PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS

Please find below DET’s checklist for the Water Based Activities held at the Geraldton Camp School as part of the educational program undertaken by school students who attend camps at our site.

GERALDTON CAMP SCHOOL’S WATER BASED ACTIVITIES:

The purpose of these activities is for students to participate in and enjoy a range of educational activities that will contribute to the development of their confidence, self esteem, motivation, skill level, fitness, initiative and working as a team.

Marine Madness                   Rafting                        Dragon Boating

All sites utilised for these activities are classified as ‘Open Water’

1. ASSESSING THE RISKS

1.1  Assessment of the swimming environment

All sites have been assessed according to potential risk of accidents or injuries, factors analysed include:

• Water - depth range, expanse, visibility, temperature and any hazards e.g. debris, rocks etc
• Effects of prevailing winds
• Potential harm from bites, stings or falling objects
• Shade availability
• Ease of launching and recovering equipment
• Ease of supervision
• Ability to execute a rescue and distance to emergency services
• Likelihood of having to share the venue
• Vehicle access and mobile phone reception

All sites are considered to be appropriate for the intended activities as:

a)      I am a qualified Physical and Outdoor Education Teacher with both a current RLSSA Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue and Senior First Aid Certificate.  In the position of Camp School Manager and Youth Education Officer, I have safely and successfully conducted these activities at the locations for 15 years.

b)      The activity areas are clearly defined as follows:

St Georges Beach - strategically placed bouys, natural reef (3-5m from waters edge) and

                               boat ramp

                        Town Beach         - rock breakwaters determine the area

                        Pages Beach         - rock breakwater and strategically placed bouys

                        Greenough River   - banks of the river and strategically placed bouys (closed water)

c)      Rescue equipment always on hand as follows: throw rope, first aid kit, megaphone, boogie board, buoy, and kayak. For Dragon Boating a rescue dingy and staff are provided by the Camp School.

d)      My experience and local knowledge of these venues allow me to cater for changes in activity

      depending upon the weather conditions, ability of the student(s) and other risk factors.

1.2 Assessment of the students’ water skills and abilities

DET requires that the Teacher in Charge of the camp/excursion needs to ensure that all parent or guardians of the students participating in water based activities have indicated their child’s swimming ability in relation to the activities on the ‘Medical and Water Based Authority Form’ supplied by the school (see appendix D, Water Based Excursion Policy) Should the parent/guardian have any uncertainty regarding their child’s ability the Teacher in Charge should test the child’s swimming ability.

If any doubt still exists then the Teacher in Charge should err on the side of caution and inform the Camp Manager prior to the activity so either restrictions or alternatives can be arranged.

Note: 2 copies of all Student Medical and Water Based Authority Forms must be kept during the camp/excursion. One kept on school file and the other with the Teacher in Charge of the camp/excursion.

1.3Assessment of activities

• All activities and equipment have been assessed and comply with all DET regulations and guidelines. They are suitable for the students age, experience and ability.
• Areas are defined for students that do not have the required skills and abilities and those with special needs.
• Activity time will vary depending upon my continual assessment of the prevailing conditions and the skill and ability level of the students. I will personally be facilitating and supervising the water-based activities at all times in conjunction with the required ratio of supervisors. The Teacher in Charge will be responsible for rostering the other required supervisors.

1.2  Assessment of the capabilities of the supervisory team

• I have been a qualified Physical and Outdoor Education Teacher for 25 years and as previously mentioned have been responsible for planning, facilitating and supervising the two activities concerned at the said locations for 15 years.
• I possess –

-         current Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion (copy available upon request)

-         current Surf Rescue Certificate (copy available upon request)

-         current Senior First Aid Certificate (copy available upon request)

-         a proven record as a competent swimmer (Aussi Masters Swimming Club member)

-         experience in identifying and establishing a safe learning environment

-         capacity to effect a rescue when required

-         capacity to continually monitor weather and environmental condition before and during activities

-         capacity to monitor the physical and mental well being of students

-         ability to make quick decisions with regard to moving or cancelling the activity if conditions are adverse

1.5 Assessment of external providers

Not applicable due to the fact that I am a qualified teacher employed by DET and the Camp School is a non-commercial centre.

2. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

The appropriate number of qualified supervisors for the specific environment will be jointly covered by:

• Camp School Manager and Staff
• Teaching staff from the school.
• Parent/guardian volunteers organised by the school

3. SUPERVISION STRATEGIES

On site supervision strategies will include:

• Defining and redefining the activity area according to the prevailing conditions, the skill and ability of the students, and my assessment of the capabilities of the supervisory team.
• Strategic placement of supervisors in and around the activity area
• Incorporating a buddy system
• Students must gain permission from either the Teacher in Charge prior to leaving the activity area (e.g. toilet) in which case they will be accompanied by their buddy or staff member
• Combined use of a whistle and megaphone for easy communication to:

-         gain attention of students and supervisors

-         evoke an emergency response

-         signal end of the activity and clear students from the water

4. IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS AND SUPERVISORS

Seldom is there any other people utilising the same venue and therefore distinguishing one group from another is not a problem. However the following is ensured:

• Rafting – all students wear a uniform coloured Australian standard lifejacket
• Marine Madness – supervisors cover all boundaries of the activity area (arm bands are available)

5. PARENTAL INFORMATION

The Teacher in Charge of the camp/excursion will need to ensure that all parents/guardians are fully informed with respect to the purpose, venue or facility and nature of the water-based activities.

6. COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

The following whistle system will be implemented in conjunction with verbal instructions using a megaphone.

• 1 whistle blast – stop, look and listen to verbal instructions
• 2 whistle blasts – buddy check followed by a buddy-buddy check
• 3 whistles blasts – activity finished and clear the water
• 5 short blasts in succession and arms waved above the head – emergency, vacate the water/river to the nearest dry point and assemble in an area nominated by the Camp School Manager

7. PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES

The Geraldton Camp School CRISIS MANAGEMENT RESPONSE plan for fire, fatalities, serious accident, and dangerous situations is readily available at the camp in all work areas. An evacuation plan and map is in prominent view in all dormitories and rooms. All of the visiting schools’ staff and students are advised of emergency procedures during the welcome speech made by the Camp Manager or allocated Staff member upon their arrival.

ACTION PLAN:        1. Assess the situation – do not put yourself in danger

- assist those in immediate danger first

                                    2. Contact emergency services:

            Ambulance       99641808                    Fire                  99212222

Police               99234555                    Camp School   99231742

            3. Evacuate personnel to designated assembly area and check attendance

4. Inform the Mid West District Office (99561600)

8. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY WITH VENUE OR FACILITY

Not applicable all sites are classified as a public park and/or space.

9. BRIEFING FOR STUDENTS AND SUPERVISORS

Prior to the activity the Camp Manager meets with the Teacher in Charge to discuss

-         swimming ability of students

-         any relevant medical conditions or allegies of students

-         any students with special needs and/or behavioural problems

-         capabilities of the supervisory team

Students and supervisors are briefed on arrival at the venue about:

-         activity boundaries, time, groupings and any rotation system if relevant

-         communication and buddy system strategies

-         specific dangers and safety procedures

-         rules and procedures whilst at the venue and during the activity

-         emergency, evacuation procedures and first aid facilities

-         care and safety of the equipment

-         availability of toilets, change rooms, food and drink

-         standards of behaviour required

SCHOOL: _________________________________      CAMP DATES: _______________________

I am satisfied that appropriate planning has taken place to ensure the duty of care and safety of all participants.

Teacher in Charge:         ____________________________                Date: ____________

Principal:                      ____________________________                Date: ____________