Event Operations - Water Safety Plan

Event Name Got 2 Swim 4 Colin’s Hope Overview: Events that utilize water for any part of an event must prepare and submit a Water Safety Plan to the Parks and Recreation Department Aquatics Division, the Police Department Dive and Rescue Team, the Lake Patrol in conjunction and addition to the grounds Emergency Medical and Security Plans. Instructions and Checklist: Complete and submit this form.

Please provide the requested information in the text box below each item. Please be specific, and indicate whether services are hired or volunteer based. **This Emergency Medical Protocol (EMP) has been written by Kimery Duda – EMT – Founder, The Expedition School. This EMP is meant for the Colin’s Hope Got 2 Swim event, and this event only. Date of event: Friday, September 2nd , 2011. This EMP will expire on midnight of 12:01, September 3rd, 2011. Basic Event Information: Event Day(s): September 2nd, 2011 Event Time(s):

Event Participants 1:1 ratio - 50 Swimmers : 50 water guardians for each swimmer Anticipated: Registration cap: 50 Is “day of” or “on site” No registration allowed: Will non-participants be No allowed to assemble/ gather directly in the water entry area

Anticipated ambient (air) 92 temperature: Anticipated water 84 temperature: Anticipated average 2 hours MINIMUM water exposure time: Anticipated average 6.5 MAXIMUM water exposure time:

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Swim Course, or Water Use Plan and Map

 Please attach/insert a detailed electronic map of your water course/use area. The map should show the route/use area AND the water marking plan.

Course Marking and Installation Plan Please include numbers and types of watercraft, and launch areas. Include information on the timing of installation and removal, and the types of markers utilized. Event course installation MUST only occur within contracted/rented time periods. Course installation date/time: *There will be no markers in place for this event due to the distance. However, each water and safety personnel will be staged on the water and at both put-in and take-outs 30 minutes prior to event start times. Course removal date/time: *There will be no markers in place to take out for this event due to the distance. Each water and safety personnel will be discharged as soon as the last swimmer exits the water. Course markers (describe type and number): Signs will be posted at the start (put in) and finish (take out) 14 days prior to event. Anchoring method(s): None necessary.

NOTICE: By ordinance, motorized boats are not authorized on .

Affected Areas/Businesses Notice Please describe your notification to affected lake areas and businesses/vendors. By policy, events which CLOSE parks are required to post notice signs 14 days in advance. Notification of event: Signs will be posted at the start at both put in’s: Emma Long and the Pennybacker Bridge off loop 360 and finish area (take out): Walsh Boat Landing 14 days prior to event.

Notification of course/marking: See the above notes.

Austin Police Department Lake Patrol Staffing Plan List the services from APD you have procured and coordinated. It is suggested you spend advance time coordinating and securing staffing services. Telephone conversation per Sgt Candoli on placing 2-4 jet skis roving the length of event with 2 police boats in place at both lake crossings at the start and finish of the event. 6:30am – 7:30am: Emma Long and, 11am – 1pm: Walsh Boat Landing crossing. Jet skis will be patrolling the periphery of event. For example, swimmers will be swimming alongside the embankment – on river right, water guardians placed just inside, with Expedition Med Team next, patron ski boats on the outer layer – with jet skis patrolling the midsection of the length of event.

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Austin Police Department Dive Team Staffing Plan List the services from APD you have procured and coordinated. Austin Police Dive team will be on the water, ready to deploy throughout the duration of the event.

Non Government Watercraft Include numbers, types, and launch areas. List and describe event watercraft requested to be in the water: There will be several categories of watercraft use and purpose. All water support in PWC’s and motorized MUST wear a US Coastguard approved Type III PFD and signaling device.

I: Water Guardians: For every swimmer, there will be 1 water guardian in a kayak with the following accessible at any point in time throughout the event: - 1 US Coastguard approved Type III PFD’s -cell phone w/ chain of command phone list -4 Liters of water for the 4 mile swimmer support / 6 Liters of for 8 mile swimmer support -SAR card -3500 calories of sugar and Na / K+ replacement nutrition systems for 4 mile swimmer support and 7,000 calories of sugar and Na/K+ replacement nutrition systems for 8 milers. -extra goggles -any medication – prescribed or otherwise (this medication has been communicated to the Expedition School prior to the event) for swimmers ex. prescribed EPI Pen, Brochodilators, Insulin, etc.

