Overview

This course is general introduction on how to stay safe whilst swimming at surf locations. It covers surf awareness and self-rescue skills, as well as planning activities and identifying a range of surf environment dangers.

Aim

Demonstrate surf awareness, safety and self-rescue skills to safely participate in activities in the surf environment.

Locations and Conditions 

Beach break with sand bottom
Surf 1 ½ ft
Free from rips and hazards

Equipment 

Beginner softboard, soft fins & leash

Knowledge & Skills

Surf Safety

• Swim 50 metres.

• Tread water for 5 minutes

• Float for 5 minutes

Surfing Environment

• Plan for the activity

• Identify food and water requirements

• Understand the surf environment

• Types of waves and their dangers

• Identify rips and how to get out of them

• Understand beach information and warning signs

• Identify surf hazards and how to avoid them

• Choose a safe swimming location

• Caring for the beach environment

Water and Safety Skills

• Demonstrate skills in swimming, bodysurfing, floating and treading water

• Methods to negotiate through the surf with or without craft

• Methods to come in from the surf with or without craft

• Apply techniques for survival in the water

• Use self-rescue techniques