ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES 2013
The VACSWIM administration Guidelines are in the process of being updated to a more user friendly version. We understand this is a difficult document and have sought to make a version that will be easier to use. This is not completely finished so we are unable to publish this version to the web at this stage, although we hope to have it up within the next week or so.
The version attached is a copy of the 2012 Administration guidelines rebadged. If you find any references to 2012 program you will understand why.
We have not made changes to the administration or class ratios/sizes, staffing or breaks in the new version, so this remains unchanged.
All emergency protocols still apply. You will receive an administration guideline in hard copy format prior to the program commencement.
Please read the front section in full to page 15 and then refer to areas that need more clarification.
We will refer to this document in our teleconference.
Any questions, please contact the VACSWIM office as soon as possible. Noreen Gaudry
ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES VACSWIM 2013
Prepared by YMCA of South Australia 8200 2525
UPDATED: November 2011
1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ...... 5
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF VACSWIM ...... 15
2.1 AIM ...... 15 2.2 OUTCOMES ...... 15 3. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ...... 15
3.1 PARTICIPANTS ...... 15 3.2 LOCATIONS ...... 15 3.3 PROGRAM DATES ...... 15 3.4 PROGRAM FEES ...... 16 3.5 PROGRAM CONTENT...... 16 3.6 CLASS TIMES AND DURATION ...... 17 3.7 STAFFING ...... 18 4. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ...... 18
4.1 YMCA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA ...... 18 4.2 ROLE OF VACSWIM OFFICE...... 18 4.3 ROLE OF ADVISERS/REGIONAL COORDINATORS ...... 18 4.4 ROLE OF INSTRUCTORS IN CHARGE ...... 19 4.5 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUPPORT ...... 19 4.6 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR INSTRUCTORS IN CHARGE ...... 19 4.7 COMMUNICATION WITH LOCATION AUTHORITIES ...... 19 4.8 SCHOOL POOL LOCATIONS ...... 19 4.9 MEETING OF INSTRUCTORS ...... 20 4.10 MEETING AGENDA ...... 20 5. ENROLMENT ...... 20
5.1 ENROLMENT NUMBERS ...... 20 5.2 ENROLMENT BOOKLETS ...... 20 5.3 ENROLLING CHILDREN ...... 21 5.4 ON-LINE AND POSTAL ENROLMENTS ...... 21 5.5 POSTAL ENROLMENT PROCEDURE ...... 21 5.6 ENROLMENT AT THE LOCATIONS BY VACSWIM STAFF ON DESIGNATED DATES AND TIMES ...... 22 5.7 LATE ENROLMENTS ...... 22 5.8 PREPARATION FOR ENROLMENT DAYS AT THE LOCATION ...... 23 5.9 PROCEDURE FOR ENROLLING PARTICIPANTS AT THE LOCATION ...... 24 5.10 ONGOING ENROLMENTS AT PUBLIC / COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOLS ...... 25 5.11 ACCEPTING ENROLMENTS BEFORE ADVERTISED ENROLMENT DATES ...... 25 5.12 COLLECTION AND BANKING OF ENROLMENT AND OTHER FEES ...... 26 5.13 LOST, STOLEN, UNRECONCILED MONIES ...... 27 5.14 REFUNDS ...... 27 5.15 TRANSFER OF PARTICIPANTS BETWEEN LOCATIONS ...... 27 5.16 CHILDREN WITH A DISABILITY ...... 28 5.17 COLLECTION OF MONEY BY VOLUNTEERS ...... 29 6. INSTRUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS ...... 29
6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 29 6.2 PROFICIENCY OF STAFF ...... 29 6.3 PRE-TEST PARTICIPANTS ON THE FIRST DAY ...... 29 6.4 PREPARATION OF ATTENDANCE ROLLS ...... 30 6.5 USE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION ...... 31 6.6 ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 31 6.7 INSTRUCTION OFFERED AT LOCATIONS ...... 31 6.8 RLSSA SWIM AND SURVIVE ...... 32 6.9 SLSSA AWARDS ...... 32 6.10 LEVELS OF INSTRUCTION ...... 33 6.11 INSTRUCTING CLASSES...... 33 6.12 USE OF ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS ...... 33 6.13 STAFFING RATIOS ...... 34
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6.14 POOL SPACE...... 35 6.15 SHALLOW WATER ...... 35 6.16 INSTRUCTION OF BEGINNERS ...... 35 6.17 INSTRUCTION OF BEGINNERS ON COLD DAYS OR IN COLD WATER ...... 35 6.18 REST PERIODS ...... 36 6.19 RESPONSIBILITY TO START ON TIME ...... 36 6.20 INSTRUCTOR ATTIRE ...... 36 7. STAFFING ...... 36
7.1 STAFFING ALLOCATION ...... 36 7.2 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS ...... 37 7.3 OVER STAFFED LOCATIONS ...... 38 7.4 EQUITY ...... 38 7.5 ATTENDANCE OF INSTRUCTORS ...... 38 7.6 VOLUNTEERS ...... 39 8. EQUIPMENT ...... 39
8.1 AQUATIC EQUIPMENT ...... 39 8.2 SAFETY EQUIPMENT ...... 39 8.3 SHORTAGE OF EQUIPMENT ...... 40 8.4 HIRE OF EQUIPMENT ...... 40 8.5 IMPROVISING WITH EQUIPMENT ...... 40 8.6 LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED EQUIPMENT ...... 40 8.7 PARTICIPANTS USING THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT ...... 40 9. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & DUTIES ...... 40
9.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 40 9.2 ADVISERS/REGIONAL COORDINATORS ...... 41 9.3 INSTRUCTORS IN CHARGE...... 41 9.4 INSTRUCTORS ...... 43 9.5 ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS ...... 43 9.6 PRIVACY POLICY ...... 43 10. EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS ...... 44
10.1 REQUIRED BY ALL PERSONS INSTRUCTING RLSSA SWIM AND SURVIVE ...... 44 10.2 REQUIRED BY ALL PERSONS INSTRUCTING SLSSA AWARDS ...... 45 11. HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 45
11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 45 11.2 HEALTH ...... 45 11.3 SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT ...... 46 11.4 WORKERS COMPENSATION ...... 46 11.5 SUN SMART / HOT WEATHER POLICY ...... 47 11.6 DEEP / SHALLOW WATER ...... 47 11.7 SAFETY ...... 48 11.8 CANCELLATION OF CLASSES ...... 49 11.9 BEACHES ...... 49 11.10 LOCATIONS OPERATING MORE THAN ONE SITE ...... 50 11.11 DIVING ...... 50 11.12 JETTY JUMPING ...... 50 11.13 BEGINNERS ...... 50 11.14 PRECAUTIONS IN FIRST AID AND RESUSCITATION ...... 50 11.15 RISK MANAGEMENT / SAFETY ...... 51 12. BEHAVIOUR PROTOCOL ...... 51
12.1 CODE OF BEHAVIOUR - PARTICIPANTS ...... 51 12.2 CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – STAFF ...... 52 13. PROBLEMS AND ISSUES ...... 52
13.1 DEALING WITH PROBLEMS ...... 52 13.2 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES ...... 53 14. EMERGENCIES ...... 53
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14.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 53 14.2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION ...... 53 14.3 CHECKLIST OF PROCEDURES ...... 54 14.4 EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM ...... 55 14.5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FORM ...... 56 14.6 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CHECKLIST FORM ...... 57 15. ACCIDENT / INCIDENT PROCEDURES ...... 58
15.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 58 15.2 MINOR ACCIDENTS / INCIDENTS ...... 58 15.3 SERIOUS ACCIDENTS / INCIDENTS ...... 58 15.4 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...... 58 15.5 DEALING WITH PARENTS ...... 58 15.6 REPORTING THE INCIDENT ...... 58 15.7 DEALING WITH THE MEDIA ...... 59 15.8 STAFF ASSISTANCE, SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING ...... 59 16. MARKETING ...... 60
16.1 GENERAL MARKETING ...... 60 16.2 ADVERTISING ...... 61 16.3 RESPONDING TO THE MEDIA ...... 61 16.4 SERVICE AWARDS ...... 62 17. CUSTOMER SERVICE ...... 62
17.1 PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM ...... 62 17.2 DURING THE PROGRAM ...... 62 17.3 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ...... 62 17.4 CONCLUSION OF THE PROGRAM ...... 62 18. EVALUATION OF VACSWIM ...... 63
18.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 63 18.2 EVALUATION REPORTS ON INSTRUCTORS ...... 63 18.3 EVALUATION REPORT ON INSTRUCTOR IN CHARGE ...... 63 18.4 EVALUATION BY FAMILIES ...... 63 18.5 EVALUATION BY VACSWIM LOCATION MANAGERS AND AUTHORITIES ...... 63 18.6 COLLECTION OF EVALUATION INFORMATION ...... 63 19. PREPARATION OF PAY CLAIMS ...... 64
19.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 64 19.2 PAYMENT OF STAFF ...... 64 19.3 PROCESSING OF PAY CLAIM FORMS ...... 64 19.4 ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS ...... 65 19.5 PAYMENTS TO STAFF ...... 65 20. THE LAST DAY ...... 65
20.1 INSTRUCTION AS USUAL ...... 65 20.2 PARTIES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ...... 65 20.3 INSTRUCTOR IN CHARGE ...... 65 20.4 INSTRUCTORS ...... 66 20.5 ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS ...... 66 20.6 FINAL RETURNS – IC FINAL RETURN BOOKLET ...... 66 20.7 RLSSA-SA AND SLSSA MATERIALS ...... 67 20.8 SPONSOR / VACSWIM SIGNAGE ...... 67 21. ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY SOUTH AUSTRALIA (RLSSA) ...... 67
21.1 PROCEDURES...... 67 21.2 MANUALS ...... 67 21.3 AWARDS ...... 67 21.4 CLAIMING LOWER AWARDS ...... 68 21.5 FEES FOR AWARDS ...... 68 21.6 SUITABILITY OF VENUE ...... 69 21.7 ASSESSMENT – EXAMINING ...... 69 21.8 BRONZE AWARDS ...... 69
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21.9 HIGHER AWARDS ...... 69 21.10 EXAMINATION SUMMARY SHEETS ...... 71 21.11 EXAMINATION THEORY PAPERS...... 71 21.12 EQUIPMENT PROVIDED ...... 71 21.13 RLSSA CLASSES - AWARD NOT COMPLETED ...... 71 21.14 EXTENSION SWIMMING CLASSES ...... 71 21.15 FURTHER ENQUIRIES ...... 72 21.16 SWIM AND SURVIVE “ACTIVE” LEVELS 1-7 ...... 72 22. SURF LIFE SAVING SA (SLSSA) ...... 77
22.1 VACATION SURF AND SURVIVE INSTRUCTOR WORKBOOK ...... 77 23. SWIMMINGSA ...... 89
23.1 WHAT IS SWIMMINGSA ...... 89 23.2 SWIMMING CLUB CONTACTS ...... 90 24. SUN PROTECTION GUIDELINES ...... 91
24.1 TIPS FOR INSTRUCTORS ...... 91 25. POLICY STATEMENT BUSHFIRE SAFETY ...... 92 25.1 BACKGROUND ...... 92 25.2 BUSHFIRE SAFER PLACES ...... 92 25.3 HIERARCHY OF BUSHFIRE SAFER PLACES IN SA ...... 93 25.4 POLICY STATEMENT...... 93 25.5 ARRANGEMENTS: ...... 94 25.6 IC INFORMATION SUMMARY ...... 94 25.7 EMERGENCY SERVICES UPDATE ...... 95 LOCATIONS AND INSTRUCTOR/PARTICIPANT NUMBERS AT EACH SITE ...... 95
25.8 FIRE DANGER RATINGS ...... 100 25.9 EMERGENCY BROADCAST PARTNERS ...... 102 26. USE OF VOLUNTEERS IN VACSWIM 2013 & REGISTER OF VOLUNTEERS ...... 103
26.1 YMCA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA VOLUNTEERS POSITION STATEMENT ...... 104 26.2 VOLUNTEER REGISTER/DECLARATION ...... 105
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1. Introduction and Overview
Definitions
In these Administrative Guidelines the following definitions apply: • “Location” means the location or locations where the Minister has approved the contractor to provide Services.
• “Participant” means a person aged between 5 years and eighteen years as of the first day of VACSWIM 2013 or such other persons or class of person as the Minister approves.
• “Minister” means the Minister for Recreation and Sport, its successors and assigns.
• “VACSWIM 2013” or “VACSWIM” means the school holiday water safety and swimming program for Participants.
• “Services” means those services the Contractor must provide.
• “ORS” means Office for Recreation and Sport.
• “VACSWIM Office” means the office and staff established by YMCA of SA to manage the delivery of the VACSWIM 2013 program.
• “Coordinators” – see reference to regional coordinators below.
• “Enrolment Booklet” means the booklet containing all the information about VACSWIM 2013 including the Enrolment Information, Payment calculation and the VACSWIM Enrolment Form.
• “Enrolment Package” means the form which includes information on enrolling participants, payment details and release information that parents are required to acknowledge by signing the enrolment form.
• “VACSWIM Enrolment Form” means the form, which includes the details of each participant enrolled in the program including medical information and details of level and lesson times, and release signatures
• “Program Fees” means the Enrolment Fee plus any Other Fees to be paid per child collected by VACSWIM.
• “Enrolment Fee” means the amount collected per child to participate in the program.
• “Daily Entry Fee” means the fees collected per child associated with a specific location and paid at the location.
• “SLSSA” means Surf Life Saving South Australia.
• “RLSSA-SA” means Royal Life Saving Society Australia – SA Branch.
• “Regional Coordinators” means key field staff involved in the delivery of the program at a regional level: these personal will be referred to as “coordinators” for the purpose of program delivery.
• YMCA of South Australia means the Young Mens Christian Association of South Australia.
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Introduction and Overview continued
VACSWIM is a South Australian Government subsidised program providing participants with opportunities to develop a range of skills and positive experiences in the areas of water safety, confidence and competence in the water, personal survival activities, emergency procedures and basic swimming stroke improvement.
The SA Water VACSWIM program is conducted by qualified instructors in a controlled environment, located at school pools, public and private pools, beaches and lakes throughout South Australia.
The YMCA of South Australia will manage VACSWIM 2013.
The Administrative Guidelines in this booklet contain the approved policies and management guidelines for VACSWIM, and will inform Instructors in Charge of the administration, legal and safety aspects of the program, as well as provide information to assist with the organisation of classes and conduct of the program.
Instructors in Charge should encourage all instructors under their control to read the Administration Guidelines to enable them to understand their respective roles and responsibilities in the delivery of VACSWIM.
The Administration Guidelines are also available from the VACSWIM web site www.vacswimsa.com – Enter specific password issued.
Specific management issues unable to be resolved by Instructors in Charge must be referred to:
Denise Power Administration/Event Manager VACSWIM
YMCA of South Australia 338 Tapleys Hill Rd Seaton SA 5023
Phone: (08) 8200 2525 Mob: 0408 019 267 Fax: (08) 8353 0384 Free call for Instructors: 1300 010 508 Email: [email protected]
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Summary of Guidelines Pages 7 to 15 inclusive
Planning Considerations
• The SA Water VACSWIM 2013 Program will operate at most locations 4th – 12th January. 3.3
• Enrolment fee is $22.00 per child. Fifth and subsequent children from one family are not required to pay an enrolment fee. 3.4
• Parents must present their Medicare card (or photocopy thereof) when enrolling more than four participants as proof they are from the same family. 3.4
• SA Water VACSWIM 2013 will use RLSSA Swim and Survive and Senior & Advanced Awards and SLSSA Surf and Survive Awards.
• Instructors in Charge should at all times be aware of the difference between a Water Safety Program and a “Learn to Swim” program. SA Water VACSWIM is classified as a Water Safety Program. 3.5
• Instructors in Charge should ensure that at all times SA Water VACSWIM classes are structured so that the emphasis is placed on Water Safety activity.
• Participant classes are composed of daily classes of 45 minutes duration on each day for the seven days of the program. 3.6
• RLSSA-SA Bronze Star classes are of 45 minutes duration only.
• Advanced RLSSA Bronze Medallion and other higher awards and advanced SLSSA classes will be for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Program Management
• Role of Regional Coordinators / Advisers: 4.3 o Provide assistance to Instructors in Charge with: . Staffing. . Enrolments. . Class sizes. . Provision of equipment. . Safety issues. . Site visitation during the program. . The delivery of specialist instruction.
• Role of Instructors in Charge (IC’s): 4.4 o The Instructor in Charge is responsible for: . Management of site and staff. . Enrolments. . Allocation of Instructors to classes. . Liaison with pool management / authorities. . Instruction.
• Communications: 4.5 o It is compulsory for IC’s to: . Participate in a pre-program meeting or teleconference conducted by the Vacswim Office. . Refer management or administrative issues directly to the Vacswim Office.
• Administrative Support for IC’s: 4.6 o Each Vacswim location will be provided with an allocation of administration hours for staff (excluding the IC). o The allocation of administration hours is the maximum time to be paid at each location. o Administration hours are not paid to IC’s.
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• Communication with Local Authorities: 4.7 o IC’s must contact the owner / manager of the Location once they have accepted their appointment, to resolve all management issues prior to the program commencing.
• School Pool Locations: 4.8 o IC’s must contact the School Principal once they have accepted their appointment, to arrange: . Collection of Keys. . Emergency Procedures. . First aid and equipment availability. . Cleaning of toilet and shower areas. . Pool Plant Operator (PPO) contact details.
• Instructors Orientation Meeting: 4.9 o Instructors must attend a meeting conducted by the IC prior to commencement of the program (approx. 1 hour) to clarify administrative, emergency, risk management and safety procedures.
Enrolment
*Important – READ ENTIRE SECTION 5 Section 5 contains important information that is mandatory for all employees to understand
The following serves as a summary of section 5 only.
• Enrolment Numbers: 5.1 o Each location will be provided with an enrolment target. o Management Fees are based on enrolment targets and will be adjusted. o Every paid participant who seeks enrolment in Vacswim must be accommodated.
• Enrolling Children: 5.3 nd o Parents will be able to enrol On-Line (to be launched in September 2011 and closing 2 December 2011) or enrol by Postal Enrolment (closing 28th October 2011). o The On-Line and Postal enrolment package will reach all IC’s prior to the pre-Christmas enrolment date of 10th December 2011.
• IC’s will be required to: 5.4 – 5.5 o Allocate On-Line and Postal Enrolment participants into appropriate lesson times and classes. o Where possible, place all family members into the same time slot or consecutive time slots. o Make note of any children with a disability or special medical conditions and ensure Instructors are briefed. o Keep all VACSWIM Enrolment Forms in a safe / secure place. For ready reference in case of emergency.
• Enrolment at the Locations by Vacswim Staff: 5.6 IC’s must advertise and promote locally if there are changes to enrolment dates and times. o th o Enrolment – Larger Locations: Saturday 10 December 2011 10am – 12 noon and Saturday 31st December 2011 10am – 12 noon Enrolment – all other locations: Saturday 31st December 2011 10am – 12 noon. o st o LARGER LOCATIONS: Enrolments at larger locations on 31 December will incur an additional $1.00 Administration Fee; st o ALL LOCATIONS: Enrolments taken after 31 December will also incur an additional $1.00 Administration Fee.
• Late Enrolments: 5.7 o Enrolments can be taken on the first day but MUST NOT interfere with classes already in progress.
• Preparation for Enrolment Days on location: 5.8 o IC’s must confirm dates and times with the Location owner/manager/authority. o Check enrolment pack for fee charges. All Equipment and location fees are collected on the day. o Put out posters to advertise locally before the first day of the program. o Prepare and put up, all program information signs, including directional signs, before enrolment begins. o Set up under cover where possible.
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o Ensure that there is adequate staffing available to ensure customers are not waiting too long. o Ensure all VACSWIM Enrolment forms are filled out correctly. o Fill classes before offering new time slots. o Each family is to be issued with a Fire booklet when receipting.
• Enrolment Fee Reconciliations: 5.8 o Reconcile all monies received using the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet – IC’s will not be paid until the VACSWIM Office is in receipt of the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet and all monies. o All cheques must be made payable to the YMCA of South Australia. o Do NOT bank cheques or money orders – send these back to the VACSWIM Office. o Unless participant is fully paid, do not enter into classes. o Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheets must be completed on enrolment day.
• Transfer of Participants between locations: 5.8 o IC’s to retain original enrolment details – provide parents with a Certificate of Participation & ensure they still have their receipt. o Parent/Guardian to present at new venue with receipt & certificate and to complete a new VACSWIM Enrolment form. o These are to be marked as Transfers in.
• Procedure for Enrolling Participants at the Location: 5.9 o Under NO circumstances can a child attend if the release form is not signed by the parents or guardians.
• Collection and Banking: 5.12 o Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet to be filled out on enrolment day as Participants are registered and receipts are provided. o Banking is to reconcile to the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet along with the Payment Summary Sheet. o You are responsible for all collected money and must deposit as soon as practical (within 24 Hours) using deposit books provided. o DO NOT BANK Cheques or Money orders. Send direct to VACSWIM Office.
• Refunds: 5.14 o Refund is payable when the location has been cancelled. o Medical grounds require a written request to be submitted along with a medical certificate; And only applicable where the Participant has not attended for more than 2 days. o No refunds can be provided on Equipment and Locations Fees.
• Children with a Disability: 5.16 o Enrolment of children with a Disability is to be done in consultation with the parent/guardian. Notification must be given to the VACSWIM Office or a VACSWIM Coordinator. * Read and sign acknowledgement form provided in the IC Pack.
• Collection of Money by Volunteers: o Volunteers are NOT permitted to collect program fees or other fees.
Instruction of Participants
• Introduction: 6.1 o IC’s providing Surf Instruction are required to adhere to the procedures and methods outlined within the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Training Manual. o IC’s providing Royal Life Instruction are required to adhere to the procedures and methods outlined by the RLSSA guidelines. o IC’s must notify and consult with a Regional Coordinator/Adviser if significant alterations occur due to an increase or decrease in enrolments.
• Proficiency of Staff: 6.2 o IC’S should be confident of the skills and abilities of all Instructors and Assistant Instructors at the location.
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• Pre-Test of Participants: 6.3 o IC’S should be ready to conduct pre-test of participants on the first day of the program – with the following forms: VACSWIM Enrolment; Children with a Disability and Medical Details forms. o Attendance rolls to be completed after pre-testing. o All pre-testing initially in shallow water. o Pre-testing duration is 10 minutes.
• Emergency Procedures: 6.3 o Participants must be given information on Emergency Procedures prior to pre-testing.
• Enrolment Numbers:6.4 o Classes that are more than 25% below the recommended maximum enrolment numbers will require approval from the VACSWIM Office. Fill ALL planned classes before adding new lesson times. o Attendance rolls must be completed at ALL classes. o Level/Stage 1 and Level/Stage 2 classes cannot be combined.
• Auditing: 6.4 o Payment forms and VACSWIM Enrolment forms are to be returned to the VACSWIM Office at the completion of the program. IC’s must NOT retain any documentation for privacy reasons.
• VACSWIM Enrolment & Medical Details forms: 6.5 - 6.6 o Participants are not permitted to enter the water and participate in the program until a VACSWIM Enrolment Form has been completed and signed. o Asthma Management Plans must be provided to IC.
• RLSSA Swim and Survive: 6.8 o Instructors in charge should ensure instructors instructing higher awards are competent with the RLSSA-SA standards.
*Important – READ ENTIRE SECTION 6.13 Section 6.13 contains important information that is mandatory for all employees to understand
The following serves as a summary of section 6.13 only.
• Staffing Ratios: 6.13 o Classes over the maximum recommended ratio size are NOT permitted; See section 6.13 for alternatives including allocation of addition Instructors in Charge approval consideration by VACSWIM.
• Classes over the maximum recommended ratio size: 6.13 o If class sizes decrease due to unforeseen circumstances the assistant instructor is to be removed from the class. Assistant instructors are made aware of this condition in their employment contract and Instructors in Charge should also make it clear to them at the commencement of the program.
• Instruction to Beginners: 6.16 o Instructors and Assistant Instructors MUST BE IN THE WATER when instructing. Instructing beginners from the side of the pool is not acceptable.
• Rest Periods: 6.18 o Instructors in Charge and Instructors must not work for extended periods without a break.
• Responsibility to start on time: 6.19 o Instructor in Charge is required to be present at the location no less than 30 minutes prior to the first lesson on the first day of the program; and no less than 15 minutes prior to the first lesson on all subsequent days.
• Instructor Attire: 6.20 o All employees are required to wear the uniforms provided by VACSWIM; in addition to taking appropriate sun care precautions.
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Staffing
• Staffing Allocation: 7.1 o All staff employed MUST be appointed & qualifications checked by the VACSWIM Office. o Staffing ratios listed are a guideline only and will be determined on enrolments.
• Additional Instructors: 7.2 o A reserve list of qualified personnel will be maintained by the VACSWIM Office in the event of staff absences.
• Over Staffed Locations: 7.3 o Instructional hours for Instructors and Assistant Instructors are not guaranteed. o Actual Instructional hours MUST be consistent with appropriate class sizes. o The VACSWIM Office must be advised if there are allocated instructors over and above what is actually required at any location; e.g. Enrolment numbers do not meet the targets set.
• Equity: 7.4 o IC’s must ensure the allocation of lessons is equally distributed between all employees at the location. o IC’S must offer each employee the opportunity to participate in the administration of the program.
• Attendance of Instructors: 7.5 o All employees engaged to instruct classes are required to be available for the entire program. o IC’s should take the class of an instructor who is temporarily absent, if possible. VACSWIM office must be notified.
• Volunteers: 7.6 o IC’S may utilise the service of volunteers. o Names of all volunteers must be registered on the appropriate form.
Equipment • Safety Equipment: 8.1 – 8.2 o Ensure that appropriate Safety Equipment is available at pool, lake and beach sites. o If additional equipment is required contact the VACSWIM office immediately.
• Lost, Stolen or Damaged Equipment: 8.6 o IC”s must provide the VACSWIM Office with details of any lost, stolen or damaged equipment.
• Participants Using Their Own Equipment: 8.7 o The use of flippers, snorkels and facemasks are not permitted during the SA Water VACSWIM program.
Conditions of Employment & Duties
• Duties: 9.2 o Ensure the Administrative Guidelines have been read and understood and that the program at the location is managed in accordance with the policies and aims of VACSWIM. o Open and check the contents of the Instructor in Charge packs and inform the VACSWIM Office if any of the listed items are missing. o Make contact with the pool or school authority as soon as possible after having accepted the Instructor in Charge position. o Ensure that an induction session is held with the location staff prior to the commencement of the program and that all support staff are aware of their duties and responsibilities. This forms part of their employment and as such is not paid. This meeting should be organised and be no longer than 40 minutes duration. o Ensure all safety precautions are understood and practiced by instruction staff at the location including emergency procedures. o Ensure the effective implementation of emergency procedures and demonstrate this before the end of the first lesson and that they are practiced and reinforced from time to time during the program, as outlined in the ‘Emergencies’ section of the Administrative Guidelines.
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Health and Safety
• Health/Medical:11.2 o All medical information and instructions must be noted on attendance rolls. o Any participant who is medically unfit must be excluded from classes – please refer to the VACSWIM Office if uncertain. o Parent to remain on site if medication is required to be administered.
• Staff: 11.2 o An Instructor who is medically unfit must not be permitted to instruct classes. o Sickness and Accident: 11.3 o All accidents and incidents, which involve removing any person (Includes participant, staff and/or parent/s) from a VACSWIM location to obtain medical assistance, must be advised immediately to the Program Manager, VACSWIM.
• Workers Compensation: 11.4 o Completed WorkCover forms, along with a Medical Certificate, giving details of any accident or injuries suffered by an employee, should be forwarded to the VACSWIM office immediately after an accident.
• Sun Smart / Hot Weather Policy: 11.5 o IC’s must ensure that they take appropriate action in conjunction with location managers and their staff to ensure that the requirements of sun protection are able to be achieved.
• Deep / shallow water: 11.6 o Ensure that deep / shallow water is marked with a lane rope or similar. o Instructors must always place themselves in a teaching position where they have full vision of all participants. o Ensure participants are instructed about change of water depth.
• Beaches and lakes: 11.6 o Ensure that the water environments, at beaches and/or lakes are assessed by the IC on a daily basis to ensure conditions are safe for all participants. o Instructors must always place themselves in a teaching position where they have full vision of all participants.
