canoeing association. They should have experience and competence in a wider range of skills and situations than they will require or be working with participants.
Their experience should include:
o Recent knowledge of the site to be used
o A recognised and current first aid qualification including training in both expired air resuscitation
(EAR) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
o Competence in rescue techniques appropriate to the site and level at which activity is to be taken
Equipment Management Guidelines
Care should be taken in site selection especially for basic teaching. Sheltered water implies water conditions with the absence of strong wind, chop or moving water. Lakes and inland waters are often quite hazardous due to unpredictable wind conditions and cold temperatures.
o All craft must be fitted with adequate buoyancy and polythene kayaks must have adequate pillar
support buoyancy.
o Footrests must be able to be adjusted to participants' requirements and where necessary modified to
prevent the occupants feet from being caught in front of the fitting.
o Each participant must wear a SANZ approved buoyancy vest or sheltered waters lifejacket.
Environment Management Guidelines
Skills should be introduced in a controlled environment such as a beach or swimming pool and instruction to the standard of the New Zealand Canoeing Association Level 2 given prior to participation at any other site.
Trips on rivers with moving water above grade 2 on the international scale (where 5 is the highest), sea trips away from the coastline and surf canoeing, pose special hazards and their requirements make them unsuitable for large group activities, or inexperienced paddlers. They can, however, be acceptable for inclusion in longer term programmes where full training can be given and experience accumulated under the supervision of suitably skilled instructors.
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
Suitable rescue facilities appropriate to the site and level of the participants must be available on open water. There must be a suitable rescue craft
Advisory Bodies
The recognised advisory bodies for this activity are the New Zealand Water Safety Council (Private Bag, Wellington) and the New Zealand Canoeing Association (P O Box 148, Drury, South Auckland). The
Department of Education Sports Introduction Booklet 'Canoeing' establishes guidelines for canoeing and kayaking programmes. Another excellent book is "River Running" by Graham Egarr.
SNORKELLING
Features:
Participants require a general swimming ability, the skills to remain afloat while awaiting rescue, and sufficient confidence in water to reduce the possibility of panic. The certificate requirements established by the New Zealand Underwater Association - Professional Association of Diving Instructors (NZUA-PADI) provide a useful syllabus and guide for assessing the initial progress of students. For instance the NZUA Mini Dipper and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Skin Diver Certificate identify the skills required.
Instruction to the PADI Skin Diver Certificate may be provided to students 8 years of age and over.
Key Dangers:
• Drowning
• Being hit by a boat, other obstacle or equipment.
• Colliding with another diver
• Weather changes creating adverse conditions
• Hypothermia due to a lack of warm and protective clothing
• Choking or other problems associated with breathing in water down the snorkel
• Panic due to separation from others, phobias, depth of water etc.
People Management Guidelines:
* Leader:student ratios will vary with the nature of the programme, the area used and the ability of students.
* An instructor/student ratio is selected that allows for the direct supervision of the students snorkelling and the management of the rest of the group.
* Leaders should ensure that all students are fit and capable of carrying out the activity.
* Snorkeling must not be undertaken if the water is cloudy, if the bottom contains obstructions of any sort, if there is water weed present or if water craft are likely to be using the site.
* Where it is intended to conduct snorkeling in the sea, leaders must ensure that they have thoroughly assessed the area and are sure of the suitability of the conditions taking into account current, rips and waves. The leader should clearly define the area to be used.
Equipment Management Guidelines:
* Equipment should be checked before and after use, and stored properly.
* Equipment used should be the right size for each student
* The correct use of equipment should be explained in order to avoid accidents and damage to the gear.
* Sufficient protective and warm clothing should be worn by all students.
* Guidelines for Teaching Basic Snorkeling must be followed.
* On any area other than a swimming pool a diver flag must be deployed.The leader is responsible for the checking of all buoyancy control devices and instruction in their use
Environment Management Guidelines:
* Care should be taken not to unnecessarily damage any plant or animal life.
* The taking of specimens and samples while snorkeling should not be encouraged as this damages the life forms and may cause some species to die out.
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines:
* It is preferable that trainers should hold the Mini Dipper Trainer Certificate and if not, they should have experience and competence in a wider range of skills and situations than which they will require or be working in with students.
* Their experience must include:
* Thorough knowledge of and competence in the use of basic snorkel equipment eg. mask, snorkel and fins;
* Recent knowledge of the site to be used;
* A recognised and current first aid qualification including training in both expired air and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
* Competence in rescue techniques appropriate to the site and the level at which the activity is to be taken.
