RAMS - Surfing

Potential Risks (the things that could go wrong)

  1. Bruises
  2. Drowning
  3. Dehydration
  4. Loss of confidence
  5. Hypothermia
  6. Broken bones
  7. Lacerations

Causal Factors

Management Strategies

Hazards caused by people

Risks not known

Instructions not followed

Inability to swim

Colliding with another surfer

Students getting separated from the group


Hazards caused by equipment

Lack of wetsuits

Wetsuits in disrepair

Surfboards in disrepair

Rough/sharp fins

Wayward surfboards hitting other students


Hazards caused by the environment

Rip

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

Teach students surfing etiquette regarding catching waves and what to do to avoid collisions

Monitor student whereabouts, students to stay in designated area


Hazard management strategies

Ensure that wetsuits are taken

Provide wetsuits that are in good repair

Check all gear prior to the trip date

Check fins. Students to avoid being under a surfboard

Make sure that students attach their board leashes to their ankles


Hazard management strategies

Brief students on how to use rips to aid surfing, and what to do it caught in a rip

Make sure students are confident in deep water

If the swell is too big, or the sea is too rough, then use Matapouri Bay or postpone the trip


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

Emergency Protocols (if management strategies fail and an incident happens)

Risk

1. Bruises


2. Drowning

3. Dehydration

4. Loss of confidence

5. Hypothermia

6. Broken bones

7. Lacerations

Procedures to deal with emergency

Remove student from activity (depending on severity), elevate damaged area, bandage to reduce

swelling

Bring casualty to shore, give first aid/CPR, call 111. Continue CPR until help arrives

Remove student from activity, rest & re-hydrate. Seek medical attention if needed

Reassure the student, provide emotional support

Remove wet clothing, dry the person, give them warm clothes, feed them, and hydrate them

Apply first aid, splint where appropriate

Apply first aid, stop bleeding, seek medical attention

Emergency gear required

First aid kit


Face shield, phone

Nil

Nil

Nil

First aid kit

First aid kit