RAMS - Snorkelling
RAMS - Snorkelling
COVID19 - There have been changes to Outdoor Education Trip Dates.
Hazards caused by people
Risks not known
Instructions not followed
Inability to swim
Students getting separated from the group
Personal medical conditions/special needs
Students too far out of their comfort zone
Lack of skill - students
Students getting separated from the group
Lack of skill - instructors/teachers
Diving into water
Hazards caused by equipment
Inadequate safety equipment
Insufficient wetsuits
Snorkels and masks not fit for purpose
Lack of towels/warm clothes
Breaking equipment
Hazards caused by the environment
Sharp rocks at shore in places
Current in channel
Deep water
Dumping waves
Large swell
Extreme weather
Tsunami
Sun - UV damage
Prolonged exposure to cold water
Hazard management strategies
Brief students on risks
Students to follow all instructions
Ensure that all students are competent swimmers
Monitor student whereabouts, students to stay in designated area
Medical information obtained and understood by trip leader. Students to have their medications on hand
Encourage challenge by choice
Train students at school, sequence activities to allow for success and growth
Use a buddy system, ensure the trip leaders have excellent group management
Instructors/teachers to have sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to lead the trip
Students to enter the water gently, without diving
Hazard management strategies
Have kayaks on the water near snorkelers, to provide support if needed
Check wetsuit numbers before heading out
Check the condition of masks and snorkels before heading out
Remind students to bring a change of clothing and a towel
Educate students on correct use of equipment
Hazard management strategies
Inform students about the sharp rocks and oyster shells around rocks. Keep off those
Disclose risks around the channel and currents
Set up boundaries
Set entry and exit point on beach
Make sure students are confident in deep water
Ensure that the kayak trip is performed in sheltered water, such as at Reotahi Marine Reserve in Whangarei
Harbour
Postpone trip in case of extreme weather events
Stay up to date with current events regarding earthquakes and tsunami risk. Get to high ground if tsunami alarm is
sounded
Bring sunscreen, ensure that students know where it is and to apply it regularly
Monitor students, wear wetsuits when the water is cold. Have regular breaks to eat and hydrate
Risk
1. Taken by current
2. Drowning
3. Loss of equipment
4. Loss of confidence
5. Injury from other
student’s paddles
6. Neck/spinal injury
7. Medical emergency
Procedures to deal with emergency
Instructor to tow swept-out student to shore, then paddle back
Bring casualty to shore, give first aid/CPR, call 111. Continue CPR until help arrives
Retrieve if possible, replace if not
Coach and support student, remind them about "challenge by choice" to empower them
Apply first aid, seek medical attention if needed
Stabilise patient, call for an ambulance, apply first aid
Give medication, call for an ambulance
Emergency gear required
Tow rope
Face shield, Cell phone
Nil
Nil
First aid kit
Nil
Personal medications, antihistamines, adrenaline