SAFETY GUIDELINES
The International Surfing Association (ISA) affiliated surf schools must follow this list of safety guidelines:
- Coach to student ratio is 1–8 in optimum conditions.
- Arrive early to inspect conditions and consult with the lifeguard
- Collect the participant list, disclaimers, and contact phone numbers at the start of the lesson.
- Allocate an appropriate softboard to each participant and demonstrate the correct way to carry the board and surf leash
- Each participant must wear a high-visibility yellow rash guard during the lesson to help identify the surfing class.
- Ensure there is a mobile phone, a whistle, a First Aid kit, and a rescue board on the beach nearby
- Each lesson must include a surf safety talk covering current conditions and hazards.
- Clearly state the aims of the lesson at the start of the class.
- Ensure enough distance separates each group to eliminate the chance of group members getting mixed up in the water.
- Structure group, so there is a constant vision and observation of every participant.
- Structure the lesson in side drift (sweep) cases so participants drift toward the instructor.
- Instruct surfers to follow the principles of one surfer per wave
- Keep a safe distance between each other to avoid collisions.
- Ensure the recall and assistance required signals are reinforced and correctly responded to at the start of each lesson
- Each skill must be taught on the beach and then in the water by the coach or an experienced assistant.
- Position participants to enable them to view the demonstration.
- The teaching methodology must follow: explanation –demonstration – participation – feedback.
- Use cues to emphasize important parts of the skill
- Regularly reinforce the recall signal.
- Participants must be competent at negotiating the surf, catching waves, and changing direction in the prone position before attempting the prone-to-feet surfing skill.
- Regular beach skill practice improves correct skills and provides a needed recovery period for surfers.
- Never leave a group in the water unaccompanied for any reason. Recall the whole group to shore – then resolve the issue.
- After the lesson, regroup, check numbers, review the session, seek assistance to pack up, and then dismiss the group as one.
- All accidents, even minor incidents, must be reported instantly to the head coach and recorded on the accident report form.