• Safety; Cancellation of classes: 11.7 – 11.8 o Please read all safety information carefully.
• Diving: 11.11 o Check the venue to ensure that the water is deep enough to perform diving tasks. o Swim and Survive Levels 1, 2, and 3 require chest deep water with a non-slip bottom. o Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 require deep water, which is suitable for the height of the participants.
• Jetty Jumping: 11.12 o Jumping from jetties is NOT permitted. Entry to the water for all activities at beach jetty locations is to be via the jetty steps or from the beach.
• Precaution in First Aid Resuscitation: 11.14 o Review The AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AIDS (ANCA) bulletin No. 15. May 1992. In effect this bulletin states: ‘There is no reason to withhold first aid and resuscitation from someone who needs it.’ o Risk minimisation is an integral aspect of first aid training and consequently all instructors should be familiar with appropriate protocols through their recent attainment of first aid and resuscitation qualifications, particularly in regard to infection control.
• Risk management / Safety: 11.15 o IC’s are to do everything possible (within their control) to ensure a safe teaching/learning environment for VACSWIM staff and Participants and in order to manage the risks associated with the conduct of the program at pools, lakes and beaches. o SAFETY MUST BE STRESSED REGULARLY DURING ALL SESSIONS. o In inclement or dangerous conditions, participants are to be removed from water and supervised by Instructors until the parent or guardian arrives to collect.
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Behaviour Protocol
• Behaviour Management: 12.1 o If a Participant/s displays disruptive behaviour which places them, other participants or staff members at risk, the Behaviour Management Guidelines should be adhered to.
• Code of Behaviour – Staff: 12.2 o All VACSWIM staff members are expected to ensure that they conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner and do not engage in any illegal or offensive behaviour.
Problems and Issues
*Important – READ ENTIRE SECTION 13 Section 13 contains important information that is mandatory for all employees to understand
The following serves as a guide only to section 13
• Conflict Resolution: 13 o Follow the Guidelines for Dealing with Problems, or Grievance Procedures.
Emergencies
*Important – READ ENTIRE SECTION 14 Contains important information that is mandatory for all employees to understand Forms attached to be completed
• Emergency Procedures and Information: 14.1 – 14.2 o Emergency procedures must be established for each Location for the efficient management of accidents / incidents or other emergencies, i.e. Availability of phones, ambulance, first aid kit, etc. o All emergency procedures and information must be discussed with location managers/authorities and staff, and understood by all persons involved in the program. o All information must be displayed in a prominent position where all persons can easily access the information. o All Instructors in Charge must wear a whistle at all times throughout the program. o In the event of a serious accident/ incident the following is required: . The VACSWIM Office must be notified as soon as possible. . Parent/Guardian is to be notified. o SAFETY MUST BE STRESSED REGULARLY DURING ALL SESSIONS.
• Checklist of Procedures: 14.3 o A completed copy of the Emergency Procedures, Emergency Information and the Emergency Procedures Checklist must be returned to the VACSWIM Office before day two of the program either by free fax for IC’s only or in the reply paid envelope provided.
Accident/Incident Procedures
• Serious Accidents / Incidents:15.1 - 15.6 o All serious accidents or incidents must be reported to the VACSWIM Manager. o Refer to the Emergency Procedures section in the Administrative Guidelines. o An Accident / Incident form must be completed as soon as possible. o FOLLOW ALL PROCEDURES AS DETAILED BELOW.
• Dealing with the Media:15.7 o IC’s or other VACSWIM pass must not make any comment to the media at all about any accident or incident. o IC’s or other VACSWIM staff must provide the Manager VACSWIM with vital information as early as possible.
• Staff Assistance, Support and Counselling: 15.8 o The Program Manager or other appropriate personnel will ensure there is assistance and support (including counselling) for VACSWIM Staff in the event of a serious accident or incident.
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Marketing
• The major sponsor of The VACSWIM SA 2013 program is SA Water. This section covers our employee’s responsibilities around advertising and responding to the media. • Advertising: 16.2 o All Advertising material by be prepared by the VACSWIM Office. o The importance of local advertising in schools, shopping centres and print cannot be understated, particularly in regional areas. • Responding to the Media: 16.3 o IC’s or staff must refrain from making any comment to the media about the conduct and management of the program.
Customer Service
• Ensure that you and your staff understand their obligations to provide excellent customer service to the families and the individual participants that are involved with the SA Water VACSWIM program, with a view to achieving the aims of the SA Water VACSWIM Program: o To develop water safety knowledge in, on and around water. o Confidence and competence in and around aquatic environments. o Personal survival skills. o Emergency procedures, safe self-rescue and the rescue of others, and o Swimming strokes and skills.
Preparation of Pay Claims
*Important – Instructors in Charge READ ENTIRE SECTION 19 Contains important information that is mandatory for Instructor in Charge to understand
• Instructors in Charge have an obligation to ensure that all staff are paid correctly: 19.1
The Last Day
• Instruction as Usual: 20.1 o The last day is NOT to be used as a fun day, activities such as parties etc. should not be organised. The program is designed for 7, 45 minute instruction allowances. • Instructors in Charge: 20.3 o Must ensure that all participants achieve an outcome from their experience in the program which develops their competence and confidence in swimming strokes, develops their awareness around water and develops their skills. o Distribute evaluation forms to staff. o Ensure details are complete on attendance rolls. o Organise VACSWIM Enrolment Forms and Payment Forms for return to the VACSWIM Office. o Complete pay claim forms - payment may be delayed if claims are incomplete in any detail. o Complete appraisal of each staff member on back of pay claim. o Ensure Instructors sign pay claim and appraisal. o Complete final return. o Include VACSWIM Enrolment Forms for Participants with a disability. o Ensure accident or work cover reports are enclosed (if applicable). o Collect evaluation forms on the Instructor in Charge from instructors and assistant instructors. o Reconcile all enrolment fees with the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet. o Complete and return Fee Summary sheet, Running Sheet and VACSWIM bank deposit book. o Complete the SA Water VACSWIM program evaluation forms.
Summary of Guidelines End
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2. Aims and Objectives of VACSWIM
2.1 Aim The aim for VACSWIM 2013 is to provide opportunities for Participants to be involved in activities that will develop:
• Water safety knowledge in, on and around water; • Confidence and competence in and around aquatic environments; • Personal survival skills; • Emergency procedures, safe self-rescue and the rescue of others; and • Swimming strokes and skills. 2.2 Outcomes The following key outcomes are required:
• Provide opportunities for participants to enjoy the recreational aspect of involvement in water related activities. • Provide participants with an opportunity to experience, and develop skills in, a variety of water safety, swimming and aquatic based activities. • Provide instruction for participants to develop skills in accepted swimming strokes. • Provide instruction and training to enable skills to be developed to ensure for personal safety and the safety of others in aquatic environments. • Provide a minimum of 300 minutes instruction time annually for each participant. • Encourage participants with a disability to use water as a form of recreation and therapy.
3. Planning Considerations
3.1 Participants
Participants 5 years of age and over as at the first day of the program are eligible to be enrolled in VACSWIM.
Under no circumstances will any Participant under the age of 5 years on the commencement date, be admitted to the program and proof of age may be requested from parents.
YMCA of South Australia accepts no liability for any child illegally or falsely presented as being a five-year-old when not five years or more at the time of enrolment.
Adults are not to be enrolled in VACSWIM. Lessons for adults and under 5’s must be arranged privately, and CANNOT be paid for by YMCA of South Australia, nor will any legal responsibility be taken by YMCA of South Australia if they are included in the program.
For the purpose of this program, all information supplied about Participants is totally at the responsibility of the person who signs the Enrolment Form, be that person a parent, guardian, court appointed or otherwise titled person, who for the purposes of this document shall be referred to as the “parent”.
3.2 Locations
VACSWIM will operate at school pools, public and private pools, beaches and lakes in South Australia suitable for the SA Water VACSWIM program.
A complete list of Locations will be included in enrolment booklets to be distributed to schools, pools and other outlets in September 2011. 3.3 Program Dates Locations will operate between 4th and 12th January 2013 (excluding 7th and 8th January). There may be variations on these dates at some locations as agreed to by various parties.
If the program dates are to be different from those indicated above, they MUST be authorised by the VACSWIM Office and the Instructor in Charge must do all that is possible to communicate the change of dates to the local community.
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3.4 Program Fees Program Fees are made up of two components: • Enrolment Fees. • Other Fees per child (Applicable and appropriate to some locations).
Enrolment Fees The following Enrolment fees will apply for 2013: • First, second, third and fourth child - $22.00 / child (exempt of GST). • Additional children from the same family – no Enrolment Fee.
Other Fees per child At some Locations the following costs (paid once only at enrolment) may also apply: • A school pool entry fee. • An equipment fee. • A SLSSA fee. These costs are included in the ‘Equipment and Location Fee’ advertised on the Enrolment Package Information Booklet.
At some locations parents are also given the option to purchase a RLSSA ‘Swim and Survive’ logbook. It should however be made clear that there is no obligation upon any parent/family to purchase the logbook as a precondition of their participation in VACSWIM.
IMPORTANT: Parents must present their Medicare Card (or photocopy, thereof) when enrolling more than four participants as proof they are from the same family. The need to sight the Medicare Card is the most appropriate method of having evidence that participants are members of the same family.
Public / Community / Private Swimming Pool Entry Fees • Public / Community / Private Swimming Pool entry fees are collected separately by Pool Management. These fees are shown as ‘Daily Entry $’ on the Enrolment Package Information Booklet. 3.5 Program Content VACSWIM 2013 will use, RLSSA-SA Swim and Survive and Senior & Advanced Awards and SLSSA Surf and Survive Awards, which provide Participants with opportunities to develop a range of skills in water safety, confidence and competence in water, personal survival activities, emergency procedures and improvement of swimming strokes.
The actual content of classes offered at each Location may vary as determined by each Instructor in Charge dependent on the physical nature of the location and qualifications of the staff appointed to the Location.1
Instructors in Charge should at all times be aware of the difference between a Water Safety program and a “Learn to Swim” program and that VACSWIM is classified as a Water Safety program. Therefore the emphasis of the program at all times must be on developing personal aquatic survival skills, that lets a person survive or be safe in the water.
Personal aquatic survival skills include: . sculling . treading water . floating . safe entry and exit from the water . clothed swimming survival techniques . using devices to assist rescue, and . basic swimming skills Basic swimming skills prevent them from drowning or enable them to move away from a dangerous situation in the water – for example, to move away from a burning vessel.
It is considered that people have acquired all necessary basic swimming skills when they have completed a swimming and water safety program consistent with the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework.
1 This should be avoided as far as possible to ensure consistency at all locations.
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NWSP 2004-07 Water Safety Education Competency Framework SCHOOL LEVEL COMPETENCY MINIMUM SUCCESS RATES FRAMEWORK DEMONSTRATION % target population OF COMPETENCIES (II) PRIMARY SCHOOL Personal Aquatic • Equivalent to Swim 100% Survival section of the and Survive Level 4 National Swimming (and Surf Ed where and Water Safety available) Framework • Level 5 Swim and 75% • Competencies to Survive (and Surf Ed be achieved by where available) the completion of • Level 6 Swim and 50% Primary School Survive (and Surf Ed education where available) (III) SECONDARY SCHOOL Life Saving section of • Equivalent to RLSSA 100% the National Water Bronze Star Dry Safety Framework – Rescue, including including exposure to Resuscitation (and Basic First Aid & SLSSA Surf Survival exposure to Basic where available) First Aid & • RLSSA Bronze Star 75% Resuscitation (and SLSSA Surf Training. Survival where • Competencies to available) be achieved by • RLSSA/SLSA 50% the completion of Bronze Medallion Year 10
SA Water VACSWIM program content should in the first instance focus on the achievement and attainment of these competencies.
A Water Safety program therefore is a program that teaches mainly personal aquatic survival skills: . enables a student survive in the water, or . improves a student’s ability to survive in the water
Instructors in Charge should be aware that a class where the majority of the time is spent on the following types of activity: . aerobic endurance training and physical conditioning . one or more competitive swimming strokes . refining racing turns and race starting . interval/cycle training . combinations of wet and dry land training, and . race strategies and psychological training, are not considered to be a water safety class. These are considered to be swimming lessons.
Instructors in Charge should ensure that at all times VACSWIM classes are structured so that the emphasis is placed on water safety activity. 3.6 Class Times and Duration Times for conducting the classes at Locations are determined through prior approval from pool managers, councils or school principals, and from previous reports of classes conducted at the Locations. Class times will be finalised as soon as possible to facilitate enrolments.
Class times may be changed to suit local conditions if deemed necessary. This should be done before enrolments are taken, and should meet the general approval of local families. The VACSWIM Office must be notified of all changes proposed to local programs.
Participants enrolled in VACSWIM will be provided with a total of 315 minutes instruction time. In general this will be made up of daily classes of 45 minutes duration on each day for the seven days of the program, however at some locations this can be negotiated with the VACSWIM office to more suitably fit with local requirements.
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RLSSA-SA Bronze Star classes are of 45 minutes duration only. Advanced RLSSA-SA Bronze Medallion and other higher awards and advanced SLSSA classes will be for 1 hour 45 minutes. Special notation on pay claims from instructors should reflect these longer classes. 3.7 Staffing Locations will be staffed to satisfy the requirements of enrolled Participants and will be funded on the understanding Participants receive a maximum of 7 instruction sessions during the seven day program.
An Instructor in Charge, instructors and assistant instructors (where required) will be appointed to each Location by the VACSWIM Office from applications received.
Instructors in Charge will be responsible for the management of the Location using the guidelines in this booklet. This includes responsibility for observation of the work of other instructors.
4. Program Management
4.1 YMCA of South Australia • YMCA of South Australia will manage SA Water VACSWIM 2013. • YMCA of South Australia has appointed personnel who will assist with the operational delivery of the SA Water VACSWIM 2013 Program. • VACSWIM office is located at: 338 Tapleys Hill Rd Seaton SA 5023 Phone: 8200 2525 Free call: 1300 010 508
4.2 Role of VACSWIM Office The role of VACSWIM Office includes:
• Selection of VACSWIM Locations; • Recruitment and placement of field staff; • Recruitment and placement of volunteers; • Marketing and promotion of VACSWIM; • Customer service; • Providing resources and administrative support to Instructors in Charge to ensure successful delivery of the program; • Collection and banking of enrolment and other VACSWIM monies; • Payment of wages and expenses incurred at VACSWIM Locations; • Collate and record program statistics; • Provide a final report and recommendations to the Minister.
4.3 Role of Advisers/Regional Coordinators The YMCA of South Australia will contract specialist advisers/coordinators to assist with the management of VACSWIM.
Advisers/coordinators will provide assistance and support for VACSWIM 2013. Advisers/coordinators will be the first point of contact for issues and concerns regarding the delivery of SLSSA stages or RLSSA-SA Levels 1 – 7 and/or Senior & Advanced Awards.
An Adviser/coordinator role includes providing assistance to Instructors in Charge with: • Staffing • Enrolments • Class sizes • Provision of equipment • Safety issues
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• Site visitation during the program • The delivery of specialist areas of instruction • Promotion of VACSWIM in defined areas.
4.4 Role of Instructors in Charge The Instructor in Charge of each Location is responsible for administrating the program at each location.
The Instructor in Charge will be responsible for: • Enrolments; • Allocation of instructors to classes; • Liaison with pool management / owners or authorities, within the scope of these guidelines, and subject to advice provided by VACSWIM Office or an adviser. • Instruction. Instructor in Charge information packages containing all relevant material to administer the program will be sent by YMCA of South Australia prior to the commencement of VACSWIM 2013.
4.5 Communications and Support It is compulsory for all Instructors in Charge to participate in a pre-program meeting or teleconference conducted by the YMCA of South Australia. Dates and times of meetings and teleconferences are included in the IC Return Booklet.
The YMCA of South Australia will provide Instructors in Charge with a Free-call 1-300 number. The contact number will be staffed between 9.00am and 5.00pm weekdays leading up to, and after the program, with the dates to be confirmed.
Extended VACSWIM Office hours will be available on enrolment days (9.00am to 2.00pm) and during the program (8.00am to 6.00pm).
An answering machine will take messages if the VACSWIM office is unattended.
Advisers/coordinators can be contacted during the program on telephone numbers provided by the YMCA of South Australia.
Management issues which arise during the conduct of VACSWIM which require either clarification or a decision having administrative implications (e.g. budget or staffing) or serious complaints from members of the public, must be referred to the VACSWIM Office for assistance immediately. 4.6 Administrative Support for Instructors in Charge Each VACSWIM Location will be provided with an allocation of hours for the administration of the program by staff employed at the Location, excluding the Instructor in Charge. (The contract for the Instructor in Charge includes remuneration for administration of the program).
The Instructor in Charge may allocate these hours to staff that are required to assist with planning, administering and supervising the program at the Location under their direction.
The allocation of administrative hours is the maximum time to be paid at the appropriate rate for program administration at each Location, and is in addition to actual instruction time required to deliver the program. 4.7 Communication with Location Authorities VACSWIM Office will confirm the use of Locations and liaise with location owner / manager. Instructor in Charge contact details, once appointed, will be forwarded onto the Location.
It is the responsibility of the Instructors in Charge to contact the owner / manager of the Location, once they have accepted their appointment, to ensure all management matters have been resolved prior to the program commencing.
Location details will be made available in the Instructor in Charge Information Package. 4.8 School Pool Locations Instructors in Charge at school Locations are to contact the School Principal after having accepted their appointment and received the Instructor in Charge package, to arrange:
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• Collection of keys • Determine the emergency procedures • Confirm the availability of first aid material and aquatic equipment.
A copy of the “Use of School Premises” agreement will be included in the Instructor in Charge package.
Pool surrounds must be left clean and tidy at the end of each day. If toilets and shower areas need to be open during the program they should be checked for cleanliness each day.
In most cases the schools pool plant operator (PPO) and cleaner will take care of water quality and cleaning of change rooms. In some cases however the VACSWIM Office will engage a PPO/cleaner for the duration of the program. 4.9 Meeting of Instructors Instructors at each location are to attend a short orientation meeting of approximately 1 hour in length conducted by the Instructor in Charge prior to the commencement of the program to: • Clarify and resolve administrative and programming matters, • Emergency procedures and • Risk management/safety at the Location.
The meeting should be held either prior to or after the enrolment day but must be before the commencement of VACSWIM 2013.
Attendance to this meeting is a condition of employment – like a job interview.
Risk management /safety issues must be discussed and resolved prior to the commencement of classes. All staff must be aware of all risk management / safety issues at the Location. 4.10 Meeting Agenda . Date/Time . Attendees / Absences . Lesson Plans . Medical / First Aid . Emergency Procedures . Assembly Locations . Fire Risk . Uniform . Start / Finish times
5. Enrolment
5.1 Enrolment Numbers Each Location will be provided with an enrolment target corresponding to the staffing level provided to deliver the program. The target may be exceeded provided additional enrolments can be accommodated at the Location without influencing the quality of the instruction provided i.e. overcrowding.
Instructors in Charge should provide classes for the number of Participants enrolled at the Location consistent with the staffing ratios provided in the guidelines; Some Locations have site limits which must be observed.
Every practical effort should be made to include every participant who wishes to attend. 5.2 Enrolment Booklets Enrolment Booklets will be distributed to most families who enrolled participants in the previous VACSWIM programs, all schools, Out of School Hours Care and Vacation care centres, pool venues, local councils, and other outlets in September 2011.
Instructors in Charge will also be provided with a supply of Enrolment Booklets.
Enrolment Booklets will include a list of all VACSWIM Locations, instruction levels offered, enrolment dates and times, the enrolment area for each Location, Program Fees and other information about the program. It will also include an Enrolment Information section, Payment calculations and release information. The VACSWIM Enrolment Form is a separate form in triplicate.
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5.3 Enrolling Children Parents will have the following options:
• Enrol on line – to be launched in September 2011 and closing on Friday 2nd December 2011. • Enrol by Postal Enrolment – closing on Friday 28th October 2011. • Enrol at the Location on designated enrolment dates and times: - Saturday 10 December 2011 10am – 12 noon (Large locations only) Enrolments at large locations on the 31st December 2011 will incur a $1.00 Administration Fee per child - Saturday 31 December 2011 10am -12 noon (all other locations)
• Ongoing enrolment at some public / community pools:
Enrolments are accepted by the pool management at some locations in consultation with the Instructor in Charge i.e. at these locations parents can enrol Participants from November through to December 25th. 5.4 On-Line and Postal Enrolments In September 2011, Enrolment Booklets will be distributed to families who participated in previous VACSWIM programs.
Parents will be able to enrol on-line directly, or complete the Payment Form / VACSWIM Enrolment Form and post it to the VACSWIM Office. They will also be able to pay the Program Fees applicable to the location by credit card, money order or cheque.
Entry fees to public / community / private pools are collected separately by the pool management.
5.5 Postal Enrolment Procedure A Postal Enrolment a VACSWIM Enrolment Form and Medicare details (if applicable) received by the VACSWIM Office along with the appropriate Program Fees.
Persons wishing to enrol by post will have to:- • Complete the VACSWIM Enrolment Form(s) and payment section. • Return the VACSWIM Enrolment Form(s) together with payment of Program Fees to the VACSWIM Office no later than 28th October 2011. Parents will still be required to pay the Public / Community / Private Swimming pool entry fee separately.
The VACSWIM Office will process the financial aspects of the Postal Enrolment and bank the Program Fees. VACSWIM Office will: - • Complete all payment details on the Payment Form receipt and sign it and return to IC for completion of lesson times. VACSWIM Office staff will not complete the lesson time and level. This will be completed by the Instructor in Charge.
At scheduled intervals from the beginning of October, if sufficient numbers of on-line and postal enrolments have been submitted, the VACSWIM Office will forward (by Express Post or Next Day Courier) the following Postal Enrolment package to Instructors in Charge. • All On-Line and Postal Enrolment documentation received i.e. all VACSWIM Enrolment forms for each family. • Addressed, stamped envelopes for every family Enrolment received for IC’s to advise of class times. • A list of all Postal Enrolments received. • A “Confirmation Advice Slip” for each Family.
This will continue until Friday the 2nd December when all online enrolments received in the VACSWIM Office will be sent to Instructors in Charge.
At locations for which no Postal Enrolments are received the VACSWIM Office will inform the Instructor in Charge by mail, e-mail or phone that no Postal Enrolments were received.
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The On-Line and Postal Enrolment package will reach all Instructors in Charge prior to the Pre-Christmas enrolment date of Saturday 10th December 2011.
Not all locations will conduct enrolments on 10th December, however for those Instructors in Charge that do, having the On-Line and Postal Enrolments will be necessary to ensure class numbers are not exceeded.
Instructors in Charge will need to do the following;
• Allocate On-Line and Postal Enrolment Participants into appropriate lesson times and classes on a Master Lesson Sheet (before the enrolment date if applicable).
• Where possible Instructors in Charge should do all that is possible to place Participants from the same family into the same lesson time. If this is not possible every effort should be made to place them into consecutive lesson times.
• Complete the lesson times and levels for each family member on the family payment form /confirmation advice slip.
• Make note of any children with a disability or special medical conditions on a Master Lesson Sheet. (A sample Master Lesson Sheet will be provided). It is up to the Instructor in Charge to make sure the instructors of these children are briefed / made aware of the disability or special medical conditions before the pre-test on the first day.
• Return the Participant/s Receipt to the parent / guardian.
• Complete the Participants Enrolled by On-Line and Post List.
• Post all receipts and class time confirmations to parents no later than Wednesday 7th December 2011.
• Keep all VACSWIM Enrolment Forms in alphabetical order by surname for each class.
• Keep all VACSWIM Enrolment Forms in a safe / secure place.
• Keep all Payment Forms in alphabetical order by surname; these will be used to reconcile your enrolment money at the end of the program. See IC Pack for information on keeping records, called the ‘Enrolment Package Checklist’
5.6 Enrolment at the Locations by VACSWIM Staff on Designated Dates and Times The following formal enrolment dates for VACSWIM will be advertised to the public;
• Enrolment Day for VACSWIM at Large Locations (as indicated in 2013 Enrolment Package – Information Booklet): Saturday 10 December 2011, between 10.00am and 12 noon At public, community and school Locations. Beach Locations excluded.
• Secondary Enrolment Day for other VACSWIM Locations:
Saturday 31st December 2011 between 10.00am and 12 noon Unless otherwise arranged with the VACSWIM Office.
Secondary Enrolments at Large Locations that have previously held an enrolment day, are available on Saturday 31st December 2011 between 10am and 12 noon; however will incur an additional $1.00 Administration Fee per child.
5.7 Late Enrolments Participants being enrolled after Saturday 31st December 2011, are deemed to be “late enrolments” and will also incur an additional $1.00 Administration Fee per child.
Instructors in Charge must advertise enrolment times at the Location and ensure the families seeking to enrol Participants in VACSWIM are aware of procedures for late enrolments.
Enrolments may be taken on the first day of the program at the discretion of the Instructor in Charge/Regional Coordinator. However, all enquiries about enrolments on the first day must be deferred until the completion of
Page 22 lessons, on 1st day of the program (unless local circumstances allow otherwise). This requirement must be followed to ensure high-level customer service to Participants already enrolled in VACSWIM.
The penalty for late enrolments is non-participation in the first lesson; this can be varied by the local coordinator at his/her discretion.
Late enrolments should not disrupt or disadvantage classes already in progress i.e. Instructors in Charge must ensure that VACSWIM is effectively running on day one.
Late enrolments at the Location should only be accepted if: • there are vacancies in existing classes or • the number of late enrolments make the formation of another class viable or • there is time available to conduct an extra class(s)
If the Instructor in Charge having explored all options for enrolling the Participant at the Location decides it is not possible to accommodate the Participant at the Location then the Instructor in Charge will need to provide the parent with the details of other Locations.
At Locations where the above enrolment dates and times are inconvenient the Instructor in Charge must inform VACSWIM Office of alternative enrolment dates and/or times and also make every effort to inform the local community of the revised arrangements.
5.8 Preparation for Enrolment Days at the Location Instructors in Charge must confirm the date, times and venue for enrolment session(s), and instruction and class times with the Location owner/ manager / authority.
Instructors in Charge must consult with the Location manager or authority to ensure that adequate space is available at the Location for receipt of enrolments from parents and families.
The Location must be well prepared and organised to ensure smooth enrolment procedures for all applicants.
All attempts should be made to ensure enrolments are conducted under cover in case of rain or extreme heat. Where possible, assistance from the pool or Location manager or authority should be obtained to ensure the use of a covered enrolment area. If an appropriate covered area at the Location is not available the Instructor in Charge should explore the possibility of an alternative covered enrolment venue close by.
Prepare all signs before enrolment begins. It is suggested some directional signs be made and be placed at specific points such as entrances, main office and grounds of schools and pools, to assist those unfamiliar with enrolment Locations. Signs should highlight the program times, program enrolment costs and pool entry costs.
At larger Locations, Instructors in Charge must ensure that adequate support staff is available • to assist enrolments to avoid long queues and processing delays, • to give advice to parents about the program
Time allocated to other personnel for enrolment processes and procedures must be deducted from the pool of administrative time provided to the Location.
The following list may be helpful for Instructors in Charge to ensure the enrolment process is well organised: • tables and chairs • ball point pens • masking tape or blue tack • rubber bands or bulldog clips for enrolment forms • Change (float) for Program Fees.
Enrolment procedures must be planned by Instructors in Charge in conjunction with on-site personnel e.g. Pool Management, School Principal, Surf Coordinator.
Instructors in Charge must:
• Notify VACSWIM Office of any changes to advertised enrolment dates and times. Enrolment dates and times can only be changed with the approval of the VACSWIM Office and only in extenuating circumstances.
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• Inform the local community of any changes to advertised enrolment details if approval is given to hold enrolments at a date/time other than the designated dates /times.
• Ensure an adequate supply of enrolment booklets. Where appropriate, ensure that the Location has a supply of enrolment booklets.
• Cooperate with the requirements of the Location manager/authority.
• Attend the enrolment day at least fifteen (15) minutes before enrolments commence to set up the Location.
• Enlist assistance from instructors if a large number of enrolments are anticipated. Remember instructors involved in enrolments can access the Location’s pool of administrative hours.
• Organise an adequate number of support staff to ensure that parents and Participants are not standing in queues for long periods. I.e. set up more tables.
• Erect / display a large poster / sheet summarising the lesson times and levels available at each lesson time.
• Provide advice on the program content, allocation of Participants to classes and the availability and cost of awards.