II. Expedition School Med Team: 15 Waterfront LG’s/ EMT’s will be on SUP or kayaks w/ the following accessible at any point in time throughout the event

-RFD’s (rescue floatation devices) -Swim fins -Rescue Boards -Throw Ropes -Backboards w/ head immobilizers -BLS backpack -handheld radio -Fox 40 Whistle -Cat III PFD (worn by all participants and guides while on the water) -cell phone -kayaks -IRB’s (inflatable rescue boats) -water

III. City of Austin Lake Polic Boats (minimum of 2) IV. City of Austin SAR / Dive Team V. Motorized ski boats for lead and SAG

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Non Motorized Water Craft Plan (kayaks, canoes, etc) Include numbers, types, and launch areas.

Launch area: 8 Mile Support Emma Long Park –launch @ 6:15am, swim start 6:30am 15 water guardians in kayaks: 15 swimmers 6 Expedition Med Team on SUPs/Kayaks 1 ski boat 2 Police Boats 2 Police Jet skis

4 Mile Support Pennybacker Bridge – launch @ 8:15am, swim start @ 8:45am 35 water guardians in kayaks: 35 swimmers 6 additional Expedition Med Team on SUPs/Kayaks 1 additional ski boat 2 police boats 2 police jet skis

Participant Safety

Participant Water Entry and Safety Please describe the plan and equipment for participant entry into the water. 8 mile swimmers enter from the shoreline – Emma Long Park 4 mile swimmers enter at boat ramp – Pennybacker Bridge

8 mile swimmers: 1 mass start @ 6:30am– 15 swimmers total: 15 water guardians staged alongside swimmers 4 mile swimmers: 1 mass start @ 8:45am – 35 swimmers total: 35 water guardians staged alongside swimmers

What is the minimum equipment participants must have before and during water entry?:

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goggles, swim caps clearly marked with number, and swimsuit.

Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD) are required for: canoeing, paddling, kayak, water-skiing, and non-swimming water entry events. *All PWC’s and motorized boaters are required to wear a US Coastguard approved Type III PFD. What is the plan to ensure all minimum equipment is available before water entry/use?

Participant Briefing Please describe the detailed plan to brief and/or provide information in advance as needed in emergencies to notify participants. Include types of communication capabilities (ex. In person briefings, text messages, emails, automated phone calls, etc.) -Got 2 Swim google group listserve created specifically for all swimmers, water guardians, and Expedition School Med Coordinator with a year round ongoing dialogue regarding event, equipment, weather/water conditions, practices, training swims, safety training courses, and updates. -All swimmers and water guardians required to attend 2 training swims w/ water guardian -All swimmers and water guardians required to possess current certifications in Basic Water Rescue and CPR-Adult -Mandatory Team and Safety Briefing September 1st, 2011 -Pre Race Schpeal given prior to 8 and 4 mile swim

Participant Marking Plan Include descriptions of physical marking requirements (swim caps, leg markings, back markings, numbers, chip accountability, etc) White swim caps will be numbered, water guardians’ boats numbered at bow and stern to match assigned swimmers, swimmers will also be numbered on the back L shoulder, L & R arm.

Participant Accountability Plan (PRE WATER USE)

There will be a mandatory head count prior to the event.

The kayak support system is IN ADDITION to Water and Med support provided by The Expedition School AND the 2 SAG boats following event.

Swimmers can utilize this kayak support at any time throughout the swim.

If Ex School’s Water and/or Med support responds to a distressed / active / passive drowning victim – that swimmer is instantly and automatically pulled from water and event and will no longer be able to continue swimming.

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Participant Accountability Plan (POST WATER USE)

There will be a mandatory head count post the event.

Missing Swimmer/Person Action Plan

Particpant does NOT GO MISSING! However, if a swimmer goes missing, then the kayak support boat will contact Kim Sorensen and the Chain of Command and SAR is initiated.

Certified Open Water Life Guard - Staffing Plan

Lead lifeguard coordinator: Kimery Duda

Staffing plan:

15 certified Waterfront Lifeguards 3 EMT’s

Equipment in use by EACH lifeguard: Aquatic Gear -RFD’s (rescue floatation devices) -Swim fins -Rescue Boards -Throw Ropes -Backboards w/ head immobilizers -BLS backpack -handheld radio -Fox 40 Whistle -Cat III PFD (worn by all participants and guides while on the water) -cell phone -kayaks -water

Equipment: The Expedition School provides Basic Life Support equipment in order to prevent, provide, and respond to any land or aquatic emergency. Rescue equipment will be assessed before and after

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any shift. If equipment is used it must be documented and replaced within 24 hours.

