Scuba Diving

Description 

Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving in which the scuba diver uses a self contained underwater breathing apparatus that supplies compressed air.

A) Recreational diving is underwater diving for recreation using compressed gas, other than diving in a swimming pool, and includes any of the following:

  1. Resort diving
  2. Diving by a person undertaking training in diving for recreation.
  3. Diving for recreation by a person with a qualification in underwater diving.

B) Recreational technical diving is underwater diving for recreation, other than a swimming pool:

  1. Using EANx or mixed gas; or
  2. That is decompression diving using compressed air or other gases.

Confined water

Water which offers pool-like conditions, good visibility, and water which is shallow enough so that all divers can stand up with their heads well clear of the water.

Decompression diving

Diving that requires a diver to take a planned stop during the final ascent to decompress.

Who Can Participate

  • Open to all.
  • Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.

Safety Rules

  • Sunsmart protocols should be adhered to.
  • The minimum dress requirement is a wetsuit.  Long hair should be up. Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, long earrings, rings and watches, must be removed.
  • Participants need to be able to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for three minutes wearing shirt, shorts, sneakers OR hold the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia Swim and Survive level 3 or higher (or equivalent).
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC will decide if the activity should proceed or be postponed.

Supervision Requirements 

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

A lifesaver with appropriate qualifications must be present. Refer to Girl Guides Australia’s Lifesaving Policy to see the specific rules for Lifesavers.

Public Pools

The official Lifeguards at the pool is sufficient. When planning for unit activities check with the venue on group size protocols.

Private Pools & Commercial Pools

Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (RLSSA) Dry Rescue or higher award AND either RLSSA Resuscitation Award OR know how to perform CPR under qualified supervision on a manikin and show practical proficiency.

Sea, rivers and other open water

RLSSA Patrol Lifeguard OR Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Bronze Medallion or higher award.

Surfing beaches

RLSSA Patrol Lifeguard OR SLSA lifesaver on duty.

Leader in Charge

  • The LiC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
  • The LiC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults.  The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
  • The LiC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
  • The LiC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
  • The LiC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.

Activity Instructor 

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

  • Minimum qualification needed to run this activity – holds a qualification suitable for the activity and the experience of the participants.

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

  • The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity, including the use of BCD (buoyancy control device).
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity, including how to respond to an underwater emergency.
  • Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land and waterbodies. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
  • The ratified Activity Leader/ Instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
  • Activity Leader/Instructor must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

Notification Forms Required

ALL FORMS CAN BE ACCESSED HERE

For Approval – Prior to the Activity

  • OUT.01 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Notification Application
  • ADM.56B Risk Assessment Plan for Outdoor Activities Events Camps
  • The Activity Provider’s Risk Management Plan

At the Activity

  • Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 For youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
  • Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity

  • OUT.03 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Report

Last Modified: 10/09/22 at 12:36 AM