• Fill class sizes to their maximum level before opening new classes. Where possible, enroll Participants from the same family in one time slot. If this is not possible try to ensure they are placed in consecutive lesson times.
• Ensure the Payment Form and VACSWIM Enrolment Forms including medical information is filled out correctly and signed by the parent.
• Ensure the correct Program Fee(s) are paid by credit card, cheque, money order (cash is to be discouraged at Location Enrolment) and are marked on the Payment Form.
• Ensure the Payment Form receipt is filled out correctly and fully and is also signed by a VACSWIM Location staff.
• Ensure that a Medicare card or copy of a Medicare card is sighted if more than four Participants from the same family are being enrolled.
• Reconcile the money received using the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet with the fees marked on the Payment Forms at the end of each enrolment day; See IC Pack for instructions
• Prepare a Bank pay in slip and bank the money received at the nearest branch of the Bank SA Bank within 24 hours (wherever possible). Do NOT bank cheques or money orders – they are to be returned to the VACSWIM Office for processing.
• Retain all VACSWIM Enrolment Forms in alphabetical order for each lesson time in case quick and easy access is required.
In cases where Participants enrolled at the Location transfer to other Locations: -
• They should be provided with a Participation certificate.
• The Transfers Out form should be completed.
• The Participant’s Payment Form and VACSWIM Enrolment Form must be retained at the original location and forwarded with all other Payment Forms and VACSWIM Enrolment Forms to the VACSWIM Office at the end of the program.
5.9 Procedure for Enrolling Participants at the Location Parent / Guardian must complete the following:
• The VACSWIM Enrolment Form including any medical information. Parents must sign the VACSWIM Enrolment Form(s).
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• The Payment Form and pay the appropriate Program Fees for the Location (credit cards will be accepted).
• The VACSWIM Enrolment form must be dated at time of completion.
The child cannot attend if the Release on the VACSWIM Enrolment form has not been signed for each child.
Parent/Guardian must read and understand the Release, The Terms and Conditions and The Privacy policy and sign the VACSWIM Enrolment form.
Parent/Guardian are to be provided with a Participant/s Receipt for payment of the Program Fees which needs to be signed by VACSWIM Location staff which includes the lesson time and level the Participant has been placed in.
At large VACSWIM Locations (more than 350 enrolments) Instructors in Charge should supervise or oversee the enrolment process. They should provide advice and support to Instructors taking enrolments and be prepared to resolve enrolment issues, which may arise rather than directly processing enrolments.
The Instructor in Charge at every Location must make every effort, especially large Locations, to minimise the waiting time parents experience when enrolling Participants in the program.
People enrolling Participants in VACSWIM must complete all details on the Payment Form and VACSWIM Enrolment Form prior to submitting them for enrolment. It is permissible for any person to enrol a Participant in VACSWIM provided they take responsibility as the primary caregiver of the Participant and sign the consent release on the enrolment form.
Out of School Hours or Day Care Centres may enrol Participants in VACSWIM provided the management of the Day Care Centre accepts responsibility for completing all medical and other enrolment details on the Payment and VACSWIM Enrolment Forms and pay the Program Fees.
Program fees must accompany every enrolment and Participants are not to be entered on a class list until the Program fees have been paid. On payment of the Program Fees all eligible Participants who seek enrolment in VACSWIM are to be accommodated in the program.
At the enrolment day VACSWIM staff must inform parents/guardian about the VACSWIM Sun Smart Policy Participants must attend each class wearing a: - • T-shirt; Hat; 30+ Sunscreen.
At the enrolment day VACSWIM staff must inform parents/guardian about the VACSWIM Extreme Weather Policy including: - • Which Fire Ban District the Location is situated within and if the Location is classified as an area of potential risk. • What the agreed process is on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger. • Hand out CFS Holiday brochure.
Permission will not be granted for a participant to enter the water if a VACSWIM Enrolment Form has not been completed and signed by the Parent / Guardian.
IMPORTANT:
ALL PARENTS MUST BE PROVIDED WITH A PARTICIPANT/S RECEIPT
5.10 Ongoing Enrolments at Public / Community Swimming Pools If ongoing enrolments are to be accepted by the public/ community/ private Location management, Instructors in Charge must negotiate the procedures of filling classes and the collection of Program Fees with the Location owner/ manager.
As Program Fees must accompany all enrolments, Locations agreeing to enrol Participants on behalf of the Instructor in Charge, must also agree to follow the enrolment procedures advised by the Instructor in Charge, including the receipting of enrolments, and holding of money for collection by the Instructor in Charge. No commission is to be paid for this activity.
5.11 Accepting Enrolments before Advertised Enrolment Dates
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Instructors in Charge can accept enrolments before the advertised enrolment dates. Program Fees must be paid at the same time as a Participant is enrolled in the program.
5.12 Collection and Banking of Enrolment and Other Fees Instructors in Charge are responsible for collecting, recording, receipting, banking and reconciling all Program Fees collected at the Location (with the exception of cheques and money orders), which are to be returned to the VACSWIM Office. This is an important function which requires careful endorsement and storage of Payment Forms to ensure that money collected can be readily reconciled.
Banking of money received should be completed with the Bank SA or Agent within 24 hours of receipt wherever possible. YMCA of SA will be monitoring money banked into its account to ensure that this requirement is being followed.
Where a branch of the Bank SA is not readily available to a Location, enrolment money must be deposited at the nearest bank or agency. Any bank fees incurred can be claimed as an expense. Alternatively the Instructor in Charge can purchase a Money Order from the local Australia Post Outlet or agency and post the Money Order, all cheques and credit card payments, to the VACSWIM Office.
At all times, due security should be taken with monies collected. Instructors in Charge are ultimately responsible for the monies collected and should ensure the monies are safe and secure at all times.
A summary of enrolment money collected must be entered on the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet and the money banked must be entered on the Fee Summary Sheet and forwarded to the VACSWIM Office at the end of the program with the instructor pay claims. No IC will be paid unless these sheets are received and reconciled; See IC Pack for details on reconciling monies.
The appropriate VACSWIM Enrolment Fee per Participant is payable by applicants on enrolment.
At some school Locations the Instructor in Charge will be required to collect Other Fees per child to cover the cost of the pool plant operator, and/or cleaning of toilets and /or use of equipment and / or other costs for using the facilities. These fees must be collected at enrolment time and be banked with other monies collected.
Details of all monies collected must be included on the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet along with the deposit slip reference number.
DECS Equipment Hire money is included in the Equipment and Location Fees. These fees need to be collected in addition to the VACSWIM Fee on enrolment where applicable – IC’s will be advised.
SLSSA locations incur a four-dollar ($4 / child, up to 3 children) SLSSA fee payable to VACSWIM taken on behalf of SLSSA.
SLSSA fee covers the following: • Surf and Survive logbook. • Equipment purchase and maintenance.
Monies collected on behalf of the RLSSA-SA. Please refer to the RLSSA-SA information for directions on the banking of RLSSA-SA monies. Please note that this is separate from VACSWIM.
No expenses of any kind, including commission and collection fees, are to be deducted from Program Fees collected. No deductions for any purpose can be made from money collected, unless specifically authorised by the Event Manager.
Fee Summary Sheets should be completed carefully and comprehensively to enable the VACSWIM Office to distribute reimbursements to the appropriate organisations; See IC Pack for instructions on how to do this.
Instructors in Charge will be provided with an Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet, a Fee Summary Sheet, and a YMCA of South Australia bank deposit slip/s for Bank SA.
Enrolment and other fees (except RLSSA-SA monies) paid by cheque must be made payable to the YMCA Of South Australia and the name and address of the drawer and the VACSWIM Location must be included on the back of each cheque. VACSWIM fee cheques must be returned to the VACSWIM Office for processing.
Cheques for RLSSA-SA Senior & Advanced Awards etc. must be made payable to RLSSA-SA, and paid to the examiner on the day of the examination.
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After enrolment and payment of the Program Fees the Instructor in Charge will provide the applicant with a Participants Receipt (the tear off portion at the bottom of the VACSWIM Enrolment Forms). The receipt will show the amount paid and will be signed. The amount paid will also be shown on the copy, which is the Payment Form and is retained by the Location.
At the end of the enrolment session the Instructor in Charge will reconcile the money received by adding the amounts collected on the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet with the total Program Fees indicated on the Enrolment Form. Prepare the location specific bank deposit slip for banking and deposit all money received, within 24 hours (where possible), at the nearest branch of Bank SA. See the IC Pack for a detailed list of all Bank SA branch locations.
Bank deposit slips are location specific and coded as such. In order for the money deposited to be accurately reconciled, it is important that the specific location deposit slip only, is used for the relating location only, where the money was received. Contact the VACSWIM office if you have any questions on this process.
At the end of the program a Fee Summary Sheet must be finalised. It will include a summary of the number of enrolments received, the total money received by category (Enrolment Fees and Other Fees) and the total money received overall. The total amount received must be reconciled with the total of the Program Fees indicated on the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet and the total monies banked.
The IC Final Return Booklet is to be completed and returned to the VACSWIM Office.
5.13 Lost, Stolen, Unreconciled Monies The VACSWIM Office must be notified immediately of lost, stolen or unreconciled monies.
The Instructor in Charge must develop an accurate and descriptive written account of the circumstances. This will be required for auditing purposes. A statutory declaration may be required.
If appropriate and required the VACSWIM Office may seek further clarification of the circumstances in order to provide its auditors with a comprehensive explanation.
5.14 Refunds Details of the refund policy are included on the enrolment form. The details may have changed from previous years so please check before providing information to Participants.
Refunds of the Enrolment Fee and Other Fees (in part or full) may be available in exceptional circumstances only. Requests for refunds must be in writing and forwarded to the VACSWIM Office by the Parent / Guardian.
Refunds for medical reasons will only be issued if a participant attends no more than 2 days of the program and a medical certificate is attached to the request.
The pool entry fee will not be refunded.
5.15 Transfer of Participants between Locations Instructors in Charge must complete the Transfer Register in the IC Final Return Booklet.
Instructors in Charge must retain: • Original Payment Form and VACSWIM Enrolment Form at the initial Location as it will be returned to the VACSWIM Office at the end of the program for auditing purposes. Instructor in Charge must note the Location and Date of transfer on Summary Sheet and Enrolment Form.
Parent / Guardian are required to present to the Instructor in Charge at the 2nd location:- • Completed in full, a new VACSWIM Enrolment Form • Certificate issued at 1st location. • Customer receipt.
These should be marked “Transfers In” on each form.
New VACSWIM Enrolment Forms should be marked “Transfers In” on each form.
Instructors in Charge are required to record: Transfers on the Attendance Roll.
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Transfers on the “Transfers Out” sheet. This sheet is location in the IC Final Return Booklet Instructors in Charge accepting transfer/s are required to record the transfers on the “Transfer In” sheet.
Instructors in Charge are required to brief parents / guardian transferring into a location, transfers will only be accepted if: • Participants are able to be accommodated into existing classes. • Disruption to classes is kept to a minimum and existing classes aren’t compromised. Prior to the participant commencing Participants / Parents / Guardians are to be briefed on: • Emergency Procedures. • Safety Issues.
5.16 Children with a Disability The Children with a Disability Register, located in the IC Final Return Booklet, must be completed.
Enrolling a child with a disability is to be done in consultation with the participant’s parent / guardian. Notification must be given to the VACSWIM Office via e-mail [email protected]; or an Adviser/coordinator.
Participant details are to be recorded with the VACSWIM Office and approval via email ([email protected]) must be received from the VACSWIM Office advising of the provision of the instructional assistance required.
Guidelines for Instructors:
The following precautions are a guide for all instructors required to instruct children with a disability:
• If a Participant has been observed or otherwise known to suffer from epilepsy, or any form of medical condition involving periodic loss of consciousness, the Instructor in Charge is required to seek further medical evidence from the parent stating it is safe for the Participant to attend classes, and record this on the VACSWIM Enrolment form.
• In the case of a Participant with epilepsy or other medical conditions that could result in unconsciousness, a one on one staff to Participant ratio will be required. In addition the parent should be present at all times during VACSWIM.
• If permission is conditional upon special precautions being taken, then the Participant can attend classes only if additional supervision can be arranged through consultation between the Instructor in Charge and the parent. This will ensure that a responsible person is keeping the Participant under observation at all times during lessons.
• Participants, who can take part in a mainstream class without adversely affecting the progress of the class, may need an independent observer. This should be a parent, to keep the Participant under observation or to assist with some activities. For obvious reasons, observation should be done as subtly as possible, and should not create any embarrassment to the Participant or parent. The role of the observer is to provide back-up assistance to the instructor, raise the alarm in the case of an emergency, and where necessary to give some assistance to the instructor and the Participant during instruction.
• Participants who may adversely affect the progress of the mainstream class can be enrolled, and an assistant instructor employed to work in the water with the Participant. Under the direction of the instructor this assistant instructor will assist the Participant during instruction.
• Assistant instructors must not be in sole charge of a Participant with a disability. Where an assistant instructor has been employed to assist with a Participant with a disability, OR an instructor is employed on a 1 to 1 basis because conditions prevented the Participant taking part in a mainstream class, the VACSWIM Enrolment Form must be attached to the Summary of Children with a Disability form. If the child required a 1:1 with an instructor a separate class attendance sheet should be completed.
• Consultation with the Participant’s parent should occur and an adviser should be informed of the special arrangements proposed and appropriate notation of the arrangements made on the attendance roll.
The Children with a Disability Register, along with the Emergency Procedures, Emergency Information and the Emergency Procedures Checklist must be returned to the VACSWIM Office before day two of the program either by free fax for IC’s only or in the reply paid envelope provided.
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5.17 Collection of Money by Volunteers Instructors in Charge are responsible for managing the financial component of the program. Volunteers are not permitted to collect program fees and or other fees.
6. Instruction of Participants
6.1 Introduction Instructors in Charge are required to deliver the programs approved by YMCA of South Australia and ORS.
Instructors providing instruction at VACSWIM 2013 locations are required to adhere to procedures and methods outlined within the guidelines of the program.
Instructors providing instruction at SLSSA locations are required to adhere to procedures and methods outlined within the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Training Manual.
Instructors providing RLSSA-SA programs are required to adhere to the procedures and methods outlined by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia guidelines.
Instructors in Charge will determine the following: • Number of classes. • Times of Classes.
The above mentioned are dependent on:
• Enrolment Numbers. • Availability of staff.
Instructors in Charge are required to notify and consult with a Regional Coordinator / Adviser and or the VACSWIM Office if significant alterations occur due to an increase or decrease in enrolments.
Instructional program content must meet program performance indicators and SLSSA and RLSSA-SA requirements as described in these Administration Guidelines and in the relevant documentation and SLSSA or RLSSA-SA manuals referred to above. 6.2 Proficiency of Staff Instructors in Charge should be confident of the skills and abilities of all Instructors and Assistant Instructors at the Location. Some testing of staff may be necessary before the program starts to ensure that all instructors satisfy the qualification and competency standards approved for VACSWIM. All concerns about the quality and/or qualifications of instructors must be acted on immediately and referred to the VACSWIM Office.
Prior to the commencement of the program the VACSWIM Office will: • liaise with RLSSA-SA, Austswim, SLSSA or other recognised training agency to check the qualifications of staff appointed to Locations • contact staff appointed to Locations who have not provided evidence of current qualifications • inform Instructors in Charge of any staff whose qualifications are not current • ensure unqualified staff are not appointed
6.3 Pre-test Participants on the First Day Instructors are required to site and check in readiness for 1st Day Pre-testing the following documents:
• VACSWIM Enrolment Form. • Children with a disability Summary Sheet. • Medical Details Form. • Participants should not be allowed in the water if they have not completed a VACSWIM Enrolment Form.
Participants are to be divided into initial assessment ability groups based on the information provided by their parents at enrolment.
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Pools
Classes or combined groups of 12 – 15 participants can be pre-tested quickly.
Open Water
Smaller groups of participants are required. Participants are to be allocated into classes based on their swimming competency / award level.
Shallow Water
All pre-testing should be initially in shallow water. Those participants / groups identified as advanced can then be tested in deeper water.
Emergency Procedures
Participants must be given information on Emergency Procedures prior to pre testing e.g. emergency signal and where they should go.
Participants must be directed to swim close to the edge of the pool or shore to enable assistance to be provided quickly if required.
Slide in entries must only be conducted under the strict supervision of the Instructor and or Assistant Instructor. The following must be impressed to the child: • A slide in entry MUST be executed very slowly and cautiously. • To keep the chin tucked into the shoulder. • To keep the head away from the pool’s edge.
Slide in entries are permitted in: • Pools without step access to water. • Large numbers of participants entering the pool from the same access point simultaneously.
Pre-testing duration is 10 minutes.
Participant level re assessment and class allocation must be discussed with the participant and parent prior to the change occurring. If possible the same class time should be offered. Otherwise next available time is to be allocated.
6.4 Preparation of Attendance Rolls Instructors in Charge must record all attendances daily on the Attendance Roll. Details to include:
• Participant’s name • Age • Level • Medical Information (if applicable – to be highlighted on the form for quick reference) • Instructors name • Class time • Attendance Rolls and Instructor pay claim forms are to be forwarded onto the VACSWIM Office together. • Instructor / Participant ratios are to be observed and strictly adhered to as mentioned in the Administration Guidelines.
Instructors must complete all entries on the Attendance Rolls after participants have been pre tested and classes allocated on the 1st day.
Instruction levels, if necessary are to be combined only after consultation with the VACSWIM Office or an adviser/coordinator.
Level 1 / Stage 1 and Level 2 / Stage 2 are not permitted to be combined.
Please Note: VACSWIM classes that are more than 25% below the recommended maximum enrolment numbers will require approval from the VACSWIM Office, who will document the approval. Approvals will be attached to class records when received. These approvals will only be given in exceptional circumstances. It is
Page 30 very important that classes are as close to full capacity as possible, however it is not acceptable (for legal reasons) to have classes exceed the maximum numbers as is indicated in these Guidelines. Achieving acceptable class numbers can be a challenge, however, Instructors in Charge must do all they can to ensure classes are as close to the maximum number as possible. One way to achieve this is not to offer an excessive number of lesson times when planning enrolments. Fill all planned classes before adding new lesson times.
VACSWIM Enrolment Forms must accompany the participant during pre-testing. Instructors conducting pre- testing must have VACSWIM Enrolment forms present during the pre-testing phase.
VACSWIM Enrolment Forms should be held on site, managed and stored appropriately by the Instructor in Charge during the program in alphabetical order by family surname for Emergency and Risk Management procedures. A pink carbon copy is allowed for this purpose.
Auditing
Payment Forms and VACSWIM Enrolment Forms are to be returned to the VACSWIM Office at the completion of the program for auditing purposes.
Please note: For legal and privacy reasons Instructors in Charge, Instructors or Assistant Instructors may not copy, keep or retain in any format any information about any participant or staff member after conclusion of each year’s VACSWIM program. All such information must be returned to VACSWIM Office. It is illegal to retain this information.
6.5 Use of Medical Information If instructors are unsure of the implications of any medical information, contact MUST BE MADE with a parent before a Participant is accepted into any class.
Remember: If a parent has not submitted a VACSWIM Enrolment Form the Participant is not permitted to enter the water and participate in the program until one is completed and signed by the parent.
6.6 Asthma Management Plan Instructors in Charge are to request from those participants that have Asthma to supply an Asthma management plan (including location of puffer, spacer etc.). This information is to be attached to the VACSWIM Enrolment Forms. Parents should remain on site if participants require medication.
6.7 Instruction Offered at Locations Pools and inland waterways – RLSSA Swim and Survive + RLSSA Senior & Advanced Awards
Level of instruction is dependent on:
• Depth of the water. • Instructor qualifications. • Instructor experience.
Surf beaches – SLSSA Surf & Survive Stage 1 – 10
Level of instruction is dependent on:
• Instructor qualifications. • Instructor experience.
Selected beaches RLSSA Swim and Survive and Senior & Advanced Awards / SLSSA Awards
Level of instruction is dependent on:
• Instructor qualifications. • Instructor experience.
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6.8 RLSSA Swim and Survive RLSSA Swim and Survive – Pools and inland waterways / some beach locations.
Aim
To provide opportunities for all participants to be involved in activities that will develop:
• Water safety knowledge in, on and around water • Confidence and competence when using an aquatic environment • Self-rescue through a knowledge of survival skills • An understanding of skills required for the safe rescue of others • An understanding of emergency procedures • Swimming strokes and other water skills.
At the beginning of the program Instructors in Charge should advise all enrolling parents and candidates enrolling in the RLSSA-SA higher awards at the beginning of the program that because Participants cannot always become sufficiently proficient to pass the final examination in only ‘8’ days of tuition, they may have to continue with training after the end of VACSWIM. (Refer also to Section 21, in particular the information about Higher Awards).
Instructors in Charge should ensure instructors instructing the higher awards become familiar with the RLSSA-SA information about higher awards (refer Section 21), which has been developed to ensure Participants and parents fully understand all aspects of participating in the higher awards during the SA Water VACSWIM program.
Section 21 at the end of these guidelines provides general program/administrative support for the RLSSA-SA awards.
6.9 SLSSA Awards SLSSA Awards Surf Beaches Stage 1 – 10 Surf & Survive program.
Philosophy
• To familiarise participants with the beach and /or an open water environment through the introduction of surf awareness, safety and survival knowledge.
All instructors will be provided with an instructor Surf and Survive workbook.
Section 22 at the end of these guidelines provides program/administration support.
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6.10 Levels of Instruction VACSWIM Enrolment forms provide families and participants in VACSWIM detailed instruction levels. Instructors in Charge are to be familiar with all levels of instruction specific to their location and adjoining locations.
The following levels of instruction are available:
RLSSA Swim and Survive program Level 1 – 7
RLSSA Advanced Participants competent with Swim and Survive Level 1 - 7 and capable of lower lifesaving Rescue Awards, up to Bronze Star
RLSSA Senior To advanced levels of the RLSSA- SA lifesaving awards, Bronze Medallion up to Distinction Awards
Surf Life Saving SA Surf and Survive program Stages 1 to 10
6.11 Instructing Classes Instructors in Charge 2 (sites 400 plus) Where assisted by an IC1. No instructional time allowed. IC2’s on these sites will be paid supervision hours that equal the instructional hours for the site. E.g. 4 sessions per day @ .75hrs = 3hours x 7 days = 21 hours. This will be paid at the IC rate applicable.
Instructor in Charge 2 (sites 250 – 400) Where not assisted by an IC1. 2 Session per day non-instructional time. E.g. 2 x .75 = 1.50 hours x 7 days = 10.5 hrs. This will be paid at the IC rate applicable.
Instructor in Charge 1 (sites 400 plus) When assisting an IC2. To be instructional at all times except where deemed necessary to have non instructional time by IC2. Supervising IC2’s to apply for this additional non-instructional time. IC1’s will be paid for this non instructional time at applicable IC Rate.
Instructor in Charge 1 (sites 100 – 250) 1 session of Non Instructional time per day. IC1 will be paid for this time at applicable IC rates. E.g. 1 x .75 = 45 mins x 7 days = 5.25 hrs.
Instructor in Charge 1 (sites less than 100) All IC’s will be paid for their instructing time at applicable IC rates, not at instructor rates.
Time Sheets: Please put all non-instructional time on the timesheet in supervision hours
Assistant instructors can assist with the instruction of classes only under the supervision of an instructor.
6.12 Use of Assistant Instructors Assistant instructors should be limited to: • Assisting participants with a disability who are incorporated into a normal class situation. • Providing support to a normal class situation where a safety issue exists e.g. Deep water for beginners.
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6.13 Staffing Ratios The maximum class numbers provided below are based on national guidelines.
Pools Open Water The recommended ratios assume: The recommended ratios must be less than those in • clear visibility to the bottom pools to allow for: • defined water space and depth • restricted visibility to the bottom • elevated teacher position (where • lack of clearly defined areas and depths appropriate) • need for teacher to be in the water with the • calm conditions pupil • turbulent conditions
CLASSIFICATION AGE PERFORMANCE MAXIMUM INSTRUCTOR: PUPIL INDICATOR INDICATOR RATIO POOL OPEN WATER
Beginners 5—9 Shallow water only – little Recommended 1:10 1:6 Levels1-3 or no experience SLSSA S1-3 1:12 (with AI)* 1:9 (with AI)*
Intermediate 8-13 Able to achieve basic skills Recommended 1:12 1:10 Levels 4-7 and can swim 25 metres SLSSA S 4-8 with recognisable stroke 1:15 (with AI)* 1:15 (with AI)*
• School pools are generally a smaller size and participation number consideration must be taken to account. Advanced 12+ Able to swim 50 metres Recommended 1:12 1:12 using two recognisable strokes and demonstrate 1 1:18 (with AI)* 1:15 (with AI)* survival stroke in deep water Children with a ALL AGES Requires individual 1:4 1:4 disability assessment by parent and instructor. Medical conditions or severe physical or intellectual impairment may require • Assess individually constant supervision with 1:1 or 1:2 ratio
* Classes of this size utilising an assistant instructor are not recommended. Large classes using AI’s should be the “exception not the rule”.
• Safety Considerations.
Staffing considerations are to be appropriate to each location. Instructors in Charge must ensure (wherever possible) the maximum number of participants in each class.
• Classes under the maximum cover ratio size.
Numbers of participants in a class less than 75% of the maximum recommended, the Instructor in Charge must notify the VACSWIM Office.
• Classes over the maximum cover ratio size.
Classes over the maximum recommended ratio size are not permitted.
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Alternatives: • Transfer participants to another class • Allocate an assistant instructor • Where an Assistant is not available an Instructor may be used as an Assistant Instructor • If an Assistant Instructor is required contact the VACSWIM Office as soon as possible.
Important information:
If class sizes decrease due to unforeseen circumstances the assistant instructor is to be removed from the class. Assistant instructors are made aware of this condition in their employment contract and Instructors in Charge should also make it clear to them at the commencement of the program.
If necessary, class sizes and staffing ratios are to be clarified with VACSWIM Office.
6.14 Pool Space Adequate pool space must be made available for classes.
School pools are usually smaller – Your consideration as a trained instructor must be used when setting the class sizes, to ensure the safety of the participants
Avoid programming too many classes in the available pool space simultaneously, as overcrowding may lead to injuries.
6.15 Shallow water The depth of water is relative to a person’s height. Shallow is defined as “water below the horizontally extended arms”. Where waves are present, the crest of the wave should be used as the water level.
6.16 Instruction of Beginners Instructors and Assistant Instructors MUST BE IN THE WATER when instructing or assisting with the instruction of beginners (defined as levels 1-2). Instructing beginners from the side of the pool is not acceptable.
Pleases note RLSSA ‘assessment guidelines’ refers to ‘deep water’ this is generally considered to be equivalent to the student’s height with arms fully extended, whereby they are unable to touch the bottom.
Beginners must be discouraged from jumping or diving into water, as this requires “deeper water” as outlined in these guidelines; slide in entry is the preferred entry when no steps available.
6.17 Instruction of Beginners on Cold Days or in Cold Water One of the most difficult situations for instructors in the SA Water VACSWIM program is to conduct a lesson for beginners on a cold day or when the water is cold.
Instructors of beginner classes must be prepared for such an occurrence and although the following ideas are not meant to be exhaustive, they provide some ideas on how to conduct lessons in these circumstances:
• Before entering the water get the children warm (exercises, running on the spot, moving arms in a swimming motion etc.).
• On entry into the water keep the children moving e.g.
- Hold onto the side of the pool and kick legs etc. - Keep all children moving all the time, by undertaking activities such as ‘Fairy Legs’ or treading water.
• Give all children a kick board and whilst half are kicking over and back the others practice their kick on the side.
• Have a rest half way through the lesson - get the children warm, talk about safety, repeat some of the warm up exercises above and try to encourage participation.
• If a child doesn’t want to go back in the water make sure they are safely with their parents. Make sure to include them in any out of water activities that may be part of the lesson.
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The most important part about cold weather / cold water is to have plenty of ideas and activities to keep the children moving
• Be in the water with the children.
Reference should be made to the resources provided by VACSWIM, RLSSA-SA and SLSSA.
6.18 Rest Periods Instructors in Charge and instructors MUST NOT WORK for extended periods without a break for safety reasons.
Break times are not paid.
To protect all staff the following must be observed:
Number of 45 Hours Worked minute Minimum Break To be Taken sessions Less than 3 4 Nil - - - - - hours 3.75 hours 5 ¼ hour after 3rd session 4.5 hours 6 ½ hour after 3rd session
These breaks are not claimable and should not be recorded on the pay claim form.