Will lifeguards have communication devices:

Yes. Each Lifeguard will have a master phone list, cell phone and handheld radio – all carried in a waterproof case.

Describe the waterproof requirements for each device: The cases are tried and true waterproof cases that The School consistently * must provide a letter from lead contracting stated that all guards hired are open-water certified, or provide copies of individual certifications

Volunteer Component Identification Please indicate if ANY component of your water safety plan is volunteer based. Any volunteers which will be in water which are NOT open-water certified lifeguards must have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on or in water at any time. This is in addition to any additional equipment they may be provided by the event organizer.

ALL water guardians for the swimmers are volunteers. They have been required to take a Basic Water Rescue course and be currently certified in adult CPR. Everyone on the water – volunteer or paid – will be required to wear an appropriately sized US Coastguard Type III PFD. Period.

Communications Plan

Lead water use coordinator: Kimery Duda

Describe how the safety personnel in the water and on shore will communicate with each other. Every participant will have a chain of command, telephone list, and cell phone – in a water proof case.

Communication System: All kayak support teams are given Ex Med School’s Kimery Duda’s number and are asked to call or text if an emergency arises. They are also given a master phone list/Chain of Command, and possess a SAR card (description of swimmer they are responsible for).

Signaling Device Communication: -1 long whistle blast = emergency recognition -2 short whistle blasts = guide/staff communication for secondary duties -RFD held above head perpendicular to body = emergency recognition -RFD held parallel to body = head, neck or back trauma -tap top of the head = okay -waving hand side to side = assistance needed

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Describe equipment in use by all event personnel Equipment in use by EACH lifeguard: Aquatic Gear -RFD’s (rescue floatation devices) -Swim fins -Rescue Boards -Throw Ropes -Backboards w/ head immobilizers -BLS backpack -handheld radio -Fox 40 Whistle -Cat III PFD (worn by all participants and guides while on the water) -cell phone -kayaks -water

Equipment: The Expedition School provides Basic Life Support equipment in order to prevent, provide, and respond to any land or aquatic emergency. Rescue equipment will be assessed before and after any shift. If equipment is used it must be documented and replaced within 24 hours.

EVENT’S Distressed Swimmer Plan Provide detail which documents the EVENT’S REQUIREMENTS of participants who are distressed, or approaching exhaustion. IE- if they require lifeguard assistance, they are required to be removed from that leg of the event.

Events Distressed/Active/ Passive Swimmer Plan: If swimmer needs to stop and refuel, they may do so with the support of their kayak support boat – at anytime. The kayak support boat may NOT move swimmer in a forward motion to help them continue with the course. If they do so, the swimmer will be disqualified and will not be able to continue with the course. If swimmer needs lifeguard assistance – swimmers are distressed (call out for help), physically exhausted, active drowning and/or passive drowning victim, they will be immediately extricated from the water and will not be allowed to continue with the course.

SAR (Search and Rescue) -Elicit a full description of the missing person(s) including: 1. name 2. age 3. height 4. weight 5. hair color 6. skin color

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7. clothing description 8. skill level: swimming, mtn. biking, rock climbing, surfing, SUP’ing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, 9. medical hx 10. point of interest to missing person (where they like to go)

-Call their cell phone and emergency contact. -Find out the last seen location and direction of travel. -Notify all agency staff in area -Check likely locations, such as bathroom area, shaded areas, scenic overlooks -If available, a public address system may be used to summon the missing person or to broadcast a descriptions to elicit assistance in the search from beach patrons. -Regularly check the TA (transition area) in case they may have returned.

Signaling Device Communication: -1 long whistle blast = emergency recognition -2 short whistle blasts = guide/staff communication for secondary duties -RFD held above head perpendicular to body = emergency recognition -RFD held parallel to body = head, neck or back trauma -tap top of the head = okay -waving hand side to side = assistance needed

Health and Medical Emergencies

Finish Line Triage Plan Include your plan and number/quantity of medical, nurse and/or first aid staffing. Include all equipment in the emergency services area, and the emergency services capabilities.

2 EMT/RN’s will be at the start/finish line with BLS gear.

Emergency Medical Services Staffing Include information that indicates if staffing is private or City procured, and/or volunteer.

