RAMS - Surfing
Potential Risks (the things that could go wrong)
- Bruises
- Drowning
- Dehydration
- Loss of confidence
- Hypothermia
- Broken bones
- 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