Surf Sense for Tertiary and Community

Introduction

• Introduce yourself.
• Acknowledgement of Country:
  “I would like to pay my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, the land on which we meet. I would like to pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present here today.”

Card 1

Wollongong's patrolled beaches

• Outline the 17 beaches in Wollongong that are patrolled by Lifeguards.
• Note that North Wollongong beach is patrolled 12 months of the year.

Card 2

Lifeguards and Lifesavers – how to identify them and describe their roles

• Identify the uniforms that Wollongong City Council Lifeguards wear.

• Explain that volunteer Lifesavers are on duty on Sundays and public holidays.
• Identify the red and yellow flags.

Card 4

• Point out that Lifeguards and Lifesavers do exactly the same job.
• Highlight the red and yellow flags again.
• Introduce No Flags, No Swim.

• Identify the services that Lifeguards offer.

Preparing for the beach - sun safety

• Explain the importance of preparing for time at the beach. Pack a bag with the essential items for sun protection.
• Note that sunscreen needs to be SPF +50.

Card 7

• Outline how quickly skin can become burnt and the long term dangers of sun exposure.

Card 8

• Reconfirm the importance of reapplying sunscreen and having time in the shade. This should be done every two hours when in and out of the water.

Hazards, risks and mitigations – signs and flags at the beach

• You must read the signs at each beach. Signs are different for each beach, and conditions change from day to day.

Card 10

• Point out the red and yellow flags and the importance of swimming between them.
• If there are any issues, please see a Lifeguard.

Card 11

• Explain the significance of the black and white chequered flag.
• Tell any surfers or learners to stay out of the flags and ask Lifeguards for advice if needed.

Card 12

• Identify the Beach Closed flag.
• Explain why Lifeguards will close a beach and what to do if a beach is closed.

Card 13

Staying safe in the water

• Talk about the importance of staying calm and raising an arm if you are in distress or trouble.
• Emphasise the importance of conserving energy.

Card 14

• Promote the message of Float to Survive.
• Explain that this message applies for all bodies of water.

Card 15

• Explain that Lifeguards are not super human - it's training and equipment that lets us do our job.

Card 16

• Reaffirm No Flags, No Swim.

• Explain the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs with swimming.

Keeping the beach clean

• Take all your rubbish home with you, or put it in one of the public bins at the beach or reserve near the beach.

Hazards, risks and mitigations - rock fishing

• Talk about the dangers of rock fishing from rock platforms and break walls
• Explain that it is the law to wear a PFD when rock fishing. Fines apply for not wearing one.

Card 20