Instructor in Charge at Locations conducting the program over one week or for more than 6 classes per day should contact the VACSWIM Office if the above guidelines require clarification.
6.19 Responsibility to Start on Time 1st Day – Instructor in Charge is required to be present at the Location 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the 1st lesson, and 15 minutes prior to the 1st lesson for the remaining days of the program.
Responsibility to provide a forty-five-minute lesson - Instruction is to be provided for the full 45 minutes.
Responsibility to start on time: lessons are required to commence as close as possible to the advertised lesson start time.
Instructors must be appropriately prepared for cold weather conditions.
Mixed methods of instruction are permitted i.e. out of water instruction and in water instruction; the majority of the lesson should be in water instruction.
6.20 Instructor Attire Every staff members employed at VACSWIM locations are required to wear the uniforms provided and to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the sun, using the hats and sunscreen provided.
7. Staffing
7.1 Staffing Allocation All staff employed in the SA Water VACSWIM program MUST be appointed by VACSWIM Office, i.e. Instructors in Charge have no authority to engage or employ a person to work in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
All staff employed in the program must be qualified and qualifications must be checked by the VACSWIM Office prior to them commencing employment in the program.
Staff will be appointed to Locations proportionate with the enrolment target determined by the VACSWIM Office. It will be based on the general guidelines provided below; however the actual staffing may vary, depending on the requirement to accommodate Participants with a disability and other local considerations.
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Instructors in Charge have the authority to use the staff appointed to the Location, as they believe best suits the circumstances i.e. it may be necessary to use an Instructor as an Assistant Instructor to assist an additional lesson at the end of the day.
All staff may participate in the administrative functions of the program however use of Assistant Instructors purely for administrative duties, will not be accepted.
The following staffing ratios are a guide only. (Staffing ratios are ultimately determined based on the national guidelines outlined in section 6.13).
Pools Up to 100 Participants • Instructor in Charge grade 1 • Up to 3 instructors • Assistants as required Between 101-200 • Instructor in Charge grade 1 • Up to 4 instructors • Assistants as required Between 201-299 • Instructor in Charge grade 2 • Up to 7 instructors • Assistants as required Between 300-400 • Instructor in Charge grade 2 • Up to 11 instructors • Assistants as required More than 400 • Instructor in Charge grade 2 • Instructors in Charge grade 1 (2IC) by negotiation • Up to 25 instructors • Assistants as required Approx. every 40 • 1 instructor, which equates to an average of Participants approximately 4 lessons / instructor Open Water Approx. every 30 • 1 instructor, which equates to an average of Participants approximately 4 lessons / instructor
For Participants with a disability, Assistant Instructor or an Instructor (for 1:1 instruction) will be provided, after consultation with the VACSWIM Office.
7.2 Additional Instructors A reserve list of qualified personnel will be maintained by the VACSWIM Office to ensure absences can be accommodated if required during the program.
Instructors in Charge are not permitted to employ personnel to work in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
The VACSWIM Office must verify staff qualifications prior to employees commencing employment.
Staff appointments are proportionate with enrolment targets for each location.
Additional instructors are appointed when a significant increase in enrolments occurs which cannot be accommodated utilising existing staff.
If additional staff are not available or additional classes cannot be provided the Instructor in Charge is to advise the parent to enrol at an alternative location.
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Please note: actual staffing levels may vary depending on the requirements to accommodate participants with a disability and location consideration.
If there are no suitable applicants on the reserve list or additional classes cannot be provided then the Instructor in Charge will have to advise the parent to enrol at another Location.
7.3 Over Staffed Locations Instructional hours for instructors / assistant instructors are not guaranteed.
Actual instruction time / hours for instructors / assistant instructors can only be remunerated for actual instruction time and instruction hours may be less than expected if enrolments are lower than anticipated.
If the Instructor in Charge requests an Assistant Instructor and/or Instructor on the 1st and 2nd day and they attend the Location but there is no work available the instructor shall be paid a minimum of 2 hours.
No payment shall be given to the Instructor / Assistant Instructor if the Instructor in Charge has been able to contact the staff member/s before they leave home.
Relocation may be offered to staff members if: • Enrolments are too low • There is a demand at other locations.
If more Instructors or Assistant Instructors have been allocated to the Location than are actually required, the VACSWIM Office should be notified immediately so that changes to staffing plans can be arranged.
In country areas, where changes to staffing may not be feasible, the Instructor in Charge must contact the VACSWIM Office, and changes will be made to satisfy particular circumstances.
Local staffing plans are to be completed by the 2nd day of the program.
7.4 Equity Instructors in Charge must ensure the allocation of lessons is equally distributed between all employees at the Location relevant to the skills of an instructor and / or the requirements of the Location. It is incumbent upon all Instructors in Charge to ensure wherever possible equal hours of instruction time are afforded to all employees having regard to their qualifications and experience.
Instructors in Charge must offer each employee the opportunity to participate in the administration of the program, including setting up or packing away of equipment related to the program at individual Locations. This work shall be equally divided, as far as is possible, between employees willing to participate in this activity. A roster system may be necessary. Employees participating in administration of the program will be paid from the pool of administrative hours allocated to the Location. This time must be included in the pay claim.
7.5 Attendance of Instructors To ensure continuity of the program at each Location all employees engaged to instruct classes are required to be available for the entire program. Absences will be approved only in circumstances concerned with sickness and urgent pressing necessity on matters affecting the instructor’s immediate family.
A medical certificate is required for absences of more than one day.
Wherever practical, Instructors in Charge should take the class of an instructor who is temporarily absent from the program.
Absences for other reasons may require the instructor to leave the program. Instructors in Charge should contact the VACSWIM Office or an adviser at the earliest possible time to request replacement staff.
7.5.1 The decision to attend or not to attend VACSWIM on a day of ‘Catastrophic Fire Danger’ is a decision each staff member must make themselves depending on their particular circumstances, for example where they live, how far they have to travel to and from the location and the nature of the route they need to travel. However the VACSWIM Office will determine if sites are to be closed, in compliance with its Bushfire Safety Policy.
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If a VACSWIM Instructor or Assistant Instructor chooses not to attend they must advise the Instructor in Charge as early as possible of their intentions so arrangements can be made to cover their classes. The absence and reasons should be clearly marked on their timesheet.
If an Instructor in Charge chooses not to attend they should advise the VACSWIM Office as soon as the fire rating is known, preferably the day before, so that other arrangements can be made if needed.
7.6 Volunteers Instructors in Charge may use the services of volunteers who are experienced in the administrative, safety and supervisory aspects of the program.
Typical duties for volunteers include preparation of certificates, setting up and packing up and safety watch duties and administration of RLSSA-SA Senior & Advanced awards.
Representatives of RLSSA-SA and SLSSA may act as volunteers as approved by the VACSWIM Office to advise Instructors in Charge on matters relating directly to their respective awards/stages. Representatives may also provide operational advice to assist in the delivery of VACSWIM in which they have relevant experience and expertise.
Location staff members who also volunteer their services to assist local VACSWIM Locations should be included in the list of volunteers.
Names of all volunteers must be registered on the Volunteer Register Form, located in the IC Final Return Booklet, which must be returned to the VACSWIM office at the end of the program. All volunteers will be provided with a letter of thanks and a certificate.
8. Equipment
8.1 Aquatic Equipment Many locations, including school pools and beaches, have built up varying quantities of equipment such as kick boards, hoops, balls, ropes, etc.
This equipment is generally available for use in the SA Water VACSWIM program provided certain procedures are strictly adhered to, i.e.: • Instructors in Charge shall seek permission to use the equipment from the pool manager or the school principal or organisations responsible for the equipment. Details of this agreement are included in the information supplied to Instructors in Charge. At some Locations DECS equipment fee / child is required. This is collected at enrolment.
• Instructors in Charge are required to: - list and check off equipment on inventory lists provided within the Instructor in Charge package - ensure that equipment is correctly used - ensure the return equipment in good condition - re-check the list and obtain the signature of the receiver.
Please note: In the event that equipment is lost or damaged contact the VACSWIM Office immediately to arrange repair or replacement.
8.2 Safety equipment Pool Locations – Safety equipment required: • reaching poles OR buoyant throwing aids • kick boards for rescues requiring entry into deep water • an appropriately stocked first aid kit • ropes separating deep and shallow water • roped lane-separating public from classes at pool
Beach /Lake Locations – Safety equipment required: • rescue tubes or nipper boards for rescues • an appropriately stocked first aid kit
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• roped areas or markers defining where activities are being conducted
8.3 Shortage of equipment A limited supply of equipment is available for use at locations from the VACSWIM Office. Equipment includes: • kickboards • PFDs • assorted teaching Aids • first aid kits
Instructors in Charge should check the availability of equipment as soon as appointed and notify the VACSWIM Office of the equipment shortage.
Equipment requests will only be granted if a definite shortage has been identified at the location. The VACSWM Office will assist in acquiring additional equipment for the location. If equipment is borrowed from VACSWIM it is to be returned promptly at the end of the program. Contact the VACSWIM Office to arrange the return of borrowed equipment.
8.4 Hire of Equipment Instructors in Charge can explore the possibility of hiring equipment for use in the SA Water VACSWIM program. Approval should be sought from the VACSWIM Office prior to any hire arrangements being finalised.
Instructors in Charge should ensure that any equipment hired is in sound working condition and meets recognised standards.
All equipment should be thoroughly checked before it leaves the hire organisation and checked again prior to its return.
8.5 Improvising with Equipment Where possible, Instructors should improvise with equipment. Some ideas include: • Plastic bottles and plastic liners from wine casks can be used as buoyancy aids. • Coloured stones, curtain rings, rubber plugs, quoits can be used in activities requiring an object to be picked up from pool bottom. • Broomsticks for reaching poles • Noodles attached to a rope to separate shallow water from deep water.
8.6 Lost, Stolen or Damaged Equipment The YMCA of SA is ultimately responsible for lost stolen or damaged equipment. Instructors in Charge should provide the VACSWIM Office with details of any lost, stolen or damaged equipment so that the appropriate action can be taken. A detailed report shall be supplied together with any supporting evidence of investigations, witness statements etc. confirming information supplied.
It is important that the condition of the equipment at the commencement of the program is documented. It is planned the YMCA of South Australia will perform an equipment audit prior to the commencement of the 2013 program and annually thereafter. 8.7 Participants Using Their Own Equipment The use of flippers, snorkels and facemasks are not permitted during the SA Water VACSWIM program. RLSSA- SA and SLSSA endorse this policy.
In general, only the equipment provided at the Location is to be used by Participants. It is understood however, that some Participants do use their own kick boards.
9. Conditions of Employment & Duties 9.1 Introduction All appointments to positions of VACSWIM staff are made on the basis of qualifications and experience. All qualifications held by instruction staff must be current. Prior to the program the VACSWIM Office will ensure that every instructor employed in the program holds relevant qualifications.
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9.2 Advisers/Regional Coordinators Reporting relationship and availability (a) VACSWIM Regional Coordinators / Advisers will be directly responsible to and take advice and direction from the Event Manager VACSWIM on all matters related to the effective delivery of VACSWIM. (b) VACSWIM Regional Coordinators are required to be available at the discretion of the Event Manager VACSWIM to undertake the duties outlined herein prior to, during and after the completion of VACSWIM.
Positions There will be 5 RLSSA Regional Coordinators: • Metropolitan Coordinator • South East Regional Coordinator • West Coast Regional Coordinator • Riverland Regional Coordinator • Upper North Regional Coordinator.
In addition there will be 2 SLSSA Advisers.
9.3 Instructors in Charge Explanation of classifications:
• INSTRUCTOR IN CHARGE GRADE 2 - two categories:
i. Responsible for the whole program at medium size Locations with more than 200 enrolments.
ii. Responsible for the management of large locations, with more than 400 enrolments, assisted by an Instructor in Charge grade 1.
• INSTRUCTORS IN CHARGE GRADE 1 - two categories:
i. Responsible for the whole program at small Locations, with up to 200 enrolments.
ii. Responsible to Instructor in Charge grade 2 at larger Locations, for portion of the program which is under the total control of that Instructor in Charge grade 2. These Instructors in Charge are commonly known as 2 I/C’s (assistant Instructor in Charge).
Reporting relationship and availability
• Instructors in Charge are employees of the YMCA of South Australia and responsible to the Event Manager VACSWIM for the conduct of the VACSWIM 2013 program at their Location including program content, program management and content, enrolment of Participants, care and custody of enrolment money, allocation of staffing to classes, facilities, equipment, safety procedures etc.
• Instructors in Charge are required to participate in either a meeting or a teleconference arranged by the VACSWIM Office before the start of the program to discuss administrative arrangements.
• Instructors in Charge are required to sign off on having read and understood the Administrative Guidelines.
Qualifications
Refer to Section 10.
Employment Contracts
• All Instructors in Charge grade 1 and 2 will be engaged for a fee to administer the program at each Location. In addition Instructors in Charge will be paid for supervision time, calculated at the appropriate rate of pay.
• Instructors in Charge at each Location may allocate from the pool of administrative hours allocated to the Location by the VACSWIM Office additional hours to all instructors for administrative work associated with the program. Allocation of hours for administrative purposes beyond the limit of the administrative pool is not permitted. The need for additional administrative hours must be discussed with the Event Manager VACSWIM before pay claims are completed.
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• Instructors in Charge are required to travel to and from the Location at their own cost.
• VACSWIM Office will supply 30+ UV block out and T-shirts to all employees. Hats will be supplied to all outdoor locations. It is a requirement for all staff to wear properly applied block out and the hats and t- shirts when supplied. Instructors will be responsible for any additional UV protection such as sunglasses.
• Instructors in Charge must wear protective clothing appropriate to the local environment when conducting classes. Wet suits or rash vests may be worn underneath. All personnel must wear sunscreen, hat and long sleeved T-shirt when provided by the VACSWIM Office.
• It is recognised that it may not be possible to wear the hat and T-shirt provided at all times when in the water instructing the Participants. However for identification purposes, the hat and T-shirt when provided must be worn at all times when Instructors in Charge are out of the water and whenever possible when in the water.
• It is compulsory for Instructors in Charge to wear a whistle whilst teaching VACSWIM. A whistle is considered to be part of your P.P.E / Tool of trade and is to be provided by the instructor.
• At Locations offering the RLSSA-SA Senior & Advanced awards Instructors in Charge and instructors should make themselves familiar with the RLSSA-SA Senior & Advanced awards information included in Section 21.
Remuneration
• Payment will be made for the basic employment contract to manage the program. Provision has been made for supervision time. • On the occasions when Instructors in Charge are carrying out the duties of an Assistant Instructor and assisting Instructors with the instruction of classes, they will be paid at the rate of pay applicable to their position.
Reimbursement will be made for reasonable and actual postage and telephone calls approved by the VACSWIM Office; Records are to be provided to the VACSWIM Office.
Duties
• Ensure the Administrative Guidelines have been read and understood and that the program at the Location is managed in accordance with the policies and aims of VACSWIM contained in the Administrative Guidelines.
• Open and check the contents of the Instructor in Charge packs and inform the VACSWIM Office if any of the listed contents were not included.
• Make contact with the pool or school authority as soon as possible after having accepted the Instructor in Charge position.
• Ensure that a meeting is held with Location staff prior to the commencement of the program and that all support staff are aware of their duties and responsibilities.
• Ensure that enrolment, collection of fees and banking is completed satisfactorily.
• Ensure the program is marketed and promoted in the local area to ensure maximum coverage and to ensure that the enrolment target is reached; e.g. Put out all posters prior to the event.
• Ensure the content of the program to be offered at the Location is based on the advice and directions of the VACSWIM Office.
• Ensure open communication channels are maintained with parents of enrolled Participants on the aims, objectives and content of the program to ensure that they understand the scope of the program, the benefits available to their Participants and their progress in the program.
• Ensure that all Participants enrolled in the Location are instructed in accordance with the program in which they are enrolled and that their progress is monitored and discussed with parents regularly during the program.
• Ensure the safety of all Participants enrolled at the VACSWIM Location and follow the emergency procedures for VACSWIM outlined in the Administrative Guidelines.
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• Ensure all safety precautions are understood and practiced by instruction staff at the Location including emergency procedures.
• Ensure the effective implementation of emergency procedures and demonstrate this before the end of the first lesson and that they are practiced and reinforced from time to time during program, as outlined in the “Emergencies” section of the Administrative Guidelines.
• Ensure the availability of an appropriately stocked first aid kit at the Location.
• Ensure that all Participants are provided with a participation certificate at the end of VACSWIM.
• Ensure that each employee is provided with feedback on his or her performance during the program and provide the VACSWIM Office with a written assessment of employee performance on the reverse side of their pay claim form.
• Ensure all documentation is completed, verified and forwarded to the VACSWIM Office as soon as possible after the last day of the program.
• Ensure that other duties assigned by the VACSWIM Office or an adviser/coordinator are attended to diligently and completed satisfactorily.
• Ensure that they conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner and do not engage in any illegal or offensive behaviour.
• Make available the Administrative Guidelines at the Location for all staff to read and refer to throughout the program.
9.4 Instructors Reporting Relationship and Availability.
Instructors are employees of YMCA of SA and are responsible for instructing Participants enrolled in VACSWIM at a Location under the direction of an Instructor in Charge.
9.5 Assistant instructors Reporting Relationship and Availability.
Assistant instructors are employees of The YMCA of SA and are responsible for assisting with the instruction of Participants enrolled in VACSWIM under the direction of an instructor.
9.6 Privacy Policy As a person employed by YMCA of SA, Instructors in Charge, instructors, assistant instructors and volunteers are bound to adhere to the Privacy Act (Commonwealth).
This applies to information received from persons employed by the VACSWIM Office, in the SA Water VACSWIM program and participants in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
Collection of information
VACSWIM will not collect personal information unless the information is necessary for one or more of its functions or activities. Furthermore, VACSWIM will collect by lawful and fair means, and not in an unreasonably intrusive way.
Privacy Complaints
Complaints about VACSWIM’s handling of personal information may be made by contacting the VACSWIM Program Manager.
Access to personal information
Any request for access about personal information VACSWIM holds may be made by writing to the VACSWIM Program Manager.
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10. Employment Qualifications
10.1 Required by all persons instructing RLSSA Swim and Survive As a minimum requirement all persons (Assistant Instructors, Instructors, and Instructors in Charge) must possess a current, i.e.: • National Police Certificate (current) • RLSSA Bronze Medallion * or higher OR • Swim Teacher Rescue Award * OR • Pool Lifeguard *OR completed an update course OR Annual DECS Proficiency Update OR Aquatic Emergency Proficiency. • Additional requirements for IC’s.
(Awards remain current for 12 months therefore you will need to check whether your qualification expires prior to January 14th 2013. If it expires before this date you will need to complete a 2011 Qualification Update. All of the above awards include a CPR qualification. Course information can be found by contacting RLSSA-SA on 8234 9244 or www.royallifesaving.com.au).
IMPORTANT: Persons wishing to instruct the RLSSA-SA Advanced and Senior awards should preferably hold a current RLSSA-SA Level 2 or 3 Examiners Award or have had previous experience in instructing these awards. At beach locations preference will be given to applicants who also hold a current SLSA Bronze Medallion or SLSA Surf Rescue Certificate.
Preference for Assistant Instructors
Preference will be given to those who hold current awards as above and: • Have completed RLSSA-SA Junior Instructors Award* • Have enrolled in/completed the Theory section of RLSSA-SA Instructors Award • National Police Certificate (valid for 24 months) • Character Referees (minimum of 2).
Additionally Instructors:
Must have: • RLSSA-SA Instructors accreditation • Austswim accreditation. • National Police Certificate (valid for 24 months) • Character Referees (minimum of 2).
If the award was/is to be completed in 2011 a copy is to be sent to the VACSWIM Office no later than December 2 2011 or else a 2011 Qualification Update * is required. (Evidence of having originally completed either of these awards must be shown to RLSSA-SA before undertaking an update.).
Additionally Instructors in Charge
Must have a current: • Senior First Aid with Asthma • An equivalent current First Aid * qualification gained from a provider approved by the Department of Administrative and Information Services • National Police Certificate (valid for 24 months) • Mandatory Child Protection Training • Character Referees (minimum of 2).
(These qualifications must expire after January 13th 2013. If expiring before this date the qualification will need to be updated).
Must provide written evidence of their experience and skills in the following matters: • Program management and organisation • People management and customer service • Financial management.
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(This management evidence is not required by persons who have previously held a VACSWIM Instructor in Charge position in 2011). *Copies of qualifications MUST be forwarded to the VACSWIM office by 2 December 2011. No person will be permitted to commence instruction in the program until the VACSWIM office has sighted these qualifications. 10.2 Required by all persons instructing SLSSA awards As a minimum all persons (Assistant Instructors, Instructors, and Instructors in Charge) must: • Possess a current SLSSA Bronze Medallion# OR • Possess a current SLSSA Surf Rescue Certificate# AND • Provide evidence of having instructed or assisted with the instruction of children.
#these qualifications require an annual proficiency update. Contact SLSSA for dates of proficiency updates. Please note the VACSWIM office will liaise with SLSSA to verify the qualification status of applicants.
Preference will be given to applicants who also have any of the following current qualifications:
• Austswim. • SLSSA Train the Trainer. • Teaching.
Additionally Instructors in Charge:
Must provide written evidence of their experience and skills in the following matters: • Program management and organisation • People management and customer service • Financial management.
(This evidence is not required by persons who have previously held a VACSWIM Instructor in Charge position).
Who are qualified with a SLSA Surf Rescue Certificate must provide proof of the following current qualification: • Senior First Aid with Asthma • An equivalent current First Aid+ qualification gained from a provider approved by the Department of Administrative and Information Services • National Police Certificate (valid for 24 months) • Mandatory Child Protection Training • Character Referees (minimum of 2).
+ (These qualifications must expire after January 13th 2013. If expiring before this date the qualification will need to be updated. A copy of this qualification needs to be forwarded to the VACSWIM Office by 2 December 2011. No person will be permitted to commence Instructor in Charge duties at the location until the VACSWIM office has sighted this qualification.).
11. Health and Safety
11.1 Introduction The Instructor in Charge is responsible for • Safe conduct of the program at their Location. • Working with pool staff and other authorities to ensure a safe teaching environment is maintained for staff and Participants.
The Administrative Guidelines provide information to assist the Instructors in Charge in decision-making and the maintenance of day-to-day health and safety procedures. If the need arises for specific clarification on issues then contact should be made with the Manager VACSWIM or an adviser.
11.2 Health Participants
• Information provided on the VACSWIM Enrolment Form about the health of Participants enrolled in VACSWIM must be noted on attendance rolls. If medication is required parents must remain on site to administer; Participants can take their own medication only under the supervision of parents/ guardians; Emergency procedures will need to be observed at all times.
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• If unsure of the implications of any medical information provided, contact must be made with the parent before a Participant is accepted into a class. Any additional information obtained from the parent must be entered onto VACSWIM Enrolment Form, signed by the parent and viewed by the instructor concerned.
• The advice of the local health services must be sought if there is doubt concerning parent’s advice on the VACSWIM Enrolment Form.
• Any Participant who is medically unfit for swimming must be excluded from classes. Where some doubt exists the matter is to be referred to the VACSWIM office for decision.
• According to regulations under the Public and Environmental Health Act 1987 under “Duties of persons using pools” Section 9: • A person must NOT - Allow a Participant to enter a swimming pool or spa pool that is available for public use if the Participant knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect that the Participant is suffering from an open wound, or sore, or is infected with a notifiable disease that could be transmitted to others.
Staff
• An instructor must not be permitted to participate, for the same reasons described above. An adviser/coordinator must be advised if these circumstances become evident.
• For confidentiality reasons the VACSWIM Office cannot provide Instructors in Charge with copies of the Personal Health Declarations provided by people employed in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
• Instructors in Charge are directed to ascertain if the staff members appointed to their Location have a medical condition which has the potential to affect them during their employment in the program. This should be done in a non-invasive manner and the following is suggested. At the meeting of staff appointed to the Location which is conducted prior to the program the Instructor in Charge should ask the staff to confidentially inform them at some time prior to the commencement of the program of any known medical condition which has the potential to affect the duties they will undertake as an Instructor or Assistant Instructor.
11.3 Sickness and Accident In the event of incidents, sickness or accident to all persons at the Location, the Instructor in Charge must act in accordance with the basic principles of first aid and follow the emergency procedures identified and agreed at the commencement of the program as appropriate for the Location.
If the indisposed or injured person is:
• a child, responsibility for costs of treatment rest with the YMCA of SA and are recoverable from parents (see Enrolment Form for details)An accident report form (supplied) must be completed as soon as practicable after any incident / accident and be forwarded immediately to VACSWIM Office.
• an instructor, a workers compensation claim is to be initiated and forwarded to the VACSWIM Office
• a member of the public (including parents), responsibility for the cost of medical and hospital treatment incurred as a consequence of sickness and accident at a VACSWIM Location rest with the injured party
All accidents and incidents, which involve removing any person from a VACSWIM Location to obtain medical assistance, must be advised immediately to the Manager VACSWIM or an adviser by telephone by the Instructor in Charge. A written report on the incident on the form provided, together with statements from instructors, who witnessed the incident, must be prepared and forwarded to the VACSWIM Office within 24 hours of the incident.
For minor incidents not requiring medical assistance the incident / accident form can be returned with the final return.
All accidents requiring medical attention must be reported as soon as possible to a Regional Coordinator or the Manager VACSWIM and the incident / accident form immediately forwarded to VACSWIM Office. Instructors in Charge must retain a copy of any correspondence.
11.4 Workers Compensation
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Section 29 (1) of the Workers Compensation Act reads: “Proceedings for the recovery under this Act of Compensation for an injury shall not be maintained unless notice of the accident has been given as soon as practicable after the happening thereof”.
It will be seen that the immediate reporting of the full facts of any accident is essential to enable WorkCover to give proper consideration to the admittance, or otherwise, of the employee’s claim. The late receipt of these reports could well prejudice the YMCA of SA and the employee’s chance of establishing a claim.
The relevant form “WorkCover Notice of Disability” is available from all post offices. One WorkCover form is included in the information package provided to Instructors in Charge.
The completed forms, giving details of the accident and the injuries suffered by the employees, should be forwarded to the VASWIM Office immediately after the accident, together with any other comments by the Instructor in Charge that may assist in consideration of the claim. A WORK COVER MEDICAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE SUPPLIED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
11.5 Sun Smart / Hot Weather Policy VACSWIM implements a sun smart policy to encourage the community to take care when moving around in the sun, and to encourage the use of shade to avoid skin damage on warm and sunny days. Refer to 24 Sun Protection Guidelines at the end of these Administrative Guidelines.
Instructors in Charge must ensure that this policy is followed at Locations and that they take appropriate action in conjunction with location managers and their staff to ensure that the requirements of sun protection are able to be achieved.
Discussion must be held with parents during enrolment procedures to ensure that all Participants enrolled in the program are encouraged to wear sun protection throughout the program.
Sun Protection Policy includes:
• conducting enrolment in shaded areas
• encouraging all Participants who participate in VACSWIM to wear appropriate clothing, including T-shirts and tops whilst they are in the water
• requiring all instructors to wear hats, T-shirts and sunscreen provided
• requiring instructors to conduct out of water exercises in shady areas available at local Locations
• encouraging visitors to the program at outdoor Locations to make maximum use of the shade available or to provide portable shade protection for their Participants and themselves
• where appropriate conducting local programs at times which avoid exposure to the sun and heat in the middle of the day
Hot weather policy
Because of the large variation in conditions experienced at the different Locations on any one-day a decision to cancel or modify classes at a particular Location will be determined by the conditions at that Location.
A decision should be made after having consulted the Event Manager VACSWIM.
11.6 Deep / Shallow Water Pools
Some swimming pools used in the program have a deep end (or side) and a shallow end (or side). It is imperative that:
• A lane rope or similar barrier (rope with noodles attached) is stretched across the pool to separate the shallow and deep water.
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• Markers (e.g. witches hats) are put on the side of the pool to indicate where the shallow water ends and the deep water begins.
• In the first lesson the instructor must explains to the participants (and the parents) where the water changes from shallow to deep and actually show them how deep the water gets.
• Parents in each lesson are asked to be aware of “beginners” who may inadvertently move into the deeper water.
• Instructors always place themselves in a teaching position where they have full vision of all participants.
