Elements and Performance Criteria

Hazards and environmental conditions may include
Dumping waves
Large waves
Lateral currents
Marine creatures
Other surfers or swimmers
Other equipment
Own equipment
Rips
Sandbars
Shorebreaks

Characteristics of different types of waves include
Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
Plunging (dumping)
Steep, powerful, dangerous
Shallow water depth
Spilling (crumbling):
deeper water
wave face less steep
wave slower to break

Distinguishing features of rips include
Darker blue/green foam or debris
Lack of waves
Rippled surface

Techniques for survival may include
Attracting attention of lifesaver/lifeguard or others who may be able to help
Floating and treading water
Recognising hazards and keeping a safe distance from hazards
Swimming or paddling diagonally across rips

Personal safety/environmental hazards include
Hydration
Hypothermia
Sun safety

Craft may include
Bodyboards
Handboards
Hard surfboards
Sit on top kayaks
Soft surfboards

Prevailing conditions are influenced by
Availability of assistance
Imminent hazards
Imminent risks
Size of the surf

Strategies when not able to self-rescue may include
Floating and treading water
Remaining with craft where possible
Using recognised signals for assistance

Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques.

In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf.

Interdependent assessment of units
Pre-requisite units: Nil
Co-requisite units: Nil

Underpinning knowledge
Effects of wind, tide, swell and ocean floor on surf conditions
Features and signs of rips, gutters, sweeps and currents
Surf awareness including knowledge of beach safety zones
Surf hazards
Surf survival techniques
Self-rescue techniques
Types of waves and their characteristic features

Underpinning skills
Paddle surf craft and use rescue tubes
Swim in the surf in moderate conditions
Use recognised signals

Resource implications
Access to a surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft.

Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to surf lifesaving.

Context of assessment
Competence should be assessed while participating in lifesaving activities or in a simulated environment and under a range of weather conditions.