The coach, parents/guardians, Water Safety Crew (WSC), and Beach Manager have a moral and legal commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the surfer in their care. Surf safety is the main focus of the practical, enjoyable learning experience.
DUTY OF CARE
The legal duty of the coach is:
- To provide safety for the surfers in your care
- Understand the current legislation
- Identify and enact plans and strategies to recognize and minimize risks.
- Outline activities to meet the needs of the individual surfers.
- Develop clear written rules for lessons and general behavior
- Provide a safe environment for all participants
- Evaluate surfers capabilities
- Warn surfers of the risks of the sport
- Assess surfers for injury, medical needs, and level of competence, and be aware of disabilities
- Create management protocols before participants enter the water.
- Supervise activities at all times
- Confirm you are qualified in lifesaving techniques, competent in First Aid, and have clear emergency protocols
- Provide safe and suitable equipment
- Maintain training logs and documents (registration forms, accident report forms, lesson plans)
COACHING TIP
• Duty of Care will change due to the type of activity, age, and competency levels of the surfer
GROUP RATIOS FOR SURFING
Accredited coaches must supervise surf lessons with the appropriate coach-to-student surfing ratio.
The International Olympic Committee recognizes the International Surfing Association (ISA) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing.
ISA stipulates a ratio of 1 qualified coach to 8 students in optimum conditions.
West Bay Nippers 西子灣兒童衝浪救生 surfing ratio is one qualified coach to 5 students in optimum conditions. All participants participating in the surfing activities must have completed their swim and treading water tests.
*The swimming and treading water tests have a safety ratio of 1 Water Safety Crew member (WSC) for each West Bay Nipper for the beginner group.
SAFE SURFING VENUE
The safe surfing venue needs a beach with access to emergency response vehicles and proximity to a surf lifesaving patrol or lifeguard services.
The surfing venue should have beginner-friendly waves that break over a vast sandbank with no dangerous rips or hazards that could cause concerns for surfers.
MANAGING THE GROUP
Surfers may need to enter the surf in pairs to allow them to participate, receive feedback, and reinforce safety instructions.
EQUIPMENT
ISA stipulates that only softboards be used at the beginner level.