Beaches and lakes
The depth of water at beaches or lakes can change from day to day. The water environment should be thoroughly checked by instructors before lessons each day to ensure it is suitable especially for beginners. Where possible:
• Markers on the beach should define the area in which lessons are to be conducted.
• Buoys in the water should indicate deeper water or define the teaching area.
• Parents in each lesson are asked to be aware of “beginners” who may inadvertently move into the deeper water.
• Instructors always place themselves in a teaching position where they have full vision of all participants.
11.7 Safety Instructors in Charge have a duty of care for every Participant enrolled in and participating in VACSWIM at their Location. Instructors in Charge are required to follow the safety and emergency procedures outlined in these Administrative Guidelines and, where appropriate, follow the directions of pool managers in cases of emergency.
Instructor in Charge is responsible for:
• completing the attendance roll before and after the completion of every class
• ensuring that conditions are suitable for swimming
• classes are separated from public swimmers, or other aquatic activities
• emergency procedures are prominently displayed and regular-training sessions conducted
• all staff members carry a whistle at all times for emergencies
• adequate safety and rescue equipment is available
• all equipment is maintained in a safe condition
• correct instructor / pupil ratios are maintained
• immediate correction of breaches of safe practice
• full attention is paid to the class during instruction period
• availability and proper cleaning of first aid and resuscitation equipment
Instructors in Charge are responsible for:
• determining safe operating conditions during VACSWIM
• safety procedures adopted by pool owners, operators and authorities must be understood and followed and any directions given must be heeded
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To avoid injuries, slide in entries must only be conducted under the strict supervision of the Instructor and or Assistant Instructor. The following must be impressed to the child:
• a slide in entry MUST be executed very slowly and cautiously
• to keep the chin tucked into the shoulder
• to keep the head away from the pool’s edge
The slide in entry should only be used in situations where it is not possible to walk into the pool via the steps, e.g. where large numbers of participants are entering the pool from the same access point at the same time.
Accidents / Incidents
All accidents / incidents which place the safety of participants at risk during VACSWIM must be:
• Reported to the VACSWIM Office by telephone.
• Followed by a written report at the end of the program.
Significant incidents include
• stormy (rough) weather,
• electrical storms,
• fires,
• Other natural occurrences and unsafe (unhealthy) water
The safety of the Participants and staff is paramount and the Instructor in Charge is responsible for ensuring that in water instruction is not conducted in unsafe conditions or circumstances.
At the completion of a class all participants must be taken back to a shaded area and the attendance roll MUST be checked to ensure all members of the class are present and accounted for. Once the class is dismissed instructors should quickly check that participants have a safe passage home i.e. those younger children in particular have a parent available to pick them up.
11.8 Cancellation of Classes If it is necessary to cancel classes, and prior advice to Participants cannot be provided, Instructors in Charge will supervise Participants who arrive for lessons alone and inform parents of the cancellation as part of their basic contract of employment. Instructors will not be required for supervision. Instructors in Charge must inform an adviser/coordinator if lessons are cancelled, and clearly state the reasons why the classes were cancelled.
Where circumstances or conditions dictate normal classes cannot be operated, (reduction in numbers, hazards, weather, emergencies, etc.) employees will be allocated where possible to other venues.
No payment will be made where notice is given to the employee of a cancellation to the program and no practical alternative employment is available, as at the end of lessons on the previous day.
If conditions at the Location become dangerous (e.g. sea conditions, weather conditions (thunder, lightning)) then in-water work must cease and alternate activities can be conducted on land. Participants cannot be dismissed before their lesson is expected to finish, unless their safe conduct home can be assured. (Instructors in Charge and the staff at the Location should be aware of any information provided on the VACSWIM Enrolment Form in regard to the custody and care of the Participant).
If classes are cancelled due to poor weather, classes can be rescheduled where possible.
If circumstances dictate that rescheduling of lessons is not possible Participants will not be refunded a proportion of their enrolment or other fees paid.
11.9 Beaches VACSWIM must appoint at least one SLSSA qualified staff at all beach Locations.
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11.10 Locations Operating More Than One Site Locations operating at more than one site must have; • A first aid kit at each site • At least two staff at each site • Emergency communication available at each site • Emergency procedures in place for each site • Adequate safety and rescue equipment available at each site
11.11 Diving Safety check
• Check the venue to ensure that the water is deep enough to perform diving tasks.
• Refer to the Steps indicated below for basic diving skills and awareness.
• Swim and Survive Levels 1, 2 and 3 require chest deep water with a non-slip bottom.
• Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 require deep water, which is suitable for the height of the Participants receiving instruction.
• Begin Level 4 with safe jumping activities to ensure the water depth is suitable for the height of the Participants.
• Participants should fully submerge from a jump in, without touching the bottom.
• In river, lakes, dams or open water situations, ensure there are no dangerous ledges, edges, slopes, slippery rocks or submerged objects. When diving off a raft or float, remember that tides are always changing and water depth checks will need to be made regularly.
A summary of safe depths
(As recommended by the Diving Australia)
Skill Minimum Water Depth (From pool-side) Forward jump 1.9 metres
Forward Dive Step 1: Surface - starting in the water, glide along the surface of the 1.3 metres water, pushing off from the side of the pool Step 2: Bottom – starting in chest deep water, glide down to the bottom of 1.3 metres the pool Step 3 Glide: - glide along the surface of the pool and then duck dive to 1.4 metres the bottom
11.12 Jetty Jumping Jumping from jetties is not permitted. Entry to the water for all activities at beach jetty Locations is to be via the jetty steps or from the beach.
11.13 Beginners Participants under the age of 8 years MUST NOT be taken into deep water as an “adjustment” program. Beginners must be discouraged from jumping or diving into water, as this requires “deep water”.
11.14 Precautions in First Aid and Resuscitation The AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AIDS (ANCA) Bulletin No. 15 May 1992 outlines in detail information and protocol in minimising the risks of cross-infection during: • the administration of first aid or resuscitation • the use of manikins in training for first aid or resuscitation
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In effect this bulletin states: “There is no reason to withhold first aid and resuscitation from someone who needs it.”
Risk minimisation is an integral aspect of first aid training and consequently all instructors should be familiar with appropriate protocols through their recent attainment of first aid and resuscitation qualifications.
For details relating to infection control in training for first aid and resuscitation, contact RLSSA-SA or SLSSA for up to date information on Australian Resuscitation Council Policies.
11.15 Risk Management / Safety Instructors in Charge are to do everything possible (within their control) to ensure a safe teaching/learning environment for VACSWIM staff and Participants and in order to manage the risks associated with the conduct of the program at:
Pools Follow the policies and guidelines included in these Administrative Guidelines in regard to: • general safety • class size • diving • beginners • first aid • emergency procedures • the availability of safety / rescue equipment • separating shallow water from deep water with a lane rope or other • barrier • supervision • sun protection • weather conditions (thunder, lightning)
Beaches Same as for pools and also be considerate of other safety factors such as • the conditions of jetties/pontoons • beach conditions/rocks, rips, etc • sea conditions (waves, wind) • other factors which have the potential to affect the safety of staff and Participants • the ability to get to Participants in difficulty
At the meeting with staff before the program the Instructor in Charge must discuss the VACSWIM Risk Management Procedure for Locations provided in the Instructor in Charge pack.
SAFETY MUST BE STRESSED REGULARLY DURING ALL SESSIONS
12. Behaviour Protocol
12.1 Code of Behaviour - Participants VACSWIM Participants are to: • Cooperate with the instructions and directions of VACSWIM staff in or out of the water. • Observe and follow all VACSWIM safety regulations and procedures • Observe and follow all facility / location safety regulations and procedures • Use equipment as instructed for the purpose it was intended.
Behaviour Management
If a Participant/s displays, disruptive behaviour placing themselves, other participants or staff members at risk the following procedures should be adhered.
The Instructor is to:
• Ask the Participant to behave in a more cooperative manner.
• If no change in behaviour inform the Instructor in Charge.
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• Inform the parent (either personally at the Location or by telephone) of the problem and indicate that if the problem continues the Participant will be asked to leave the class
• If there is still no change the instructor should inform the Instructor in Charge
• The Instructor in Charge should inform the Participant that they can no longer participate in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
• Inform the parent (either personally at the Location or by telephone) of the decision
• A refund is provided if requested
12.2 Code of Behaviour – Staff All VACSWIM staff are expected to ensure that they conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner and do not engage in any illegal or offensive behaviour.
Instructors in Charge should contact the Manager VACSWIM or an Advisor/Regional Coordinator immediately of any staff who do not conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner and or engage in illegal or offensive behaviour.
The Manager VACSWIM will ensure normal workplace practices for dealing with unsatisfactory staff performance are implemented. However, because of the short-term nature of contracts, first warnings about demonstrably bad performance or skills / qualifications / attitude will be deemed final warnings.
YMCA of South Australia reserves the above right, because of the casual nature of positions, to terminate services giving employees a minimum of one hour’s notice or payment of one hours pay in lieu of notice.
13. Problems and Issues 13.1 Dealing with Problems From time to time problems and issues arise that either result in conflict or have the potential to develop into a conflict between: • VACSWIM staff • Parents • Participants • VACSWIM staff and Location management / owners / authorities • VACSWIM staff and Participants • VACSWIM staff and parents
In most cases problems, concerns and issues can be resolved amicably, however at times this is not the case.
The following guidelines may assist VACSWIM staff in dealing with problems, concerns and issues:
• Firstly, people who have raised issues / conflicts should be pacified if necessary by separating the parties
• Every effort should be made to remove emotional, personal attacks to diffuse the situation
• Clear concise notes of the particular problem should be taken, and the person raising the concern should be asked to provide a solution or possible solution
• Written complaints / concerns should be obtained (and or signed by the person) in the first instance to ensure people understand the issues, are specific about them, and are prepared to be accountable for the concern
• If a third party is involved, ensure that person is given fair and equal treatment, and not denied natural justice, by being afforded the right to explain his / her side of the problem
• Both sides should be investigated and parties should be given the opportunity to agree the settlement rather than have a VACSWIM staff member impose it. In that way they have ownership of the resolution.
• Instructors and assistant instructors who are not able to resolve a problem, issue or concern should seek support and assistance from the Instructor in Charge
• Instructors in Charge who are not able to resolve a problem, issue or concern should seek support and assistance from the Manager VACSWIM. In the first instance the Program Manager VACSWIM will ensure
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an Adviser or Regional Coordinator is available for consultation. If a personal visit by the adviser is required then it will be arranged.
If the Adviser/Regional Coordinator is unable to resolve the situation it will be referred to an accredited mediator employed by YMCA of SA.
13.2 Grievance Procedures A situation may arise where an instructor or an assistant instructor has a problem, issue or concern with the Instructor in Charge, which they have been unable to resolve or believe they have been treated, unfairly by the Instructor in Charge.
In any such situations, the aggrieved staff member should immediately at the end of day’s classes (so as to not interfere with classes) raise the issue with the Instructor in Charge, preferably in writing, stating the grievance / concern and a suggested remedy.
The Instructor in Charge should respond as soon as possible or when deemed necessary.
If the instructor or an assistant instructor believe they have unsuccessfully explored all avenues for resolving the situation with the Instructor in Charge then the following steps should be taken.
• Immediately contact the Program Manager VACSWIM, sending a copy of the initial complaint and response from the Instructor in Charge outlining the concerns and the suggested remedy to alleviate or eliminate the problem. • The Program Manager VACSWIM shall arrange for the matter to be investigated by an Adviser/Regional Coordinator.
However, in all circumstances where an employee expects to be paid, work shall continue as instructed by the Instructor in Charge until the issue is resolved, unless the issue is demonstrably one of health and safety to the staff member and / Participant in the program or is demonstrably and obviously adverse to the aims objects and interest of VACSWIM or YMCA of SA.
14. Emergencies
14.1 Introduction VACSWIM staff must be well prepared to handle any emergency situation that may occur in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
Emergency procedures must be established for each Location for the efficient management of accidents / incidents or other emergencies, i.e. Availability of phones, ambulance, first aid kit, etc.
Where appropriate, procedures should be arranged in conjunction with the Location manager or authority.
The following sheets are included in these Administrative Guidelines for reference AND loose sheets (2 copies of each) are included in the information packs provided to every Instructor in Charge: • Emergency procedures • Emergency information • Emergency procedures checklist
14.2 Emergency Procedures and Information Emergency Procedures and Information are required to be:
• Discussed with location managers/authorities
• Discussed with all staff
• Informed and understood by all persons involved with the program
• Displayed in a prominent position where all persons can easily access the information
• Practiced and discussed with all participants, this is to occur during the initial introduction prior to pre testing by the instructor. All participants must be aware of the Emergency Signal
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• Executed twice, once on the 1st day /week 1 of the program and on the 1st day / week 2
• All Participants, particularly younger Participants, must be aware on a class-by-class basis of these procedures.
In the event of a serious accident / incident the following is required:
• The VACSWIM Office must be notified as soon as possible. • Parent /Guardian is to be notified
The Instructor in Charge must strictly adhere to VACSWIM policy in respect of speaking to the media about any serious accident / incident.
All staff must be made aware of the VACSWIM policy in respect to speaking to the media about any serious accident / incident.
14.3 Checklist of Procedures All items on the Emergency Procedures Checklist are actioned by the Instructor in Charge.
Children with a Disability Registration Form, the Emergency Procedures, Emergency Information and the Emergency Checklist must be returned to the VACSWIM Office before day two of the program either by free fax for IC’s only or in the reply paid envelope provided.
SAFETY MUST BE STRESSED REGULARLY DURING ALL SESSIONS.
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14.4 Emergency Information Form
This form is included in the Instructor in Charge pack.
Name of VACSWIM location ......
Address of location ......
......
Instructor in Charge (Name) ......
Telephone Number of location: ......
Mobile phone number of IC (if applicable) ......
First Aid Kit location ......
Location of nearest useable phone ......
Nearest Ambulance ......
Phone number of nearest Ambulance ......
Emergency Vehicle access to location ......
......
Closest medical assistance if no Ambulance
Name ......
Address......
Telephone: ...... Mobile ......
VACSWIM Enrolment Form location: ......
VACSWIM Office phone number (08) 8200 2525
NOTE: This information is to be displayed in a prominent position for referral by all program and location staff
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14.5 Emergency Procedures Form
This form is included in the Instructor in Charge pack.
1. First aid personnel
a) ......
b) ......
c) (If available) ......
2. Who will call ambulance? ......
3. Information to be provided to the ambulance service:
• VACSWIM Location • Address / details of the of the Location • Phone number of Location and a mobile phone number (if applicable)
4. Who will direct ambulance? ......
5. Who will control children and / or public? ......
6. Who will notify the VACSWIM Office of the accident / incident? ......
7. Who will notify the parent of the accident / incident? ......
Immediate action at the location
• Emergency signal repeated blowing on the whistle.
• Ensure all children leave the water immediately
• Make sure all children are supervised
• Designated staff to deal with the emergency as planned
• If death or serious injury occurs, lessons must be cancelled for rest of the day. This is to prevent a further accident due to emotional stress. If this is so, arrangements must be made to cater for children arriving for lessons without parents.
Reminders
• Pool management to be notified prior to practicing emergency procedures
• Instructors must liaise with Instructors in Charge prior to practicing emergency procedures.
• In the case of a serious incident all media enquiries are to be directed to the VASCSWIM Office.
NOTE: This information is to be displayed in a prominent position for referral by all program and location staff.
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14.6 Emergency Procedures Checklist Form
This form is included in the Instructor in Charge pack.
YES (PLEASE TICK) Emergency procedures have been planned and discussed with all VACSWIM staff at the location and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities All staff are aware at the location of the emergency procedures and emergency information
A First Aid Kit is available and accessible (If NO YMCA of SA should be contacted immediately) First Aid Kit checked and is appropriately stocked (If NO YMCA of SA should be contacted immediately) All staff are aware of the First Aid Kit and its location
A telephone is available and useable (If NO YMCA of SA should be contacted immediately) All staff are aware of the of location of the nearest useable phone
Emergency procedure discussed with children in all classes before the pre test
All children are aware of the emergency signal
An emergency practice will take place in the first lesson
A full scale emergency practice will take place in the first week
A full scale emergency practice will take place in the second week
Emergency practice discussed with pool management (larger locations only) prior to being implemented
All staff are aware that YMCA of SA is to be contacted as soon as possible in the event of any serious accident / incident All staff are aware of the VACSWIM policy in respect of speaking to the media about any accident / incident The Instructor in Charge is aware of what information should be documented in the event of a serious incident / accident
A completed copy of the Emergency Procedures, Information and Checklist must be returned to the VACSWIM Office after the first day of the program. (To fax through or in the reply paid envelope provided).
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15. Accident / Incident Procedures
15.1 Introduction Accidents / incidents may occur during the SA Water VACSWIM program. These accidents / incidents may vary from minor to serious.
15.2 Minor Accidents / Incidents Minor accidents / incidents should be dealt with in accordance with normal first aid procedures.
All minor accidents / incidents that occur in the SA Water VACSWIM program should be documented on the accident / incident report forms provided.
15.3 Serious Accidents / Incidents In the event of a serious incident occurring at a Location VACSWIM staff should be aware of the following: • Emergency procedures • Dealing with parents • Reporting of the incident • Dealing with the media • Staff assistance, support and counselling
15.4 Emergency Procedures Refer to the Emergency Procedures section in the Administrative Guidelines.
15.5 Dealing with Parents If a parent becomes involved in what they deem is a dangerous situation e.g. entering the water to assist their child or another participant, the following emergency procedures should be initiated by VACSWIM staff at the location;
• Emergency signal repeated blowing on the whistle.
• Ensure all children leave the water immediately
• Make sure all children are supervised
• If the accident / incident is serious, designated staff are to deal with the emergency as planned
• If as a result of the parental actions the participant does not require first aid or an ambulance, the Instructor in Charge is to assist the parent in comforting the participant. An accident / incident form must be completed as soon as possible. Once the Instructor in Charge believes the participant has been comforted and is in no immediate or future danger normal lessons can resume.
• The Instructor in Charge should make a courtesy call to the parent of the participant that afternoon or evening to check on the progress of the child.
• If parents are at the Location at the time of a serious accident / incident involving their child and want to take control of the situation, they will need to sign an Accident / Incident Indemnity Form which indicates that in respect to the accident / incident:
• VACSWIM staff at the Location offered their services to assist in providing aid to the participant
• The parent declined the help and assistance of the staff at the Location
• The parent indemnifies the staff at the Location from their (the parents) actions in respect to the accident / incident and their (the parents) decisions in respect to the wellbeing of the participant.
15.6 Reporting the Incident Proper investigation of incidents is required for several important reasons, including the following: • Identification of areas of concern • Proper legal defence • Validating insurance claims • Correction of problems
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All accidents / incidents that occur in the SA Water VACSWIM program should be documented on the accident / incident report forms provided
Should VACSWIM Office need to investigate any serious incidents the following items are the minimum to be compiled: • Locate all persons involved in the incident - Get names, addresses, and phone numbers - Arrange to question the witnesses separately at a satisfactory time and Location for further details
Preliminary questions directed to victims and witnesses: • What happened? • Where were they? • What were they doing? • What did they see? • Where did it happen? • How did it happen? • What emergency action was taken? • Who was involved in the emergency action?
Measure and diagram the incident scene • Determine the exact point where the incident occurred • Note any hazardous conditions • Photograph the scene • Clearly describe the Location
Instructor in Charge and staff at the Location can contribute significantly to any required investigation by compiling as much of the information above as possible.
15.7 Dealing with the Media Instructors in Charge and other VACSWIM staff must not make any comment to the media at all about any accident or incident that may occur in the SA Water VACSWIM program.
All requests for media comment on any accident or incident must be referred to the Program Manager VACSWIM.
The Program Manager VACSWIM will not make any detailed statement to the media until the circumstances leading up to, the results of action taken by VACSWIM staff in response to, and the current status of persons involved in the accident / incident are known.
It is important however that the media are provided with a holding statement in the time prior to the Program Manager VACSWIM establishing the facts surrounding the accident / incident. The initial information provided to the Manager VACSWIM by VACSWIM staff about the accident / incident will be important in helping the Manager VACSWIM to develop a holding statement.
It is important the Instructor in Charge and or other VACSWIM staff are able to provide the Manager VACSWIM with vital information as early as possible.
The Program Manager VACSWIM and / or adviser and / or other personnel will collect written information once they arrive at the Location.
Once more information about the accident / incident is available the Program Manager VACSWIM will issue updated statements to the enquiring media.
15.8 Staff Assistance, Support and Counselling
Should a serious accident / incident occur, the VACSWIM Office should be notified verbally as soon as is possible; preferably within one (1) hour.
The Program Manager VACSWIM and / or adviser/coordinator and / or other personnel as deemed necessary will travel to the Location at the earliest possible time to assist and support VACSWIM staff and to commence initial investigations into the incident, and provide assistance, support and arrange counselling if necessary.
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16. MARKETING
16.1 General Marketing A direct mail out will be distributed in late September 2011 to families who had participants in the 2010 - 2011 programs.
All schools, Out of School Hour Care, Vacation Care Centres and Community Libraries will receive • an A4 promotional letter in September with the dates of the program • limited number of Enrolment Booklets • full colour A4 and A3 VACSWIM posters • a general VACSWIM advertisement for the school / newsletter
All swimming Locations will receive • an A4 promotional letter in September with the dates of the program • a limited number of Enrolment Booklets • A4 and A3 VACSWIM posters
The VACSWIM Office will liaise with selected Locations regarding promotion of VACSWIM
• A4 and A3 VACSWIM posters
VACSWIM dates and times including enrolment details will be advertised in September and again in early December in the following newspapers: • The Advertiser • All Messenger Press newspapers • The Sunday Mail • Selected country newspapers
All print media in South Australia including the listings in the Country Press Association of SA will be forwarded press releases, and general information on VACSWIM including the program and enrolment dates and times.
Television advertising of VACSWIM will be placed with Channel 9 in December 2011; additional advertising will be provided by Channel 9 during this period prior to the last enrolment day.
Radio advertising of VACSWIM will be placed with Mix 102.3 FM from November 2011 through to January 2013 and additional advertising will be provided by Mix 102.3 FM.
Instructors in Charge will be provided with a marketing package inclusive of • a number of full A4 and A3 VACSWIM posters • A4 VACSWIM posters for local advertising in shopping Locations, schools etc. • Information to assist with seeking support in advertising the program in school newsletters • Information to assist with seeking support from local print and electronic media.
VACSWIM signage will be provided to larger Locations. The signage will be delivered to the Instructor in Charge before the commencement of the program. VACSWIM signage MUST BE erected on the enrolment days on Saturday 10 December 2011 and Saturday 31 December 2011 and each day of the program.
The signage should be erected, dismantled and stored each day of the program. The signage should be placed where it will receive maximum exposure.
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16.2 Advertising All advertising material will be prepared and issued by the VACSWIM Office and will be distributed at scheduled intervals centrally.
All enquiries from local media should be directed to the VACSWIM Office.
The VACSWM Office will liaise with the Instructor in Charge regarding advertising and local media involvement.
The South Australian Government and the YMCA of South Australia name must feature in all advertising material issued and in all statements made to local media. A lead in statement such as the following is an ample introduction:
“The annual water safety and swimming program, the VACSWIM 2013 program for school aged Participants will again be held at the [Name of Swimming Location, Beach or Lake] over seven days commencing on [date] January and concluding on [date] January 2010, said [name of Instructor in Charge]”.
Mention “the program is funded by the Government of South Australia through the Office for Recreation and Sport and managed by the YMCA of South Australia.”
IT SHOULD ALSO BE MENTIONED THAT “THE MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE PROGRAM IS SA WATER.”
The statement should continue by including information about the program including: • the VACSWIM Location, • the anticipated enrolment numbers at the Location, • mention the use of qualified instructors, • mention the enrolment fee for the program is $22.00 per Participant • the nature of the program to be provided at the Location [RLSSA Swim and Survive and/or SLSSA Surf and Survive or both in addition to this RLSSA Senior & Advanced awards will be offered at selected locations] • identify the enrolment dates for the Location • encourage all Participants to wear sunscreen, T shirts and hats • emphasise importance of the program for the local community through Participants having the opportunity to develop increased water safety and swimming skills which assist them to be more confident and safer in and around water
Local media should be contacted and encouraged to take action photographs for local newspapers of Participants in the water, instructors instructing Participants, or instructors correctly attired.
The importance of local advertising in schools, shopping centres, print and electronic media by the Instructor in Charge cannot be understated. It is vital that advertising information and promotion occurs at the local level; assistance will be provided by the VACSWIM office.
16.3 Responding to the Media Apart from following the requirements outlined in these guidelines for marketing and promoting VACSWIM in local media outlets, Instructors in Charge must refrain from making any comment to the media at all about the conduct and management of the program. All requests for media comment on program management must be referred to the VACSWIM Office.
The first point of contact should be: Program Manager VACSWIM Office Tel: 08 8200 2525 Mob: 0408 644 801
Also refer to Section 15, Accident/Incident Procedures for information about dealing with the media in response to a serious accidents / incidents.
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16.4 Service Awards Instructors in Charge will be asked to nominate persons and organisations for the following Community Awards which will be presented at the thank you function • Volunteer • School / Local government • Facility management / Clubs • Local business / individual • Local organisations other than business and individuals
17. Customer Service
17.1 Prior to the Program Prior to the program Instructors in Charge must: • Read and Understand the Administration Guidelines • Participate in a meeting or teleconference to clarify program administrative duties. • Establish a working relationship with the location manager / authority • Follow any directions issued by the Location manager. • Market the program locally by following the marketing guidelines information provided in these Administrative Guidelines. • Ensure all staff/ instructors qualifications and experience match program levels. • Conduct a familiarisation session with instructors prior to the program commencing. • Ensure adequate preparation is made for the enrolment day/s. • Provide accurate information to Parents/Guardians regarding available programs and requirements i.e. RLSSA Swim and Survive, RLSSA (SA) Senior & Advanced awards and/or SLSSA Surf and Survive awards. Including availability and cost of Awards. • Ensure class sizes are in accordance with the Administrative Guidelines. Each class should be filled before enrolments commence for new classes. • Endeavour to enrol family groups in no more than two lesson times.
17.2 During the Program During the program the Instructor in Charge must ensure that: • Participant progress is communicated to parents/guardian at regular intervals during the program. • All staff members are to be in the correct uniform. • Performance appraisals will be conducted on all staff during the program.
17.3 Health and Safety Requirements Health and safety requirements must be observed in the program by: • Discussing all medical conditions with parents prior to enrolment, • Not allowing Participants to enter the water unless a parent has signed a medical certificate, • Displaying local emergency procedure in a prominent place, • Ensuring that the emergency procedure are practiced regularly during the program, • Modelling sun smart behaviour at all times by applying the sunscreen and wearing the hat and T-shirt provided, • Encouraging all Participants participating in the program to wear sunscreen, a hat and T-shirt.
17.4 Conclusion of the Program At the conclusion of the program the Instructor in Charge must ensure that: • Certificates, vouchers and other materials provided for Participants is distributed • all staff are appropriately and positively thanked for their assistance in the program, • any directions issued by the Location manager are followed • the Location is left clean and tidy, • all equipment is placed in safe storage,
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• pay claims are completed accurately and are signed by instructors, • an evaluation form for the Location is completed, • all returns & RLSSA-SA materials in association with Senior & Advanced Awards are completed as required by the Administrative Guidelines and forwarded to RLSSA no later than Wednesday 18th January 2013
18. Evaluation of VACSWIM
18.1 Introduction Evaluation objectives • Ensure program outcomes have been met • Identify opportunities to improve the management and delivery of future SA Water VACSWIM programs • Satisfy the needs of program sponsors.
Evaluation surveys will be distributed and responses collated and recorded from • Parents / Guardians • Instructors in Charge / Instructors • Location Managers / Authorities
18.2 Evaluation Reports on Instructors Personnel management involves: • Providing all staff with a performance appraisal • Instructors are to be told of issues concerning their performance on a progressive basis and given an opportunity to improve their performance. • An unsatisfactory performance must be discussed confidentially with an Adviser/coordinator and the instructor concerned. • Performance appraisals must be discussed with the Instructor concerned prior to the appraisal being submitted to the VACSWIM Office. • The onus of proof of an unsatisfactory report rests with the Instructor in Charge and must be documented on the back of the pay claim provided, and the individual must see and sign the report.
