Victoria is blessed with over 2500km of coastline stretching from Nelson to Mallacoota and incorporating almost 700 accessible beaches. These beaches are natural wonders, but visiting them does not come without a level of risk.

Based on the Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion award, the course takes into consideration the needs of school teachers, surf instructors and other outdoor recreation supervisors who are responsible for the safety of others in an open water environment.

The course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to be able to supervise students not only in the surf but in all natural water environments. This active and engaging two day course consists of both theory and practical components. Participants will learn vital skills such as rescue techniques and surf awareness.

This course is ideal for teachers and support staff associated with activities or events taking place at beach locations. It is also recommended for beach industry representatives such as boating and surfing instructors as well as those involves in aquatic tour operations.

Unit – HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

1.0 Respond to an emergency situation

1.1 Recognise an emergency situation

1.2 Identify, assess and minimise immediate hazards to health and safety of self and others

1.3 Assess the casualty and recognise the need for CPR

1.4 Seek assistance from emergency response services

2.0 Perform CPR procedures

2.1 Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in accordance with ARC guidelines

2.2 Display respectful behaviour towards casualty

2.3 Operate automated external defibrillator (AED) according to manufacturer’s instructions

3.0 Communicate details of the incident

3.1 Accurately convey incident details to emergency response services

3.2 Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate

3.3 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies

Unit – PUASAR013A Participate in an Aquatic Rescue Operation

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members.

1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on task information as directed by supervisor.

1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation.

1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.

2.1 Hazards are identified on approach to rescue scene.

2.2 Methods for minimising hazards are discussed and agreed to by team members.

2.3 Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised or controlled.

2.4 Communication with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology.

2.5 Health, safety and security procedures are correctly followed in accordance with organisational policy and relevant legislation.

2.6 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.

2.7 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor.

3.1 Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Rescue procedures are conducted in accordance with supervisor’s instructions and organisational procedures.

3.3 Casualties are prepared for removal in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.4 Casualties are extricated safely using appropriate equipment, rescue techniques and organisational procedures.

4.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained to organisational standards and manufacturers’ procedures, and is restored to maintain operational readiness.

4.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are reported to relevant personnel.

4.3 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation is completed to organisational standards.

4.4 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements.

Unit – PUASAR012C Apply Surf Awareness and Self-Rescue Skills

1.1 Potential hazards and environmental conditions of the surf environment are identified.

1.2 Characteristics of different types of waves and their impact on surf safety are used to identify safe surfing locations.

1.3 Distinguishing features of rips, gutters and sweeps are identified and used to determine the most suitable surfing venue.

1.4 Different types of beaches and the safety aspects of the beach structure are identified.

2.1 Techniques for survival in the water are implemented.

2.2 Personal safety and environmental hazards are avoided while in the water.

3.1 Surf is negotiated in prevailing conditions using craft and without craft.

3.2 Return to shore in prevailing conditions is achieved, using craft and without craft.

3.3 Strategies when not able to self-rescue or return to shore unassisted are implemented.