Advisory Bodies
• New Zealand Water Safety Council ( PO Box 10-126 Wellington)
• New Zealand Underwater Association (PO Box 875, Auckland)
• Sport, Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation (PO Box 2183, Wellington).
TRAMPING MANAGEMENT
Features:
Backcountry hikes and tramping the tracks and paths of National Parks and walkways is a popular, low cost activity often used in outdoor programmes.
Any tramping experience, whether a short excursion or major expedition must be carefully planned with regard to the age, experience, and ability of all participants. It is easy to over estimate the prior experience and physical ability of students and a progressive programme of skills and activities should be planned.
Key Dangers:
• Injury to students from falls etc. while tramping.
• Groups becoming lost or separated.
• Drowning
• Hypothermia
• Foot injuries
• Allergic reactions to natural toxins
People Management Guidelines:
* The nature of the risks involved in tramping are disclosed to students and caregivers.
* The goals are identified and activities are adapted to meet the needs and abilities of the students
* Additional student health concerns are addressed.
* Ensure students carry their own medication e.g. Asthma inhalers.
* Staff teach use of equipment in appropriate manner.
* Adequate supervision is provided. There should be an appropriate staff:student ratios for tramping activities.
* students proceed at a pace which is appropriate for all group members and which will reasonably prevent injury or illness.
* Students are appropriately prepared briefed, and then debriefed following the Tramping experience.
Equipment Management Guidelines:
* Students have or are provided with the appropriate clothing and equipment.
* Encourage students to wear their own footwear and tape for blisters.
* Equipment is cared for in an appropriate manner.
* Appropriate inspection of equipment and associated protective gear prior to student use.
* The programme keeps a usage and conditions log of equipment that could have an effect on the safety of students while hiking.
* Students have or are provided with the appropriate nourishment and water.
* A fully equipped first aid kit should be carried.
Environment Management Guidelines:
* Programme will not be conducted in diminished conditions (e.g. at night, potential avalanche terrain), it is limited to appropriate times and appropriate safety precautions are in place.
* The terrain selected is appropriate history of the area where hiking experiences are conducted.
* Monitor weather and plan accordingly, local streams rise fast.
* Be aware at all times of the distance home.
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines:
• Appropriate emergency equipment is available This might include but is not limited to
• emergency kits
• clothing
• shelter
• food
These should be provided for tramping trips beyond the facility or roadhead.
* Staff can perform appropriate emergency procedures for the hiking routes ( Staff know how to improvise in the event the equipment or procedures will not work.)
* The programme has established boundaries, rendezvous times, and emergency notification protocols for what to do if lost, behind schedule, injured, or confronted by unexpected weather or terrain.
* Adequate levels of support are available for rescue operations.
* Students should be properly prepared for emergency procedures.
Advisory Bodies:
• Sport, Fitness and Recreation Industry training Organisation (PO Box 2183 Wellington)
• New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (PO Box 11-090, Manners Mall, Wellington).
• New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (PO Box 6027, Wellington)
• Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand Inc. (POBox 1604, Wellington)
OUTDOOR CAMPING AT SCHOOL
Features:
For many of our children this is their first time staying overnight. This is also the first time many of our parents have their children away from home. The school is an excellent place to hold this activity because of its strong advantages in terms of natural surroundings, the ability to move inside if there are problems with weather, and most of all because our parents can come and participate with their children. Over many years this has been an outstandingly successful activity.
Key Dangers:
• The weather can cause risks
• People can cause security risks
•Children could become disoriented sleeping in a new outdoor environment
•Children could become sick during the night.
Management Guidelines:
A pre-camp meeting will be held for parents well in advance of camp.
Parents will be selected to help supply security during the nights children stay at camp. The contracted school security guards will continue with their rounds during the two nights of camp.
As well as having teachers sleeping in the immediate vicinity of the children, there will be rostered adults who patrol and oversee the camp area during the two nights of camp. The main school security lighting will remain on during the two nights of camp.
children will be shown which toilets can be used during the night, access will be made easy and toilet lights will remain on.
Medical supplies will be available in the school office.
Emergency contacts will be available in the school office.
The school will ensure that all tents are safe and up to standard.
The school staff will ensure that children are dry and warm.
Matrix Security, our Alarm monitorng company will be notified that there is a group staying over at school.
The emergency contact number for Matrix Security is on the wall inside the school foyer.
In the event of a serious security concern that appears difficult for camp personnel to handle, camp personnel should focus on keeping the children safe, calm and happy and call the police to handle the problem.
Reviewed: 2009
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