18.3 Evaluation Report on Instructor in Charge Instructors must be provided with • An opportunity to evaluate the performance of the Instructor in Charge. • An opportunity to discuss the performance appraisal and be signed by both parties.
The Instructor in Charge must send the evaluation reports to the VACSWIM Office at the end of the program.
18.4 Evaluation by Families The VACSWIM Office will survey families involved in the program.
18.5 Evaluation by VACSWIM Location Managers and Authorities VACSWIM Location managers and authorities will be invited to provide evaluation information about the SA Water VACSWIM program.
18.6 Collection of Evaluation Information Instructors in Charge will be provided with separate instructions on the collection of evaluation information on behalf of VACSWIM in the information packs provided by the VACSWIM Office.
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19. Preparation of Pay Claims
19.1 Introduction Instructors in Charge have an obligation to ensure that all staff are paid correctly and on time.
The instructions below are to be followed by Instructors in Charge when preparing, verifying and approving claims for payment related to time spent by assistant instructors, instructors and Instructors in Charge on Location preparation, program preparation, administration and instruction time.
19.2 Payment of Staff All employees must supply a tax file number to the VACSWIM office. Confirm or attain this information when you do your orientation. No payment will be made without this.
Staff will be paid as follows: • Instructors in Charge - Basic contract of employment (Administration) - Supervision of site
• Instructors / Assistant Instructors - Instructional time (Actual time only)
• Instructors / Assistant Instructors - Portion of the Pool of Administrative hours allocated to the location for: - Administrative work, including planning the program - Preparing sessions - Set up / Pack up pool and or equipment - Cleaning the immediate environment after sessions o There is a maximum Pool of Administrative hours allowed for your venue; You can only allocate your allowance
If an employee works under more than one category (e.g. instructor and assistant) then Instructors in Charge should dedicate a separate pay claim for each employment category.
Income tax will be deducted from the pay of every employee using the information provided to VACSWIM on the Tax File Number Declaration form
19.3 Processing of Pay Claim Forms All pay claims must be received at the VACSWIM Office by the 27th January, 2013
Instructors in Charge are required to: • Maintain and verify (on the form supplied) a record of hours worked by each instructor, including themselves where appropriate, on actual instruction of classes. • A record of the allocation of time for instructors engaged in program administration from the pool of hours provided to each Location must also be maintained • Record the allocation of time instructors from the pool of hours • All pay claims must be signed by the individual employee • Sight and sign pay claims including the performance appraisal on the back of the form. • Forward all paperwork, returns, finance reconciliations and Program Running Sheets to the VACSWIM Office to ensure processing / payment. Payment will not be processed until this is complete
Payment will be made direct to each employee’s bank account before the end of February 2013.
The amount will be for the net pay after appropriate deductions for income taxation.
Superannuation contributions where applicable will be advised to staff. Employees earning under $450 for the period will not be paid superannuation
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Group certificates will be posted, to the address provided no later than 28 July 2013. The onus is on the individuals to keep VACSWIM informed of any address changes.
The pool of time allocated to each Location for administrative duties associated with VACSWIM must not be exceeded. It is the maximum time, which can be allocated by Instructors in Charge to all staff at the Location for all administrative duties associated with VACSWIM.
If adverse pool conditions and bad weather interrupt the program, the VACSWIM Manager must be contacted seeking advice about adjustments to the allocation of administrative time at the Location, before pay claims are finalised.
Staff must be advised of their final claim and their signature obtained on the pay claim.
19.4 Additional Administration Costs Instructors in Charge will only be reimbursed for approved postage, telephone calls to participants. Photocopying etc. are tax-deductible items.
VACSWIM staff in conjunction with the VACSWIM Manager will check all pay and expenses claims, alter if necessary (after negotiation with Instructor in Charge) before certifying validity so that VACSWIM can make payment.
19.5 Payments to Staff To ensure all payments to staff are made no later than the end of February 2013, Instructors in Charge must ensure prompt completion and dispatch of pay claims to the VACSWIM Office.
Pay Claims must be received by the VACSWIM Office by no later than the 27th January, 2013
20. The Last Day
20.1 Instruction as Usual Participants must be provided with classes, which include 45 minutes of water safety and swimming instruction on the last day of the program. The last day is not to be used as a fun day.
20.2 Parties and Other Activities Activities such as parties for Participants for the last day after lessons or colouring in competitions should not be organised. Activities such as these create an extra burden for VACSWIM staff.
The main objective of the SA Water VACSWIM program is to provide Participants with quality water safety and swimming lessons. VACSWIM staff should spend all their time pursuing this objective.
20.3 Instructor in Charge Instructors in Charge must ensure that all Participants in VACSWIM achieve, as far as is reasonably practical, an outcome from their experience in the program which: • develops their competence and confidence in swimming strokes • develops their awareness of the importance of safety in and around water, • develops their skills in water safety, survival and rescue techniques
On the last day: • Distribute evaluation forms to staff. • Ensure details are complete on attendance rolls. These are checked against the Pay Claims. • Organise VACSWIM Enrolment Forms and Payment Forms for return to the VACSWIM Office. • Complete pay claim forms - payment may be delayed if claims are incomplete in any detail. • Complete appraisal of each staff member on back of pay claim. • Ensure Instructors sign pay claim and appraisal. • Complete final return. • Include VACSWIM Enrolment Forms for Participants with a disability. • Ensure accident or work cover reports are enclosed (if applicable).
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• Collect evaluation forms on the Instructor in Charge from instructors and assistant instructors. • Reconcile all enrolment fees with the Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet • Complete and return Fee Summary sheet, Running Sheet and VACSWIM bank deposit book.
Instructor in Charge must return all the above forms, etc., to the VACSWIM Office as soon as possible and NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 25th JANUARY 2013. All these forms are located in your IC Pack and MUST be sent back along with your IC Final Return Booklet and other items indicated.
Instructors in Charge do not have the right to hold up (through late returning of parcels) salary claims for instructors at their Locations.
20.4 Instructors On the last day instructors must; • Complete attendance roll and forms. NO PAY IF ROLLS NOT COMPLETE • Ensure a VACSWIM certificate is issued to every Participant. (May not be necessary for senior Participants). • Issue VACSWIM and SLSSA certificates to successful candidates if appropriate. Refer to RLSSA-SA and / or SLSSA procedures in organising advanced award examinations. • Sign pay claim and performance appraisal prepared by Instructor in Charge. • Complete an Instructor in Charge evaluation form.
20.5 Assistant Instructors
On the last day assistant instructors must; • Sign pay claim and performance appraisal prepared by Instructor in Charge. • Complete an Instructor in Charge evaluation form.
20.6 Final Returns – IC FINAL RETURN BOOKLET No claim for payment to Instructors in Charge, Instructors and Assistant Instructors will be made until VACSWIM has received completed records, including: • Fee Summary Sheet, Enrolment Day Fees Running Sheet and VACSWIM bank deposit book. • Final return and report. • Satisfactory recording and banking of enrolment money (Instructor in Charge). • Pay claims / evaluations of staff. • Attendance rolls. • Work cover injury report (if applicable). • Accident / incident report (if applicable). • Emergency Procedures, Information and Checklist (These should have been forwarded by fax or in the reply paid envelope provided, at the latest, after the first day of the program). • Instructors and Assistant Instructor’s evaluations of the Instructor in Charge. • All VACSWIM Enrolment Form and Payment Forms. • Final checklist – signed by the Instructor in Charge. • Equipment inventory; VACSWIM and DECS. • Transfers in/out summary sheets. • Volunteer registration sheet.
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20.7 RLSSA-SA AND SLSSA Materials RLSSA-SA materials must be returned to the RLSSA-SA headquarters direct.
All monies collected should be deposited using the appropriate RLSSA BANK deposit slips provided by RLSSA (SA), and only include the deposit stub or copy. (Do not send cash through the post or by freight!).
Remember to bank RLSSA-SA monies in the RLSSA-SA bank account NOT the YMCA of South Australia bank account.
SLSSA materials must be returned to the SLSSA headquarters direct.
If forwarding returns through a bus or freight company - the appropriate office must be advised (i.e. YMCA of SA, RLSSA-SA or SLSSA) so that collection can be arranged.
20.8 Sponsor / VACSWIM Signage At large Locations provided with VACSWIM signage, the Instructor in Charge must return the signs to VACSWIM as per the instructions provided on delivery of the VACSWIM signage. The signs must be returned as soon as possible after the program and before Wednesday 25th January 2013. Contact the VACSWIM Office to arrange returns.
21. Royal Life Saving Society South Australia (RLSSA)
The information in this section has been provided by RLSSA
21.1 Procedures A separate parcel of materials (logbooks and manuals) relevant to RLSSA-SA Senior & Advanced awards has been prepared for each Location - based on the previous year’s sales/usage.
Upon checking the stock list in the parcel, if it is decided that more items are needed, please contact the RLSSA Office 8234 9244, Fax 8352 6162 (reverse charges for a trunk call) and the items will be dispatched immediately.
It would be appreciated if the stock list could be checked well in advance prior to the commencement of VACSWIM.
ALL MONIES FOR STOCK AND RLSSA HIGHER AWARDS ARE TO BE BANKED INTO THE RLSSA ACCOUNT with the bank book provided; ensure Tellers enter the ‘5’ digit Agent Number provided. (If no branch of the ANZ bank is available please refer to RLSSA Office for direction). The monies must be recorded on the Royal Life Saving ‘program summary sheet’ provided in the Instructor in Charge package to assist with the reconciliation.
General information concerning the Society’s awards and related procedures is contained hereunder. Please read this prior to the program, and if necessary, contact RLSSA Branch Officer or Regional Coordinators for any clarification.
21.2 Manuals All instructors and examiners conducting RLSSA Higher Awards must have a Swimming and Lifesaving Manual 5th edition Version 5.2 (2006). Please note a release of the ‘recently reviewed version’ 6th edition (2010). This edition will be required for usage in subsequent programs.
This should just be the new version with a CPR insert.
21.3 Awards Minimum age restriction for candidates of awards: • Bronze Medallion - 14 years
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• Award of Merit – 16 years
• Junior instructor - 14 years
• Instructor - 16 years
21.4 Claiming Lower Awards Lower Awards in each of the streams may be claimed when higher awards are passed, providing appropriate fee is paid.
For example a candidate completing the Bronze Star may claim the Dry, Wade and Accompanied Rescue Awards.
21.5 Fees for Awards These are listed in a separate schedule, which contains prices applicable to other related materials.
For participants who were able to competently complete the required competencies during Instruction and Examination and would like to receive an engraved medallion and certificate. After payment of the respective fees to RLSSSA and certificate is issued this indicates the competency of the award. VACSWIM prices are:
• Dry, Wade and Accompanied Rescue Awards (each) $5.00
• Bronze Star (includes tests for Resuscitation Awareness) $20.00
• Bronze Medallion (includes tests for Resuscitation) $30.00
• Bronze Cross (includes tests for Resuscitation) $35.00
• Award of Merit $65.00
• Distinction $70.00
• Swim Teacher Rescue Award $30.00
• Basic Resuscitation $15.00
• Resuscitation $15.00
• Oxygen Resuscitation $25.00
Note: • As candidates ‘achieve’ competency in all items of a particular Swim and Survive award in the “log book” the Instructor signs the certificate. If the candidate does not complete all sections of an award the Instructor can initial the sections completed and the candidate may finish the award later.
However, the Instructor should NOT sign the certificate as having been completed. NB Please note the Instructor must ALSO mark each competency on the RLSSA examination summary sheet in the appropriate columns.
• Award of Merit and Distinction Candidates must complete the Oxygen Resuscitation Award or equivalent.
Please contact RLSSA to make sure a booking can be arranged.
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21.6 Suitability of Venue All Locations can provide ‘instruction’ in awards according to the Higher Award levels. However, you need to ensure that suitable water depths are available as the award demands.
Examinations for awards in the lifesaving strand can only be conducted where the candidates can be observed from above the water (poolside, jetty, wharf, etc.), in deep water as appropriate. 21.7 Assessment – Examining RLSSA Swim and Survive Levels are to be assessed by using the marking sheets provided.
RLSSA Senior & Advanced Awards are assessed by using the marking sheets for the award. Items of a particular award are progressively marked as the candidate has achieved competency, this avoids the stressful examining situation for younger participants, however, participants must show competence at the award level.
The instructor assesses these awards and needs to apply intelligent judgement to decide if the purpose of the award has been achieved before granting it. A simple guideline for each candidate is to consider the question: Is he/she COMPETENT, CONFIDENT, and EFFECTIVE with each skill performed? SAFETY OF THE CANDIDATE SHOULD NEVER BE COMPROMISED FOR THE SAKE OF AN AWARD.
Qualified instructors (Level 1 Examiners) may assess all lower awards up to BRONZE STAR. Sections which contain several parts e g. 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 must be examined in that order. However individual sections need not be examined in the sequence in which they appear in the manual. When all sections of the award have been completed, issue the certificate or sign off in the logbook - if one has been purchased for the Swim and Survive Award strand. 21.8 Bronze Awards (These include Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross Awards)
If a candidate is NOT considered competent to achieve the awards being attempted, e.g. bronze Cross, the candidate may be assessed for the lower award e.g. Bronze Medallion - or similarly regarding the Bronze Medallion - Bronze Star. Note: This means the must achieve competency for the lower award to gain it.
As indicated, these awards may be ‘part assessed’ by Instructors who are Level 2 Examiners and ‘part assessed’ (the remainder of the award) must be by an independent Examiner Level 2 or Level 3. 21.9 Higher Awards A number of “hub Locations” will be organised for the conduct of examinations at the ‘end’ of the SA Water VACSWIM program. The Locations of these venues and details of supervising examiners will be provided to the Instructor in Charge by The Society or can be obtained from RLSSA headquarters (08) 8234 9244. If candidates are being referred, please contact the supervising Examiner early in the 1st week of the program.
Re qualification for Bronze Medallion - a person who wishes to re-qualify for a Bronze Medallion award needs to be tested in the following mandatory items; however any item can be asked to be performed - provided the examiner is satisfied the candidate is of the appropriate standard.
• Resuscitation
• Spinal injury
• Rescue and Resuscitate
• Initiative
• Timed Swim
• Timed Tow
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Standards - these must never be compromised. If in the opinion of the Examiner a candidate is not sufficiently proficient to be entitled to the award sought, the Examiner should recommend the candidate undertake further training and/or receive a lower award as long as the candidate has reached the standard of the lower level. The RLSSA provides assessment guidelines that detail the minimum expectation of each test item.
Note: • Instructors should be careful to ensure that candidates for “rescue awards” do not have UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS concerning their ability to ‘achieve/gain’ Bronze Medallion and higher awards at the conclusion of the SA Water VACSWIM program. (As a general rule 8 days of tuition is not sufficient time to gain the essential skills).
It is IMPERATIVE therefore that candidates are NOT REFERRED to other Examiners for testing (at the conclusion of the program) unless the Instructor referring them is confident they have been taught all components of the awards in question - and that they are confident the candidates will ‘achieve competency’ in the tests.
• In cases where instructors believe candidates required more tuition/practice, they should be encouraged to attend on the RLSSA ‘weekend class venues’ or an Extension Program usually conducted in the week after VACSWIM. Locations are available from the RLSSA Office.
Please note the following: • Higher Awards are to be taught by experienced RLSSA Instructors only and preferably Level 2 or level 3 Examiners. These awards are nationally recognised and can be used to gain employment in the Aquatic Industry.
• The Higher Awards are valid for a period of twelve months only and require updating to remain current. This is to be stressed to candidates and parents at the time of enrolment.
• There is a high possibility that candidates who undertake the Higher Awards might not be completed within the SA Water VACSWIM program period. This is to be explained to the candidates and parents at the time of enrolment. Should a candidate not reach competency by the end of the program the following must occur:
- The candidate is to be informed promptly
- Any candidate who does not meet the required standards during lessons is not to attend the exam as it sets the candidate up for unnecessary failure
- Referrals to RLSSA clubs and centers throughout South Australia can be sought through RLSSA headquarters
- Any candidate who does not meet competency during an examination must have an Incomplete Assessment Notification filled out and given to them. This form must be taken by the candidate to any further assessment and handed to the next Examiner. This is the responsibility of the Examiner, using the forms provided by RLSSA.
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21.10 Examination Summary Sheets It is essential that these forms are completed in respect of all Rescue awards (Dry, Wade & Accompanied Rescue, and Bronze Star to Distinction). Please adhere to the instruction contained thereon. It is the responsibility of the Examiner to collect “award fees” and to submit summaries to the RLSSA. “Marking sheets” should be returned to the RLSSA by the Instructor in Charge with the other resources; at some locations the Instructor in Charge may negotiate with the Examiner to receive the award fees, mark on the summary sheet and bank monies with monies collected from the sale of resources.
Names and addresses of candidates who gain awards lower than the ‘lifesaving strand’ need not be entered on examination summaries, unless such “other awards” have to be sent out by the RLSSA Office; total numbers will suffice. The exception will be when an award has been paid for, is required and has not been issued. In this case the RLSSA needs the name and addresses to be able to send them out later.
Please note: The onus is on the candidate to ensure any partly completed marking sheet and fees are forwarded to the examiner. This may require duplication of marking sheets. (E.g. when different parts of an examination are conducted at different locations).
Before referring candidates for examination, Instructors need to provide the Examiner with:-
• Medical Forms
• Timed tow/swim times for each candidate
• Contact details of candidates (marked on Examination Summary sheet)
• Completed test items ( Instructor Assessed)
21.11 Examination Theory Papers A minimum quantity of theory papers and answer sheets is supplied and we ask you to ensure they are not released before examining. The requirement for completing the theory component is stated on the theory papers. Candidates with learning difficulties may be entitled to special provisions; which may include explaining the question to the candidate. 21.12 Equipment Provided Some of the awards require rescue aids, which if they are not available should be borrowed. Many aids are normal household goods. There may be difficulty in obtaining sufficient PFD’s for use in appropriate awards. Ask candidates to bring their own or borrow from local groups, e.g. canoe or boating clubs, scouts, etc.
Senior & Advanced awards require candidates to swim in shoes. Check with pool manager, and have the candidates bring clean, soft-soled shoes. The Health Commission has approved the wearing of clean apparel in pools. The manager may provide a bucket of disinfectant to clean shoes prior to use in the pool. 21.13 RLSSA Classes - Award Not Completed Candidates who have not reached a required standard for a RLSSA award are to be advised to contact RLSSA in relation to the details of extension classes offered after the completion of the SA Water VACSWIM program. 21.14 Extension Swimming Classes “Extension swimming classes” will be available at a number of venues in the week immediately following the SA Water VACSWIM program. RLSSA will arrange venues for the extension classes.
Candidates shall pay a fee for the 5-day course of 45-minute daily lessons. No adjustments shall be made for late enrolments.
Full details are supplied to persons who have accepted appointment as coordinating Instructor.
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Instructors in Charge of VACSWIM Locations are requested to please display promotional flyers advertising the availability of those classes, during their program. Further information can be obtained from the contacts listed below. 21.15 Further Enquiries Any enquiries regarding RLSSA instruction, examination, awards, supplies etc. can be directed to the RLSSA during office hours 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Royal Life Saving Society of Australia South Australian Branch Incorporated PO Box 2075 HILTON SA 5033 Telephone: (08) 8234 9244 Fax: (08) 8352 6162 Email: [email protected]
Please ensure that all documentation is returned to RLSSA by January 20th 2013 after the SA Water VACSWIM program is over. Do not hold off until the extension program is completed.
NB: WHEN TRAINING CANDIDATES IN SIMULATED ACTIVITIES, WARN OTHER INSTRUCTORS, POOL ATTENDANTS, AND BYSTANDERS, SO THERE IS NO UNNECESSARY PANIC.
21.16 Swim and Survive “Active” Levels 1-7
ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA SWIM AND SURVIVE PROGRAM
D1 Developing Water Discovery
Enter and exit the water safely and confidently. May be assisted Front Float holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position Back float holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position Blow bubbles in water with the face fully submerged Front glide and kick for 3 metres with instructor assistance Back glide and kick for 3 metres with instructor assistance Experience balancing using a range of flotation aids in waist deep water With assistance submerge in waist deep water, open eyes and blow bubbles
Level 1- Water Discovery
Enter and exit the water safely and confidently Front float and recover to a secure position Back float and recover to a secure position Blow bubbles in water with face fully submerged and turn head to side, repeat action Front glide and kick for 3 metres unassisted (torpedo) Back kick using kickboard for 5 metres Swim for a distance of 3 metres using an underwater arm action while kicking Float with a flotation aid for 30 seconds Submerge in waist depth water, open eyes and blow bubbles Demonstrate lock hands, lock head and steer up position in water
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Be pulled to safety by grasping a rescue aid Answer Questions about dangers in the aquatic environment
D2- Developing Water Awareness
Perform a slide in entry and exit the water using the edge. May be assisted
Move from a back float to a front float and to a back float again
Demonstrate treading water arm sculling action while standing
Demonstrate breathing to the side in a horizontal position, repeat action (kicking optional)
Swim 5 metres freestyle with no coordinated breathing
Swim 5 metres backstroke with ears in the water
Move through the water for 30 seconds while holding a floatation aid and kick to safety
Swim through a submerged obstacle
Level 2- Water Awareness
Perform a slide in entry and exit using the edge Float on the front and back in deep water with instructor assistance Demonstrate treading water arm sculling action, supporting the body in an upright position Demonstrate treading water leg action using a flotation aid for support Swim 10 metres freestyle with basic side breathing Swim 10 metres backstroke with correct body position Demonstrate 5 metres survival backstroke kick Demonstrate breaststroke kick on the side of the pool Demonstrate the following continuous sequence:- a. Survival sculling for 30 seconds
b. Floating for 1 minute, holding a flotation aid and then kick to safety
Submerge and recover an object from the water chest depth Demonstrate a sitting dive (may be assisted) Be pulled through the water with a rope for 5 metres to safety Answer questions about dangers in the aquatic environment
D3- Developing Water Sense
Perform a slide in entry in deep water and exit from deep water
Float on the front and back in deep water without instructor assistance
Scull head first on the back
Swim 15 metres freestyle with coordinated side breathing
Swim 15 metres backstroke with continuous arm action
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Swim 10 metres survival backstroke with under water arm recovery
Demonstrate 5 metres breaststroke kick
Tread water in a vertical position keeping head above water for 30 seconds
Surface dice and recover an object from water chest depth
Level 3- Water Sense
Perform a step in entry
Scull head first on the back in a streamlined body position
Swim 25 metres freestyle using correct technique
Swim 25 metres backstroke using correct technique
Swim 25 metres in survival backstroke using correct technique
Demonstrate 10 metres breaststroke kick (symmetrical action)
Demonstrate the following continuous sequence:- a. Survival sculling or treading water for 1 minute
b. Swim For 1 minute, holding a flotation aid
Surface dive, swim underwater and recover and object from water of chest depth
Demonstrate a kneeling dive
Using a rigid aid pull a partner to safety
Answer questions about dangers in the aquatic environment
Demonstrate introductory dolphin kick for a distance of 5 metres
Level 4- Water Wise
Safely perform a compact jump and exit from deep water Demonstrate feet first sculling on the back Demonstrate rotation of the tucked body, keeping the face above the surface of the water Swim 50 metres of freestyle with correct technique Swim 50 metres of backstroke with correct technique Swim 25 metres of survival backstroke with correct technique Swim 15 metres breaststroke with correct technique Demonstrate 10 metres sidestroke with scissor kick Dressed in swim wear, shorts and a t-shirt, demonstrate the following sequence: a. Sculling, floating or treading water for 2 minutes
b. Swim slowly for 3 minutes, changing survival strokes after each minute
Float for 1 minute using an open-ended flotation aid Surface dive, swim underwater and recover an object from water depth equivalent to the candidates height Demonstrate a crouch dive
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Trow a rescue flotation aid to a partner at 5 metres distance and instruct the partner to kick to the edge Answer questions about the dangers in the aquatic environment Demonstrate introductory butterfly arm action for a distance of 5 metres
Level 5- Junior Swim and Survive
Safely perform a fall in entry and exit from deep water Demonstrate a forward somersault in the water Demonstrate the eggbeater kick. Arms or a kickboard may be used for support Swim 100 metres continuously using correct stroke technique:- a. 25 metres freestyle
b. 25 metres survival backstroke or sidestroke
c. 25 metres backstroke and
d. 25 metres breaststroke
Dressed in swimwear, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt perform the following continuous sequence:- a. Survival sculling, floating or treading water for 4 minutes
b. Perform a feet first surface dive and swim underwater for a short distance
c. Swim slowly for 6 minutes using 3 survival strokes, changing strokes after each minute. Clothing may be removed
Correctly fit a PFD, entre the water using a compact jump, float for 30 seconds and then climb out of the water Demonstrate a shallow dive Perform a reach rescue using a rope, towel or item of clothing Answer questions about dangers in the aquatic environment Swim butterfly for 10 metres demonstrating a recognisable stroke and attempt correct breathing technique
Level 6- Swim and Survive
Perform a stride entry
Demonstrate a backward somersault in the water
Demonstrate eggbeater kick and skulling
Swim 200 metres continuously using correct stroke technique:-
a. 50 metres survival backstroke or sidestroke
b. 50 metres backstroke
c. 50 metres breaststroke and
d. 50 metres freestyle
Dressed in swimwear, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and jumper, perform the following continuous sequence:-
a. Enter deep water using a feet first entry
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b. Submerge feet first, swim underwater on back looking up at the surface
c. Swim 50 metres quickly as if escaping from a dangerous situation and then swim 50 metres slowly
d. Float using a buoyant aid for 1 minute
e. Swim slowly demonstrating survival strokes for 6 minutes
f. Scull, float or tread water for 3 minutes waving for help intermittently. Remove clothing in deep water
Correctly fit a PFD while treading water and then swim 25 metres using a survival stroke. Climb out of the water Perform a throw rescue using an underweighted rope over a distance of 6 metres
Answer questions on water safety and personal survival techniques
Swim butterfly for 15 metres using an efficient stroke and correct breathing technique
Level 7- Senior Swim and Survive
Demonstrate an entry technique selected by the examiner
Demonstrate an efficient eggbeater kick without use of arms
Swim 300 metres continuously using correct techniques:
a. 100 metres freestyle
b. 50 metres backstroke
c. 50 metres breaststroke
d. 50 metres survival backstroke
e. 50 metres sidestroke
Dressed in swimwear, long pants, long sleeved shirt, jumper, shoes and socks, perform the following sequence:
a. Dive and swim a distance underwater to simulate an escape from a sinking boat surrounded by oil
b. Swim further 40 metres freestyle as if escaping from a dangerous situation
c. Remove shoes while treading water and then swim slowly 50 metres breaststroke
d. Float, survival scull or tread water for 5 minutes and then wave one arm occasionally as if signalling for help; reassure any nearby candidates by talking to them
e. Swim slowly for 200 metres using survival strokes, changing strokes every 50 metres
f. Remove clothing in deep water
Fit a PFD correctly while treading water, swim 100 metres using survival strokes, demonstrate HELP technique and climb out of water whilst wearing the PFD
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Perform a throw rescue using a weighted rope over a distance of 10 metres within a time limit of 1 minute
Wade to a partner and pull them to safety using a towel or clothing as an aid
Answer questions on water safety and personal survival techniques indicating a thorough knowledge of basic concepts Swim butterfly for 25 metres using an efficient stroke and correct breathing technique
22. SURF LIFE SAVING SA (SLSSA)
The information in this section has been provided by SLSSA
22.1 Vacation Surf and Survive Instructor Workbook
VACATION
SURF AND SURVIVE
INSTRUCTOR WORKBOOK
2013
Introduction This workbook should be used as a tool to compliment your skills and knowledge in relation to the instruction of Surf and Survive. There are some points that the history of the program has provided us with that will be of use to instructors. Your previous training should indicate to you that you must come prepared with lesson plans. You should refer to your IC to access the VACSWIM Administration Guidelines to understand your obligations and duty of care. However, remember, your priority is to keep the children safe.
Daily Conditions Each day of the program, take time to study the conditions at your Centre. Be mindful of rips, inshore holes, beach litter, exposed reef or rocks, schools of fish or other marine activity. Always be mindful of your safety obligations to Participants and yourself whilst working in the ocean. DO NOT PLAY SANDCASTLES. This program is about providing children with water safety knowledge and practical skills.