Name of Company providing EMT/EMS services: The Expedition School Company Lead on Event Day: Kimery Duda: 512.626.6282: [email protected] Is their a designated medical director for this event: Yes. Dr. Mark Ackrell. [email protected]

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Equipment

Describe all capabilities AND equipment the service provider(s) will have on site: Aquatic Gear -RFD’s (rescue floatation devices) -Swim fins -Rescue Boards -Throw Ropes -Backboards w/ head immobilizers -BLS backpack -handheld radio -Fox 40 Whistle -Cat III PFD (worn by all participants and guides while on the water) -cell phone -kayaks -IRB’s (inflatable rescue boats) -water

Land Gear -medic cot -shade tent -BLS backpack -athletic trainer bag -OTC med kit -Tow Rope -4WD vehicle -water -irrigation kit -AED -bull horn

Ambulance Transport Plan

Ambulance Transport Plan: The Expedition School shall attempt to sustain life until equal or higher emergency care has arrived and taken over the patient. Austin Travis County EMS/ Fire / Police will be notified in case of any emergency. The swimmer and/or participant will be taken to the nearest take out point. The Ex School will dial the GPS coordinates and relay these on to responding units.

The Expedition School follows Austin Travis Counties Standard Operating Guidelines and will proceed with those proper protocols of Trauma Alert and/or Trauma Transport. If a patient

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refuses transport and/or treatment, proper documentation will be signed by both the patient, witness, and Expedition Medical Team staff.

Hospital Notification Plan Patients will go to the assigned hospital of COA OMD dispatch. The name and address of this hospital will be given to the emergency contact of participant.

Closest hospital: Brackenridge (Adult) / Children’s: (Pediatric patients 15 and under).

* by contract, event organizer will ALSO need to provide a copy of Austin Travis County EMS approval (a form is available for this activity, along with this plan). It is encouraged that organizers complete and submit this plan, along with your provider contracts, at the time of submission to EMS.

Weather Emergency Course Alteration Plan Please describe the event plan to alter, change or cancel portions of the event due to weather incidents. Include extent of “hold” times, and arrangements you have coordinated with street closure providers to mitigate staffing and road reopening delays. Adverse Weather Conditions: In the case of inclement weather (flood, fire, tornado, heavy torrential rains, lightning, sleet, snow, ice, water spouts, tsunamis), the event will be moved to a safe, alternate location; postponed (later - day of event); or rescheduled to a later date. Shelters and areas of refuge will be located pre-event for patrons and racers. An evacuation route is designed, implemented and signage up for patrons and racers to follow.

Forecasted Weather The Expedition School will check-in with river authorities on CFS flow rates, satellites for weather,private land owners, and local and surrounding police, fire and EMS crews three times before event: two weeks out; 1 week out; and 24 hours prior to the event.

Emergency Course Alteration Plan Participants are required to call The Expedition School 24 hours prior to event start time 512.626.6282 for the weather report and notification.

In case of inclement weather, flood and/or thunderstorms, the event will be postponed 24 hours and will resume at the same times listed above.

In case of lightning or thunder prior to event start, the event will be delayed for 30 minutes – or, until thunder is no longer heard nor lightning is no longer seen. Kimery Duda will signal the okay sign when it is okay to get back in the water.

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In case of lightning or thunder during the day of the event – swimmers will be asked to exit the water immediately and wait 30 minutes or, until thunder is no longer heard nor lightning is no longer seen. Kimery Duda will signal the okay sign when it is okay to get back in the water.

Severe Weather: The Expedition School monitors the weather consistently and constantly. The School utilizes several resources for the most accurate and up to date weather forecast. One site that is found extremely helpful is www.noaa.gov and LCRA’s river report.

The School’s guides and faculty also do their own weather forecasting and know to alter, delay or cancel a route or expedition due to the inclement weather. A weather plan is in place for each program. For example, The School does not offer Stand Up Paddle Lessons if it has rained within 48 hours – for there is a tremendous amount of stormwater runoff that pollutes the waterways – and, afterall, the solution to pollution is dilution! The School’s role in forecasting is to: 1. Alert the public to threatening weather conditions. 2. Warn participants and any affiliates involved with the event who may be reacting to threatening weather conditions with evacuation routes. 3. Ensure the safety of each team member and participant. 4. Protect facilities and surrounding area utilized 5. Assist with protection of facilities and area utilized.

Important Numbers:

DAN (Diving Alert Network) 24 hour diving medical emergency hotline: 919.684.8111 919.684.4DAN (collect)

DAN Info line: 919.684.2948 xt: 222

Poison Control: 800.222.1222

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