Surfing

Includes

  • Wave pools
  • Body boarding
  • Body Surfing

Description

Surfing is a water sport that involves riding breaking waves to shore on a piece of equipment called a surfboard. Surfing is usually done in the ocean, but developments in technology have made it possible to create waves in pools and rivers as an alternative.

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 requirements are: a long sleeved rash shirt / 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.
  • Swimming is only permitted when the depth of water is appropriate, considering the swimming ability of the participants.

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.

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.

Wave parks

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.
  • If the LiC is also the Lifesaver, she must appoint a responsible adult for the onshore supervision of participants.
  • 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.

  • An instructor holding an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification with a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation. Permission to use instructors with these qualifications for Guiding activities must be obtained from the relevant State Girl Guide Organisation.

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.
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
  • 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 FOUND 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 12:57 AM