Instructing The surf and survive program contains a swimming module in each stage. Many parents expect this to take up the bulk of instruction time. Although this is not necessarily the case, be sure to utilise conditions that are suitable to instruct children the swim components. If it is a flat calm day then instruct your floats, sculling and swim techniques. Make sure that each day the children get plenty of ‘water time’. Lesson plans should be used each day.
During inclement weather or windy conditions work on surf awareness, sun safety or first aid components particularly with the early stages. The wind may also provide small surf to enhance your
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instruction of surf skills such as body surfing, board paddling and duck-diving. The surf may also give you the opportunity to show the children the workings of rips.
If a student in your class is not as advanced as some of your other students don’t neglect that child. Remember that parents are paying the same money for the same level of instruction. Parents are usually watching only their child so treat all children in the same positive manner. Be encouraging and verbally reward all students who are trying their best. Positive reinforcement will improve the performance of your students.
At the end of your lesson make absolute certain that all young children are returned to their parent or guardian. The roll should be called at the beginning and end of each lesson. It is not permissible to dismiss children and expect them to find their own way back to the parent or guardian.
With the increased reporting of shark activity be aware of the fear some participants may have. Let them know of the fact many more people drown in the ocean than are taken by sharks, therefore, the importance of the program they are attending. Be sure to check the ocean for increased fish activity, discoloured water, don’t operate at rivermouths, dawn and dusk lessons should be avoided. If in doubt pull them out!
TEACHING BEGINNERS (AGE 5-7) The strong desire for general and physical activity during these years lays the foundation for future sport involvement. Emphasize enjoyment, and encourage the learning of basic physical skills.
Teaching a skill involves four areas; . Preparation. . Demonstration. . Children practice. . Feedback.
The order to demonstrate a skill in your lesson is; . Demonstrate at normal speed. . Demonstrate again slowly emphasizing each step. . Children perform skill under instruction. . Direct children to practice. . Give children feedback/correction . Revise with a demonstration
• If feedback is to be effective it must be: • • Specific: It should only concern the task that they have been doing. • • Constructive: When describing an error suggest possible remedies. • • Immediate: Skill performance will remain vivid to the child for a short time after performance, so feedback will be more specific if given soon after performance. • • Positive: Try not to use negative feedback. Positive feedback is encouragement and will aid in performance.
During the learning of a skill a child may not progress as you may have thought. At these times it is important to be patient, supportive and encouraging.
Stage 10 requires approval from the surf advisor and should be conducted over 90-minute lessons. This stage is equivalent to the SLSA Surf Rescue award and will require assessment on the last day. Contact the surf advisor for an assessor to attend. An instructor must have access to the SLSA Training Manual to instruct stage 10 and it is advisable that all Stage 10 Participants purchase the SLSA Training Manual. Students must be 13yo to be assessed.
If you have any problems with the Surf and Survive program please talk to your IC or, if you prefer, contact the Surf Advisor.
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Stage 1
Aims To familiarise the beginner with the water, by the introduction of basic surf awareness, safety and survival knowledge. To develop confidence and safety skills in the beginner.
Module 1 - Sun Safety • Understand that Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! means don’t get burnt • With the help of the instructor, follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! rule at the commencement of each session.
Module 2 - Safety Skills • Enter the water safely and confidently, to waist depth water. • Be able to breathe out while the face is underwater. Submerge the head completely.(unaided) • Leave the water safely and confidently. • Recover from a front/back float or glide to a standing position (without an aid).
Module 3 - Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Know how to recognise marked “safe patrolled areas” by red and yellow flags and know the importance of swimming in these areas.
Answer- These areas are usually the safest part of the beach, free from rips and are patrolled by Lifesavers.
• Demonstrate how to signal for help if caught in difficulties.
Answer- Float on back with one raised arm.
• Be aware of basic safety rules and dangers at the beach.
Answer- Never swim alone. Tell an adult etc.
Module 4 - Survival – Self Rescue • Float for 30 seconds holding a rescue floatation aid for support then recover to a standing position.
Module 5 - Swimming • Using a kickboard for floatation, kick legs to travel (min.) 3 metres.(Front and/or back)
Distance covered
Practical Learning Outcomes: Children should be able to float for 30 seconds with aid and kickboard for 3 metres.
Stage 2
Aims • To develop confidence and to increase awareness of water safety by means of activities which develop swimming, surf safety and survival skills. • To develop the knowledge of safety in the sun.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Rule. • Identify when sunscreen should be applied?
Answer- At least 15 minutes before going out into the sun, reapply regularly while outdoors or a minimum of 3 hours.
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Module 2 – Safety Skills • Duck under a broken wave or duck dive in water to chest depth (touching the bottom with both hands).
Module 3 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Understand the principle of “land marking”.
Answer- Identify and use a fixed object on the land to determine whether you are being swept up or down the beach by a current. E.g. tree, building
• Identify potential dangers at the Centre or in your area: o Jetties, rips, inshore holes, rocks, boats, fishing, the sun.
Module 4 – Survival-Self Rescue • Demonstrate 2 floats. (on back star shape or with legs together, front float) • Tread water for 5 seconds. • Demonstrate sculling for 30 seconds holding a rescue tube or floatation device thrown to the candidate.
Module 5 – Swimming • Swim for minimum of 5 metres (not necessarily a recognised stroke).
Distance covered
• Using floatation aid and leg propulsion, introduce front crawl arm movements.
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 5 metres, Tread water 5 secs, Sculling 30 secs.
Stage 3
Aims • To develop safety skills and ability in swimming technique. • To further develop the learner’s water/surf sense, surf awareness and sun safety. • To develop an understanding of actions to be taken in an emergency.
Module 1- Sun Safety • Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Rule. • Understand what sunburn is, and what times are the most dangerous to be in the sun.
Answer- Sunburn is burning of the skin caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. Between 11am-3.00pm during summer is generally the most dangerous time for exposure.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Name and identify features of the safest wave type.
Answer- The safest wave type is the spilling wave. Spilling waves occur when the top (crest) of the wave tumbles down the face. They are usually found in sheltered bays where the seafloor slopes gradually, and near sandbanks at high tide. Usually provides good surf for surfing.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Tread water/sculling and then float for a total of 30 seconds. • Introduction of survival strokes (e.g. elementary backstroke, sidestroke and breaststroke).
Module 4 – Surf Skills • Body surfing skills or skills teaching the correct method of running in the water.
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Module 5 – Rescues • Identify emergency measures.
Answer – Call an adult. Dial 000 if available – tell who, where, why, what.
Module 6 – Swimming • Swim (min) 15 metres (using front/back crawl).
Distance covered
Practical Learning Outcomes – tread water to float 30 secs, Swim 15 metres freestyle/backstroke.
Stage 4
Aims • To reinforce the learner’s understanding of beach/surf safety and to extend personal swimming and survival abilities. • To demonstrate sound techniques in swimming and surf negotiation. • To develop awareness of self-rescue and support to others using a floatation device. • To continue to expand knowledge and practices of safety in the sun.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Rule. • Understand what SPF means and which is the best SPF factor to use.
Answer- Sun Protection Factor. This must be 30+ to ensure the best protection against the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Demonstrate a clear understanding and recognition of inshore holes and side currents, including the dangers and uses of each.
Answer- The inshore hole is a trough that runs parallel to the shore. Its depth may vary from a few centimetres to several metres. Bathers can be swept into the hole by the waves returning back to the sea or when bathers return to shore with incoming tide increasing the depth in the hole. Side current or inshore drift is a current that moves parallel with the beach. They can wash weak swimmers down the beach and into a rip. They are not always dangerous and can provide a free ride down the beach for competent swimmers.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Swim 15 metres of any survival stroke and then tread water for 30 seconds.
Module 4 – Surf Skills • Enter the ocean demonstrating the correct technique for diving through broken waves. • Demonstrate the ability to bodysurf a wave back to shore. • From above head depth, surface dive with a swimming approach, collecting a handful of sand.
Module 5 – Rescues • Explain, demonstrate and practice how to paddle a foam surfboard correctly and demonstrate its use in supporting a person in difficulty.
Module 6 – Swimming • Swim a minimum of 25 metres breaststroke/sidestroke/front or back crawl.
Distance covered
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Module 7 – First Aid/CPR
• Introduce and create an understanding of DRABC
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 15 metres survival stroke, swim 25m.
Stage 5
Aims • To enhance swimming and survival abilities and to establish endurance and improve stroke. • To develop confidence in basic rescue techniques. • To demonstrate a good understanding of surf awareness and the basic principles of first aid.
Module 1 – Sun safety • Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Rule. • Recognition and understanding of the treatment for sunburn and what damage sun does to the skin.
Answer- Best treatment is prevention. Symptoms are redness, pain, blistering and fever. Skin cancer is the end result. Place patient in cool place, cool sunburn with water for up to 20 minutes, give patient fluids by mouth, do not prick blisters, get medical advice if sunburn is extensive or vomiting occurs.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Describe knowledge of rips and methods of escaping for both strong and weak swimmers.
Answer- A rip current is a body of water moving out to sea. Formed by water seeking its own level as a result of swell and waves rushing up the beach. The water must then return to sea. Do not panic, ride the rip out from the beach, swim parallel to the shore for 30-40metres and return to shore when conditions permit. If you cannot escape, ride the rip out, float on your back to conserve energy and raise one arm until assistance arrives.
Module 3 – Survival – Surf Rescue • Dressed in bathers, T-shirt and shorts tread water for one minute and swim for 25 metres using any stroke.
Module 4 – Surf Skills • Enter the ocean through waves and body surf back to shore. • Option – (underwater skill, duckdive and swim along the bottom)
Module 5 – Rescues • Demonstrate an ability to help effect a rescue using a foam surfboard (or other floatation device). Ability only required to reach and support the swimmer who may assist the rescuer by paddling back to shore. • Understand all aspects of how to use the rescue tube on land and in the water.
Module 6 – Swimming • Run/Swim/Run – 25m/25m/25m/. Combination of strokes is allowed. Strokes must be correct and efficient.
Distance covered
Module 7 – First Aid/CPR • Further develop principles of D R A B C and demonstrate how to place a patient in the lateral position. Attention to potential danger to oneself.
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Practical Learning Outcomes – Tread water 1minute then swim 25m any stroke, 25m run/swim/run.
Stage 6
Aims • To consolidate swimming endurance and surf awareness. • To develop confidence in board rescue techniques and to learn basic SLSA signals. • To develop an understanding of swimmers in difficulty. • To further develop knowledge of DRABC and emergency procedures.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Rule. • List things which can affect a beachgoer’s ability to enjoy the beach safely.
Answer- Alcohol is an enormous health hazard affecting swimmers and should not be mixed with swimming. Cigarettes can reduce lung capacity and it is recommended that swimmers don’t smoke. Any form of illegal drug should not be used before swimming.
• When should sunscreens be applied?
Answer- They should be applied to clean dry skin, if possible at least 15 minutes before going in to the sun. They should be reapplied regularly particularly after swimming or perspiring.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Describe the signs of drowning.
Answer- Flailing of the arms, a stroke barely clears the water with head very low in water and no visible kick, climbing the ladder motion, hair in the eyes, facing towards shore with waves breaking on head, bobbing up and down.
• Describe some common hazards on the coast: specifically, marine stingers, rocks, jetties, power craft etc.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Swim a total of 40 metres using survival strokes.
Module 4 – Rescues • Discuss and practice release/escape methods. • Discuss and practice approaches, patient identification and assessment of a person in the water using floatation devices.
Module 5 – Swimming • Run/Swim/Run – 25mm/50m/25m using front crawl.
Distance covered
Module 6 – First Aid/CPR • Perform D R A B C and emergency procedure knowledge.
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 40m survival strokes, Run 25m/Swim 50m/Run 25m freestyle
Stage 7
Aims • To extend the participant’s ability to survive in beach/surf conditions. • To further develop skills in rescue techniques and signals.
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• To further develop swimming endurance and surf awareness.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Understand what skin cancer is and what resources are available to deal with the problem. • List preventative measures for sun safety.
Answer – Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap! Beach shelter while on the beach, keep out of the sun in the hottest part of the day.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Answer 5 questions on surf awareness. (Refer pg. 15) • Learn and understand 5 signals.
Answer- Assistance required: one arm, waved to and fro above the head. Attract attention between a boat and shore: two flags waved to and fro above the head. Remain stationary: two flags held at arm’s length, parallel to ground. Go to right or left: One flag held at arm’s length, parallel to ground and pointed in the required direction. Pick up swimmers: One flag waved in a circular manner around the head and a second flag held parallel to the ground pointing left or right.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Swim 100 metres continuously using survival strokes. Candidates can change strokes after every 25 metres.
Module 4 – Rescues • Demonstrate a board rescue. Return to shore with patient.
Module 5 – Swimming • Run/Swim/Run – 50m/50m/50m using 25m front crawl, and 25m of any survival stroke. • Distance covered
Module 6 – First Aid/CPR • Introduce CPR.
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 100m survival strokes, 50m run/swim/run
Stage 8
Aims • To further extend the participant’s ability to survive in beach/surf conditions. • To consolidate rescue skills with equipment. • To further develop swimming endurance and to introduce speed to swimming requirements.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Explain the theory of “windburn”.
Answer – There is no such condition as windburn. This is caused by ultraviolet rays burning the skin, the same as sunburn.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Answer 10 questions (written or oral) including Life Saving knowledge and Emergency Care.(refer page 15) • Discuss, learn and understand SLSA signals. • Describe the purpose of patrols and patrolling. • Discuss communication.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Swim 150metres using survival strokes.
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Module 4 - Rescues • Demonstrate a board and tube rescue on a conscious patient and return to shore. • Perform patient approaches, release and escape methods.
Module 5 – Swimming • Run/Swim/Run – 50m/75m/50m
Module 6 – First Aid/CPR • CPR including mouth to mouth, mouth to nose. • Emergency care for bleeding and marine stings. • Knowledge of Emergency procedures.
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 150m survival strokes, 50m/75m/50m run swim run
Stage 9
Aims • To ensure that candidates increase their speed and endurance at swimming. • To maintain a satisfactory level of competence in rescue techniques.
Module 1 – Sun Safety • Understand how melanin works and why tanning can never be “safe”.
Module 2 – Beach Safety/Surf Awareness • Answer at least 15 oral/written questions covering Life Saving Knowledge, First Aid, CPR and Surf Awareness. (see page 15) • Revise signals • Identify all the factors which affect bathers while recreating.
Module 3 – Survival – Self Rescue • Swim 200 metres using survival strokes. • Float for 2 minutes.
Module 4 – Rescues • Demonstrate a rescue without equipment returning patient to shore. • Discuss deep-water resuscitation and practice using a tube or board.
Module 5 – Swimming • Run/Swim/Run 100m/75m/100m Module 6 – First Aid/Resuscitation
Module 6 – First Aid/CPR • Lateral position and patient management. • Cause of and treatment for Hypothermia, Heat Exhaustion, Stings, Shock, Bleeding(hemorrhage), RICE • Intro to muscular-skeletal, circulatory and respiratory systems. • Timing and efficiency in CPR.
Practical Learning Outcomes – Swim 200m survival strokes, 100m75m100m run, swim, run.
Stage 10
Aims • To train candidates to the level of SLSA Surf Rescue Award. • Candidates must be a minimum of 13 years old to be assessed. • Purchase of, or access to a SLSA Training Manual is compulsory for this stage. • A prerequisite of a 200 metre swim in 5 minutes or less is mandatory. • All stage 10 lessons are 90 minutes duration.
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Module 1 – Sun Safety/Surf Awareness • Answer 17 - question exam paper. • Describe beach sense practices and recognize appropriate safe beach zone. • Describe surf and environment conditions and hazards. • Demonstrate surf skills.
Surf skills are board paddling, swimming out through surf.
Module 2 – Human Body • Explain basics of the body systems • Circulatory, skeletal, respiratory, nervous.
Only a basic understanding is required i.e. which system does what?
Module 2 – Signals and Patrols • Demonstrate signals. • Work as part of a team. • Demonstrate standard patrol practices.
Module 3 - Rescue • Perform a board rescue including deep-water resuscitation. • Perform a tube rescue including deep-water resuscitation. • Perform approach, release and escape methods. • Identify people in distress in a surf or aquatic environment.
Module 4 - Swimming • Complete a run/swim/run of 100m/100m/100m in 5 minutes or less.
Module 5 – First Aid/CPR • Perform CPR techniques. • Identify basic patient management techniques.
A SLSSA Assessor will need to be booked for the exam. Consult with the IC at the Centre to coordinate with the VACSWIM Surf Advisor to ensure that an assessor is available. Your students may be required to travel to another centre for assessment.
For this award to remain current, candidates are required to perform an annual proficiency test.
Questions relating to Stage 7, 8, 9 &10. This is a sample of the type of questions that may be asked in the Stage 10 exam. It is best to go through all of them.
Q1: How many full tides are there generally during a 24-hour period?
Q1A: There are generally 2 full tides in a 24-hour period. There are occasions during a dodge tide that there is minimal tide movement.
Q2: What is the best method of making your way out through a surf zone without equipment?
Q2A: The waves should be negotiated by diving underneath to the bottom, lying as flat as possible on the sand and letting the wave pass overhead.
Q3: Name some signs indicating a rip is present.
Q3A: Some signs indicating a rip is present are: discoloured brown water, foam on the surface, waves breaking either side of the rip, debris floating out to sea and a rippled appearance around the surrounding water.
Q4: Name the three types of waves.
Q4A: The three types of waves are plunging/dumping, spilling and surging.
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Q5: How are waves formed and what three factors determine the size of waves?
Q5A: The waves are formed by wind. The three determining factors are the distance over which wind blows, the length of time wind blows and the strength wind blows.
Q6: What is an inshore hole?
Q6A: An inshore hole is a trough that runs parallel to the beach.
Q7: What is a rip?
Q7A: A rip is a body of water moving out to sea. It is formed by water seeking its own level.
Q8: Explain what a rescuer is doing when using release and escape methods.
Q8A: The rescuer is attempting to protect him/herself from a panicking patient who may be trying to drag them under the water.
Q9: How would a strong swimmer escape from a rip?
Q9A: A strong swimmer should ride the rip out and swim parallel to the shore and in the same direction as the side current and utilise the surf zone to return to shore.
Q10: Explain the principle of “landmarking:
Q10A: A swimmer should identify a fixed object on the shore or adjacent area (i.e. building, tree) to determine whether they are being swept up or down the beach by a side current.
Q11: How would you treat a patient with a nasty cut on their leg?
Q11A: Rest the patient and reassure, apply direct pressure to the wound, raise legs slightly if possible. Gloves should be worn to protect you against possible infection. Seek further medical aid if required.
Q12: How do you treat a nose bleed?
Q12A: Seat patient with head bent forward, squeeze the soft part of the nose with thumb and forefinger for up to ten minutes. After 10 mins. If still bleeding, seek further medical advice.
Q13: What is shock?
Q13A: Shock is the loss of effective circulation. Without circulation of the blood containing oxygen and nutrients the tissues of the body become ineffective. Unless sufficient circulation is restored, tissue death will occur.
Q14: In order to tell if an unconscious patient is breathing you should?
Q14A: Place the patient in the lateral position and look for the chest cavity rising, listen with your ear to the mouth for breathing and feel for the chest cavity rising.
Q15: On whom should CPR be performed?
Q15A: Someone who is not breathing and unconscious.
Q16: What steps can be taken to prevent sun damage?
Q16A: Limit exposure, protect yourself with clothing, use sunscreens and eye protection. Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!
Q17: what is the rate of CPR on an adult is?
Q17A: The CPR rate for an adult is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Aim for 2 ½ cycles per minute.
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Q18: What are some signs of shock and how would you treat it?
Q18A: Signs of shock include; reduced level of consciousness, rapid breathing, pale, cold clammy skin, rapid/weak pulse and confusion. Treatment includes lateral position if unconscious and monitor airway, stop any bleeding if possible, raise patients legs slightly if conscious, keep head level with heart, protect from temperature extremes, moisten patient’s lips, seek urgent medical aid.
Q19: If an unconscious patient is vomiting or regurgitating what management needs to occur?
Q19A: The patient should immediately be placed in the lateral position and have their airway cleared of foreign material.
Q20: The patient’s airway has been cleared but there is no breathing so you should?
Q20A: Roll the patient over on to their back and administer two breaths. Commence CPR.
Q21: What is the correct position for an unconscious patient who is breathing?
Q21: An unconscious patient should be placed in the lateral position and the breathing constantly monitored.
Q22: What is a roving patrol?
Q22: A roving patrol is a rostered group of volunteer life savers who patrol up and down the beach/coast outside of the normal flagged area.
Q23: Name some equipment used by lifesavers to rescue swimmers?
Q23A: Rescue tubes, rescue boards, IRB, Jet Boats.
Q24: For an infant up to twelve months old, expired air resuscitation should be performed with the head in what position and why?
Q24A: The infant’s head should remain in the neutral position. The infant’s airway is different due to a relatively large head, short neck, large tongue, soft windpipe and the adenoids may be large. Backward head tilt should not be used as it stretches the tissues and it may block the airway.
For further information about the Surf and Survive program contact an adviser of SLSSA by telephone on (08) 8354 6900
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23. SwimmingSA
The information in this section has been provided by SwimmingSA
23.1 What is SwimmingSA
• SwimmingSA is the peak body for competitive swimming in South Australia.
• They have 4500 members training at 50 clubs located across metropolitan and rural South Australia.
• They represent swimmers from learn to swim, right through to swimmers on Australian teams, Olympic Games and other International competitions.
• SwimmingSA’s long association with the SA Water VACSWIM program endorses and supports this essential water safety initiatives of the Office for Recreation and Sport.
• SwimmingSA needs more people to join the ranks of its swimming clubs to ensure that South Australia can continue to be a force on the Australian and World swimming stage.
• SwimmingSA is an important stakeholder in the SA Sports Institute High Performance program.
Great News for Prospective Participants
New members under the age of 12 receive a free GO Swim welcome pack which includes a swim cap, a bag, an Australian Team poster, a book for parents all about the basics of swimming, a nutrition booklet to teach about healthy eating and easy to understand information from Swimming SA and the club. Swimmers can join a club and participate after school once or twice a week, or more often if they have ambitions for state or national competition. “But the perception that you have to get up at 4am to take your kids to training is pretty much an urban myth.” A popular program for kids is Junior Excellence (JX), which encourages nine to 13-year-olds to get into the pool and have a go. All swimming clubs in Australia are involved in the JX program which provides recognition to young swimmers in the form of swimming caps, towels, bathers along with invitations to special clinics so they can improve their skills.”
SwimmingSA 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park, SA 5046 Ph 08 71230848
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23.2 Swimming Club Contacts
Club Secretary Phone Alma Broken Hill Sherri Kuerschner 041885-8516 Barossa Valley Swimming Club Ruth Grace 088563-3170 Berri Swimming Club Jenny Wilksch 088582-3080 Blue Lake Y Swim Club Vivienne Peate 043860-8651 Booleroo Centre Club Jenny Stringer 042969-7245 Bordertown Swimming Club Sandra Nitschke 040060-7461 Broken Hill Swimming Club Patricia Thomas 040227-6732 Burnside Swimming Club Tim Jordan 043016-0132 Burra Swimming Club Christine Landorf 0447932344 Clare Amateur Swimming Club Kelly Dunbar 040227-6732 Clovercrest Swimming Club Gloria Owens 042620-3808 Cowell Swimming Club Kristin Schlink 0427514412 Crystal Brook Swimming Club Emma Menz 040352-6717 Dolphins Swimming Club Sonia Schmanski 0887520197 Fleurieu Swimming Club Cathy Fox 040883-9760 Gawler Swimming Club Christina Collins 088523-3765 Gladstone Swimming Club Vanessa Watson 043975-5108 Henley & Grange Swimming Club Hillary Orr 041175-7439 Jamestown Swimming Club Fiona Porter 088664-1238 Jamestown Swimming Club Marie Irrgang 042728-2670 Keith Swimming Club Mary Densley 042755-1362 Lameroo Swimming Club Donna Cummins 088576-3999 Lefevre Portside Swimming Club Sue Robbins 043950-6016 Leigh Creek Swimming Club Rob or Helen 044775-2667 Loxton Swimming Club Tracey Reichelt 042850-9573 Marion Swimming Club Darren McLachlan 0439993588 Mount Gambier Swimming Club Denise Edwards 088726-8189 Mountain Pool Swimming Club Rose Coldwell 041827-5731 Murray Bridge Swimming Club Dan Martin 041785-2948 Norwood Swimming Club Greg O'Neil 088251-8075 Onkaparinga Swimming Club Jo Weir 040760-8235 Orroroo Swimming Club Belinda Reddaway 042818-3821 Payneham Swimming Club Kevin Spratt 042752-5148 PBA Piranhas Swimming Club Deb Chenoweth 041627-0543 Penola Swimming Club Jenny Tocaciu 041985-4984 Pinnaroo Swimming Club Kerry Henicke 088577-8289 Playford Aquatic Swimming Club Marion Davey 043859-3156 Port Augusta Swimming Club Lee-Anne Dalla Santa 040864-2210 Port Pirie Swimming Club Angela White 040739-3582 Quorn Swimming Club Joanna Finlay 088648-6197 Roxby Downs Swimming Club Tony McGauchie 041889-9838 Silver City Swim Club Angela Oldsen 0400157027 South Coast Swimming Club Aileen Mader 040771-6056 SPG Sharks Swimming Club Inc. Vanessa Mills 040644-6394 STARplex Swimming Club Melanie Rachwal 041786-0625 Strathalbyn Swimming Club Kelly-anne Drew 042174-8695 Tea Tree Gully Swimming Club Karen Tohver 040028-5989 The Parks Swimming Club Kellly Maidment 040939-6349 Unley Swimming Club Karen Pike 040791-1134 Vitor Renmark Swimming Club Renata Hawkins 0403035636 Waikerie Swimming Club Chris Stansfield 0885413819 West Coast Swimming Club John Tonkin 042856-2150 Whyalla Swimming Club John Mathews 043965-9615
The information in this section has been provided by SwimmingSA
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24. Sun Protection Guidelines
24.1 Tips for Instructors
Whether on the water or under it, you’re four times more likely to get a dose of sunburn than any other activity. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are reflected by the water, sand and concrete of outdoor aquatic environments. Also, many of the sessions are held during the peak UV danger period of 11am – 3pm, so it’s important to protect yourself and the children in your care.
Personal Protection
• Wear a long sleeved shirt with a collar. • Wear a wide brimmed or legionnaire style hat to protect your face and neck from scattered UV rays. (baseball caps do not offer adequate protection) • Apply broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen 20 mins before you go outside. Re-apply every couple of hours as perspiration and simple actions such as wiping your brow will rub it off. • Use zinc cream on your nose, ears and lips as these areas tend to cop an extra dose of UV. • It’s also a good idea to wear wrap around sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare.
Enrolment Day
• Many parents are highly aware of sun protection issues through ‘No Hat, No Play’ policies at schools. Enrolment day is a good opportunity to build upon this awareness. • Remind parents when enrolling to make sure their child comes prepared with sunscreen, wide brimmed hat and a long sleeved shirt with a collar. • Include reminders to parents on registration forms • You may also like to remind parents to supply an extra shirt for their child (something to change into to avoid waiting around on cool days with a wet cold shirt). • Wear your long sleeved shirt and your wide brimmed hat as an extra reminder!
Instruction
• The most important thing you can do is be a good responsible role model. By wearing a long sleeved shirt and wide brimmed hat you are sending the children a powerful message. • Consider re-scheduling outdoor activities to avoid the peak UV period. • Before you hit the water, find a shaded area to go through the rules and procedures. • Ask children about the Slip! Slop! Slap! Slogan, and remind them how important it is to protect their skin. Remember, don’t preach (you are not supposed to be an expert!). A casual reference, combined with role modelling is very effective. • Remember, sun protection is just as important on cloudy, cool days. The UV radiation can be as high on a 20-degree day as a
30-degree day so don’t be fooled by the cool weather.
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25. POLICY STATEMENT BUSHFIRE SAFETY
Please note that the following information regarding Bushfire Safety is subject to change.
Check the CFS website for accurate and up to date information. This contentsubje is
JUNE 2011 25.1 BACKGROUND • Bushfires can occur without warning and can quickly impact a location or travel route. Visiting and travelling through bushfire prone areas during the Fire Danger Season can put staff and clients at risk. Management, staff and clients need to be aware of the risk and make adequate preparations to keep the operations and themselves safe during the Fire Danger Season change.ct to You should check with the CountryService Fire Website accurate for and up to date information • The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) recommends that residents and visitors to bushfire prone areas are aware of the bushfire risk, carry appropriate fire protection clothing and equipment, monitor the Fire Danger Ratings and Emergency Warning messages and follow CFS advice. o Refer to the website: www.cfs.sa.gov.au and CFS brochures; Holiday Safety and Survival, Bushfire Safety for Travellers
• The national Fire Danger Rating system comprises six “Fire Danger Ratings”, ranging from “Low-Moderate”, through to “Catastrophic”. The definitions of ‘fire danger index’ (FDI) and the six ratings, are attached. The rating is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4.00pm each day and is an early indicator of the potential danger should a bushfire start on that day.
• The fire danger index is not tied solely to temperature. The index represents a combination of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, vegetation and drought factors.
www.cfs.sa.gov.au • Importantly, since 2009 the system has a new top-level of rating, that of ‘Catastrophic ’ as follows:
• These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. • If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be extremely difficult to control and will take significant firefighting resources and cooler conditions to bring it under control. • Spot fires will start well ahead of the main fire and cause rapid spread of the fire. Embers will
come from many directions. • Buildings are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions. • The safest place to be is away from bushfire prone areas.
• Of course, the warning may be escalated or decreased at any time as the situation and / or conditions worsen or ease. The 4.00pm advisory will attempt to provide time to react to the conditions considered to be most likely the next day (the advisory can be located at www.bom.gov.au
• Clearly, given the above ramifications of a fire occurring during a period designated as a ‘Catastrophic’ Fire Danger Rating, it is advisable that no VACSWIM participant, Instructor or Volunteer be in the path of such an event in any ‘SA Water VACSWIM Program’ capacity.
25.2 BUSHFIRE SAFER PLACES CFS has developed a hierarchy of places that can offer relative safety from bushfire. They are broken into three categories, and are called Bushfire Safer Settlements, Bushfire Safer Precincts and Last Resort Refuges. It is important that you know what each of these are, where they are, and what risk you may be exposed to if you use one of these options during a bushfire.
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25.3 Hierarchy of Bushfire Safer Places in SA Suitable for use during SAFEST BUSHFIRE SAFER Inner Adelaide Metropolitan forecast bad fire weather or This contentsubject is change. to You should check with the CountryService Fire Website accurate for and up to date inform SETTLEMENT area during bushfire. Suitable for use during forecast bad fire weather or BUSHFIRE SAFER Outer suburbs and rural during bushfire. May be PRECINCT settlements. subject to spark and ember attack and smoke. Not suitable for extended LEAST SAFE Ovals, buildings in rural use and may provide only LAST RESORT REFUGE areas. limited protection during bushfire.
For full details refer to CFS Fact Sheet No 9: Bushfire Safer Places: Where to relocate on days of Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Weather
25.4 POLICY STATEMENT
1. YMCA of South Australia (YMCA) / VACSWIM has determined that for the periods and geographic areas where a Fire Danger Rating of ‘Catastrophic’ has been announced, and where the swimming venue location is not considered to be in a ‘BUSHFIRE SAFER SETTLEMENT’ or ‘BUSHFIRE SAFER PRECINCT’, all VACSWIM activities for that venue will be cancelled.
www.cfs.sa.gov.au 2. In the event that a location operating VACSWIM is within an area rated ‘Catastrophic Fire Danger’ the VACSWIM Office will contact the IC for those locations to confirm these arrangements.
3. If VACSWIM is operating on a site subject to other management policy (e.g. local Government, Department of Education and Children’s Services), the YMCA will seek the
advice of the management body as to their procedures.
4. All Instructors in Charge for a venue that is not in a Bushfire Safer Settlement or Bushfire Safer Precinct must advise the participants on the first day of classes that activities for that venue will be cancelled in the event of a Bushfire Emergency warning.
5. In the event of a Bushfire Emergency Warning:
a. If the VACSWIM location is NOT in a Bushfire Safer Settlement or Bushfire Safer Precinct (or a nominated township as advised by the CFS) then all classes for that venue will be cancelled if the region has been forecast to be rated as a Catastrophic Fire Danger. THIS WILL BE CONFIRMED BY 7.30AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING after monitoring of the forecast by the VACSWIM Office.
b. If the VACSWIM location is in an area considered a high potential risk (where there is no Bushfire Safer Precinct, or they are isolated from a Bushfire Safer Precinct, then all classes for that venue will be cancelled if the region has been forecast to be rated as Catastrophic or Extreme Fire Danger. THIS WILL BE CONFIRMED BY 7.30AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING after monitoring of the forecast by the VACSWIM Office.
c. The VACSWIM Office will contact the Instructor in Charge for each venue by at ion phone or SMS to advise if classes have been cancelled.
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6. In the event of a bushfire or noticing smoke: a. Monitor conditions and keep up to date – look and listen for information – on a battery powered radio if possible. See attached SA Emergency Broadcast Partners. b. Contact your local CFS or Emergency Services or contact the CFS Bushfire This contentsubject is change. to You should check with the CountryService Fire Website accurate for and up to date inform Information Hotline; 1300 362 361 (TTY 133 677) c. Contact the VACSWIM Office. d. Get all children out of the water and ensure they get dressed, out of swimsuits and with shoes on. Ensure they are wrapped in their towel. Cover all exposed skin to protect from radiant heat. e. Radiant heat can cause death. To protect yourself, you need to cover up, dress appropriately and take refuge. f. Solid structures and appropriate clothing may provide protection from radiant heat. It cannot penetrate through solid objects, which means your best protection is in a well- prepared house or structure if you are unable to leave the area before the bushfire starts.
25.5 Arrangements: 1. If needed VACSWIM Office staff can authorise a Location to operate additional days to catch up on missed classes and for the IC to roster staff accordingly.
2. If this is not possible the terms and conditions of enrolment make provision for 'pro-rata' refunds to participants where classes are cancelled due to extreme weather or other conditions. Persons’ wishing to make such claims should be advised to apply in writing to the VACSWIM Office.
25.6 IC INFORMATION SUMMARY www.cfs.sa.gov.au • Read carefully and fully the VACSWIM Bushfire Safety Policy Statement – June 2011. (Particular note to Page 2, Section 5 – In The Event of a bushfire Emergency Warning)
• Check your location: Safer Settlement Y / N
Safer Precinct Y / N
Outside Safer Precinct Y / N
Area of Potential Risk Y / N
• If YES to area Outside a Safer Precinct, or Area of Potential Risk: o Contact local CFS – provide details of program, location, dates o Provide your mobile number and understand the best way to communicate with them
• Advise participant’s parents, guardians that the area has potential fire risk and advise that if the area is rated catastrophic then the venue will close. Parents to listen to community announcements and advice. A confirmation will be made by 7.30am in the morning.
• Check Rating Forecast after 4pm each afternoon for advice on the next day.
o www.bom.gov.au . Go to Current Warnings SA . Click SA Forecast Area Maps . Run mouse over map area and click….. Forecast and warnings and Fire Danger Ratings for next day are posted.
o IF HIGH – BE AWARE / ALERT ation
•
IF CATASTROPHIC – CONTACT VACSWIM OFFICE: 1300 010 508 NOREEN GAUDRY 0408 644 801
• Advise staff of cancellation of site via phone / text. Ensure all are notified.
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Fires can threaten suddenly and without warning. Fire can travel very fast.
Be on heightened alert on days that are hot, dry and windy. This contentsubject is change. to You should check with the CountryService Fire
Finding out tomorrow’s Fire Danger Rating is the best way to identify early whether you need to activate your Bushfire Plan.
IMPORTANT
See / Smell Smoke: Contact your local CFS Officer
Write down Phone Number: ______
They will advise you what to do accurate and up to date information See Fire / Flames Contact your local CFS
Write down Phone Number: ______www.cfs.sa.gov.au
They will advise you what to do
• Remove children from water, dress, shoes, hats, wrap in towel. Collect drinking water if possible. • REMEMBER: Radiant Heat can cause death. Protect the body. Drink Water.
• Seek Shelter: If not shelter, put a barrier between you and fire – wall, building, log, terrace, embankment • Find low flat ground, avoid going to high land. Fires travels 4 times faster up a hill / incline and slows down considerably on declines / downhill.
• Clear ground or area as best as possible from any ground cover, stay close to ground, cover body with dirt, towels, blankets. • Wait for help – Ring CFS and VACSWIM Office.
The VACSWIM Office will monitor the fire risk, advise IC’s if apparent danger exists and assist in contacting participants. Website for
25.7 Emergency Services Update VACSWIM 2013
Locations and Instructor/Participant Numbers at each site
Please Note: These numbers are based on current 2013 projections. They are provided for guidance purposes only. The following sites are considered by the CFS as a place of relative safety and are located within the Bushfire Safer Settlement in the Adelaide Metropolitan area.
** This section will be updated and posted to you directly before the SA Water Program commences **
Fire Ban District Centre Total Enrolment Instructors Numbers* * Adelaide Metropolitan Adelaide Aquatic Centre 10 255 Adelaide Metropolitan Balyana Centre (Clapham) 3 75 Adelaide Metropolitan Black Forest Primary School 2 20 Adelaide Metropolitan Burnside Swimming Centre 17 510 Adelaide Metropolitan Elizabeth Aquadome 5 150 Adelaide Metropolitan Fit Life Health & Fitness Centre (Enfield) 2 35 Adelaide Metropolitan Glenelg Beach 3 65 Adelaide Metropolitan Grange Beach 4 90
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Fire Ban District Centre Total Enrolment Instructors Numbers* * Adelaide Metropolitan Henley Beach Surf Club 7 170 Adelaide Metropolitan Karrendi Primary School (Parafield Gdns) 2 10 Adelaide Metropolitan Magill Sports Centre (Uni SA) 4 150 Adelaide Metropolitan Marion Swimming Centre 18 600 Adelaide Metropolitan Minda Swimming Centre (Brighton) 2 45 Adelaide Metropolitan Mitcham Girls High School 4 155 Adelaide Metropolitan Northfield Primary School 2 55 Adelaide Metropolitan Norwood Swim Centre 4 150 Adelaide Metropolitan Parks Community Centre 3 95 Adelaide Metropolitan Payneham Swimming Centre 17 500 Adelaide Metropolitan Salisbury Swimming Centre 5 135 Adelaide Metropolitan Seacliff Beach 8 200 Adelaide Metropolitan Semaphore Beach 5 110 Adelaide Metropolitan Somerton Beach 5 145 Adelaide Metropolitan State Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Marion 13 300 Adelaide Metropolitan Thebarton Aquatics Centre 3 130 Adelaide Metropolitan Unley Swimming Centre 13 480 Adelaide Metropolitan Urrbrae High School 2 35 Adelaide Metropolitan Waterworld / Tea Tree Gully 12 400 Adelaide Metropolitan West Beach Primary School 3 60 Adelaide Metropolitan West Beach Surf Centre 2 60 Adelaide Metropolitan Westminster School 3 70 Adelaide Metropolitan Woodville Primary School 3 45
The following sites are located either in a Bushfire Safer Precinct or a township area and are considered by the CFS as a place of relative safety However, adequate preparations must be made where travel is required through bushfire prone areas to reach these sites.
** This section will be updated and posted to you directly before the SA Water Program commences **
Fire Ban District Bushfire Safer Centre Total Enrolment Precinct or Instructors* Numbers* DECs Rating Eastern Eyre BSP Whyalla Leisure Centre 3 100 Eastern Eyre R3 – Moderate Cowell School 2 50 Risk Eastern Eyre R3 - Low Risk Kimba Area School 2 36
Flinders BSP Peterborough Swimming Pool 3 65 Flinders BSP Port Pirie Swimming Centre 10 290 Flinders BSP Wilmington Primary School 2 25
Lower Eyre BSP Port Lincoln Leisure Centre 4 100 Lower Eyre BSP Port Lincoln Beach 2 60 Lower Eyre BSP Cummins Swimming Pool 3 60 Lower Eyre Tumby Bay Beach 6 160
Lower South East BSP Beachport Beach 8 180 Lower South East BSP Mt Gambier Aquatic Centre 13 395 Lower South East BSP Penola Swimming Pool 3 85 Lower South East Robe Beach 6 150
Mid-North Balaklava & District Swimming Centre 2 60
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Mid-North Burra Community Pool 2 35 Mid-North BSP Clare -The Valley's Lifestyle Centre 3 100 Mid-North Kapunda Swimming Pool 3 80 Mid-North Hamley Bridge Swimming Centre 3 45 Mid-North Owen Swimming Centre Mid-North Port Broughton Beach 2 45
Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Adelaide Hills Swim Centre 9 278 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Aldinga Beach 7 160 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Moana Beach 4 90 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Noarlunga Leisure Centre 9 250 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Port Elliot Beach 15 375 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Port Noarlunga Beach 5 105 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Strathalbyn Swimming Centre 5 200 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Tanunda “The Rex” Leisure Centre 3 50 Mt Lofty Ranges BSP Victor Harbor Primary School 5 135 Mt Lofty Ranges Williamstown Swimming Pool Mt Lofty Ranges Goolwa Caravan Park
Murraylands BSP Murray Bridge Olympic Swimming Pool 10 300 Murraylands R3 –Low Risk Geranium Primary School 2 40 Murraylands R3 Low/Mod Swan Reach Area School 1 10 Risk Murraylands R3 –Low Risk Tailem Bend Primary School 3 105
Riverland BSP Berri Swimming Centre 8 245 Riverland BSP Loxton Swimming Pool 5 180 Riverland BSP Renmark Swimming Centre 10 270 Riverland BSP Waikerie Olympic Pool 2 15
Upper South East BSP Tatiara Memorial Pool (Bordertown) 4 125
West Coast Ceduna Area School 3 75 West Coast Smoky Bay Beach 3 80 West Coast Streaky Bay Area School 2 45 West Coast Streaky Bay Jetty Pool 3 40 West Coast Wudinna & Districts Swimming Pool 4 135
Yorke Peninsula Edithburgh Swimming Centre 3 75 Yorke Peninsula Port Clinton Swimming Pool 2 20 Yorke Peninsula Moonta Bay Beach 6 150 Yorke Peninsula Port Victoria Beach 2 20 Yorke Peninsula Port Vincent Beach 6 140 Yorke Peninsula Stansbury Beach 4 85 Yorke Peninsula Wallaroo Beach 13 400
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The following sites are located on the edge of a Bushfire Safer Precinct or a township. Being outside of the Bushfire Safer Precinct or township CFS considers these sites as places that may be at risk on a day of Catastrophic Fire Danger. Travel to these sites from other areas may also be a risk to safety in fire danger weather.
PLEASE ADVISE PARTICIPANTS AND PARENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS THAT THESE VENUES WILL NOT OPERATE WHEN A CATASTROPHIC FIRE DANGER RATING IS ISSUED FOR THEIR REGION AND REMAINS IN FORCE THE FOLLOWING MORNING
** This section will be updated and posted to you directly before the SA Water Program commences **
Fire Ban District BSP or DECs Centre Total Enrolment rating Instructors* Numbers* Lower Eyre Port Neill Beach 3 75
Flinders Quorn Swimming Centre 2 45 Flinders Booleroo Swimming Centre 3 80 Flinders Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre 11 330
Kangaroo Island Penneshaw Beach 3 65
Lower South East R3 – Moderate Kingston Community School 3 150 Risk Lower South East Millicent Swimming Lake 5 190 Lower South East R3 - Low Risk Lucindale Area School 2 20 Lower South East Naracoorte Swimming Lake 11 325
Mid-North Booborowie Primary School 2 20 Mid-North Crystal Brook Swimming Pool 4 100 Mid-North Gladstone Swimming Pool 3 60 Mid North Eudunda Swimming Pool 3 60 Mid-North Hallett Community Pool 2 20 Mid North Jamestown Swimming Centre 3 95 Mid-North Spalding Swimming Centre 2 25 Mid-North R2 - High Brinkworth Primary School 2 40 Risk Mid-North Riverton Swimming Centre 2 75 Mid-North R2 - High Snowtown Area School 2 25 Risk
North East Pastoral Leigh Creek Swimming Centre 3 60 North-West Coober Pedy Swimming Pool 2 40 Pastoral
Mt Lofty Ranges R3 - Moderate Angaston Primary School 2 25 Risk Mt Lofty Ranges Mountain Pool - Mt Barker 9 270 Mt Lofty Ranges Normanville Beach 7 160 Mt Lofty Ranges Nuriootpa War Memorial Swim Centre 8 230 Mt Lofty Ranges Trevor Bellchambers Swimming Centre 10 300 (Gawler)
Murraylands Cambrai Pool 3 75 Murraylands R2 - High Risk Karoonda Area School 3 80 Murraylands Lameroo Swimming Centre 3 80 Murraylands Pinnaroo Swimming Centre 2 50
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Riverland Ramco Primary School 2 45
Upper South East Keith Swimming Pool 2 55 Upper South East Meningie Area School 3 70 Upper South East Tintinara Area School 2 50 Coonalpyn Area School 3 80
West Coast Lock Swimming Centre 2 50 West Coast Minnipa & Districts Swimming Pool 2 25 West Coast Streaky Bay Area School 2 45 West Coast Venus Bay Beach 3 45
Yorke Peninsula R3 – Low Risk Maitland Area School 2 25 Yorke Peninsula Balgowan Beach 2 40 Yorke Peninsula Black Point Beach 3 70 Yorke Peninsula Marion Bay Beach 2 50 Yorke Peninsula Point Turton Beach 7 160 Yorke Peninsula Port Rickaby Beach 4 110
The following sites located outside of a Bushfire Safer Settlement or Bushfire Safer Precinct and are rated as AREAS OF POTENTIAL RISK. On a day of Catastrophic Fire Danger or Extreme Fire Danger, these sites are likely to be at risk. Travel to these sites from other areas will also be a risk to safety in fire danger weather.
PLEASE ADVISE PARTICIPANTS AND PARENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS THAT THESE VENUES WILL NOT OPERATE WHEN A CATASTROPHIC OR EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING IS ISSUED FOR THEIR REGION AND REMAINS IN FORCE THE FOLLOWING MORNING
** This section will be updated and posted to you directly before the SA Water Program commences **
Fire Ban District BSP or DECs Centre Total Enrolment rating Instructors* Numbers*
Eastern Eyre Arno Bay Beach 3 85 Eastern Eyre R2 - High Risk Cleve Area School 3 70 Eastern Eyre Darke Peak Community School 3 45 Eastern Eyre Lucky Bay Beach 5 85
Kangaroo Island Emu Bay Beach, K.I. 5 120 Kangaroo Island Stokes Bay Beach, K.I. 2 30 Kangaroo Island Vivonne Bay Beach 2 60
Lower Eyre Coffin Bay Beach 3 75
Flinders Carrieton Swimming Pool 2 20 Flinders Hawker War Memorial Pool 2 22 Flinders Orroroo Community Pool 2 50
Lower South East Nangwarry Swimming Centre 1 10
Murraylands R2 - High Risk Coomandook Area School 2 20
Riverland R1 – Extreme Cadell/Morgan Primary School 2 20 Risk Riverland R2 - High Risk East Murray Area School (Mindarie) 2 50
West Coast Elliston Beach 2 40 West Coast Point Sinclair – Penong Beach 2 20
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25.8 FIRE DANGER RATINGS
The rating is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology each day and is an early indicator for you of the potential danger, should a bushfire start. The higher the Fire Danger Rating, the more dangerous the fire conditions.
The Fire Danger Rating chart will assist you to understand the predicted bushfire behaviour, potential impacts and recommended actions you should take for each category level. Take the time to review and understand the chart.
The Fire Danger Rating is not a predictor of how likely a bushfire is to occur, but how dangerous it could be if it did occur. It should be used as an early indicator to trigger your plans.
• Fires can threaten suddenly and without warning
• Watch for signs of fire, especially smoke and flames
• Know the Fire Danger Rating in your area, be aware of local conditions and keep informed
• Have your Bushfire Survival Plan and kit ready
• Call 000 to report a fire
• To seek information - listen to local radio, - go to www.cfs.sa.gov.au - or call the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361 (TTY 133 677)
Fire Danger What Does it Mean? What Should I Do? Rating
• These are the worst conditions for a bush YOU NEED TO ACT NOW or grass fire. • Put your survival first and leave • If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be bushfire prone areas the night extremely difficult to control and will take before or early in the day - this is significant firefighting resources and your safest option. cooler conditions to bring it under control. • Act immediately - do not wait and • Spot fires will start well ahead of the main see Catastrophic fire and cause rapid spread of the fire. • Avoid forested areas, thick bush Total Fire Ban Embers will come from many directions. or long, dry grass; Day • Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions. • Prepare, know and practice a plan for: • The safest place to be is away from - When you will leave bushfire prone areas. - How you will get there - What you will do if you cannot leave - Where you will go - When you will return
Extreme • These are very hot, dry and windy YOU NEED TO GET READY TO ACT conditions for a bush or grass fire. Total Fire Ban • Only stay with your property if you Day • If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be are prepared to the highest level. unpredictable, move very fast and very This means your home needs to
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difficult for fire fighters to bring under have been constructed to bushfire control. protection levels e.g.; enclosed eaves, covers over external air • Spot fires will start and move quickly. conditioners, metal fly screens Embers may come from many directions. etc.
• Homes that are prepared to the highest • You must be well prepared and level, have been constructed to bushfire able to actively defend your home protection levels and are actively if a fire starts. This means you defended may provide safety. have the right equipment and resources to put out fires around • You must be physically and mentally your home e.g.; enough water prepared to defend in these conditions. supply, petrol/diesel portable pump, generator, protective • The safest place to be is away from clothing etc. bushfire prone areas. • If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the day is your safest option.
• These are hot, dry and possibly windy YOU NEED TO BE AWARE conditions for a bush or grass fire. • Well prepared homes that are • If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be actively defended can provide hard for fire fighters to bring under safety. This means you have the Severe control. right equipment and resources to put out fires around your home Total Fire Ban • Well prepared homes that are actively e.g.; enough water supply, Day defended can provide safety. petrol/diesel portable pump, generator, protective clothing etc. • You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions. • If you are not prepared, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the day is your safest option.
Very High High • If a fire starts, it is likely to be controlled in • Check your Bushfire Survival these conditions and homes can provide Plan. safety. • Monitor conditions. Low - Moderate • Be aware of how fires can start and reduce the risk. • Action may be needed.
• Leave if necessary.
This content is subject to change. You should check with the Country Fire Service Website for accurate and up to date information www.cfs.sa.gov.au
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25.9 EMERGENCY BROADCAST PARTNERS More media outlets than ever before are committing to broadcast vital warning information during bushfires, by partnering with the SA Country Fire Service (CFS). These Emergency Broadcast Partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFS, indicating their support to broadcast of Watch and Act and Emergency Warning messages to at-risk communities during bushfires. (For more information on these messages, see Fact Sheet No. 29: Bushfire Watch & Act and Emergency Warning Messages)
Official emergency warnings will now be broadcast on longstanding partner stations ABC Local Radio and FIVEaa, as well as commercial radio stations across SA, and television stations SkyNews and WIN TV.
Anyone who lives or travels through bushfire prone areas this during Fire Danger Season should keep aware of the conditions and listen out for warnings and alerts.
For emergency warnings and alerts, tune into one of the Emergency Broadcast Partners for the CFS
ABC Local Radio, FIVEaa Radio, Sky News Television, WIN Television, Commercial Radio Australia
Radio frequencies in SA:
Adelaide 891 ABC Adelaide 891 AM Mt Gambier Star FM 96.1 FM Adelaide Cruise 1323 1323 AM Murray Bridge 5MU 1125 AM Adelaide FIVEaa 1395 AM Murray Bridge Power FM 98.7 FM Adelaide Nova 91.9 91.9 FM Naracoorte ABC South East 1161 AM Adelaide Mix 102.3 102.3 FM Naracoorte Star FM 100.9 FM Adelaide Triple M 104.7 FM North Mt Gambier ABC South East 1476 AM Adelaide SA FM 107.1 FM Oodnadatta ABC North & West 95.3 FM Andamooka ABC North & West 105.9 FM Padthaway East Flow FM 100.3 FM Ceduna Flow FM 106.1 FM Pinnaroo Flow FM 96.5 FM Clare/Mid North Flow FM 107.5 FM Port Augusta 5AU 1242 AM Coober Pedy ABC North & West 106.1 FM Port Lincoln 5CC 765 AM Coober Pedy Flow FM 99.7 FM Port Lincoln ABC Eyre Peninsula 1485 AM Cook ABC North & West 107.7 FM Port Lincoln Magic FM 89.9 FM Coonalpyn Flow FM 97.7 FM Port Pirie ABC North & West 639 AM Glendambo ABC North & West 106.1 FM Prominent Hill Flow FM 91.3 FM Kapunda/Barossa Flow FM 99.5 FM Riverland 5RM 801 AM Kingscote Flow FM 95.5 FM Riverland ABC Riverland 1062 AM Kingston SE Flow FM 107.3 FM Riverland Magic FM 93.1 93.1 FM Leigh Creek Coalfield ABC North & West 99.3 Roxby Downs Flow FM 97.9 FM FM Roxby Downs ABC North & West 102.7 FM Leigh Creek South ABC North & West 1602 Streaky Bay ABC Eyre Peninsula 693 AM AM Streaky Bay Flow FM 99.3 FM Maitland Flow FM 90.9 FM Victor Harbor Power FM 99.7 FM Marree ABC North & West 105.7 FM Woomera ABC North & West 1584 AM Minlaton Flow FM 98.9 FM Woomera Flow FM 101.7 FM Mintabie ABC North & West 88.7 FM Wudinna Flow FM 106.9 FM Mt Barker Power FM 100.3 FM Yalata ABC North & West 105.9 FM Mt Gambier 5SE 963 AM
Do not rely on one single source for emergency warning information. Bushfire Information Hotline: 1300 362 361 (TTY 133 677) www.cfs.sa.gov.au
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26. Use of Volunteers in VACSWIM 2013 & Register of Volunteers
For SA Water VACSWIM 2013 the use of Volunteers is restricted to certain roles.
. Only the following persons may be accepted as Volunteers for VACSWIM 2013 o Parents, Guardians or siblings of a child enrolled in the SA Water VACSWIM program o A child, already enrolled at that location for a ‘Higher Awards’ lifesaving program, who is required to undertake ‘observations’ to obtain that higher award qualification o A person who is undertaking recognised training as a swimming instructor and is required to undertake ‘observations’ to obtain that swimming instructor qualification o Persons who are known to the IC for the location or are members of a recognised community organisation such as Progress Association, Surf Life Saving SA, Royal Life Saving Society, Swimming SA, Volunteer Sea Rescue Squadron, Volunteer Coast Guard.
. The following restrictions will apply to the activities of all volunteers o Must not be used to supervise change areas or accompany children to toilets o Must not undertake a role which involves any direct physical contact with children o Must not undertake a role which involves any money handling
. Signing up Volunteers at Locations:
1. All Volunteers are to complete the volunteer register at each location, with the IC to sight Photo Identification, and where possible a membership card, before allowing them to register. 2. Each Volunteer should read the Job & Person specification attached to the register. 3. Each location is to be provided with a draft of the ORS Volunteer Service Policy. Volunteers should be directed to note sections, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 16. 4. Each location is provided with a copy of the ‘Keeping Children Safe in Recreation and Sport’ booklet which outlines the legal obligation of Volunteers to report any suspicion they may form in the course of their duties that a child has been subject to abuse or negligence. Volunteers should be asked to read and note this legal obligatio
In accordance with Criminal History Check guidelines the YMCA of South Australia Inc. has agreed to exempt the following persons holding volunteer positions for VACSWIM 2013 from the requirement to undertake a criminal history assessment, (unless that person is also involved in a function or event conducted by the YMCA of South Australia Inc. its which involves the care of children in overnight accommodation).
. A person volunteering for VACSWIM during the time their child ordinarily participates; . A person who volunteers for VACSWIM who is less than 18 years of age; . A person occupying a position in VACSWIM in which all work involving children is undertaken in the physical presence of the child’s parents or guardians and in which there is ordinarily no physical contact with the children; . A person who undertakes work for VACSWIM that is not provided to any child on an individual basis; . A person who is appointed as a police officer or is a registered teacher. (Police officers and teachers are already subject to comprehensive criminal history assessments as a prerequisite for employment).
If you have any questions or are not sure about any of these requirements please contact the VACSWIM Office.
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26.1 YMCA of South Australia Volunteers position Statement
Task title SA Water VACSWIM 2013 Volunteer
YMCA division/unit VACSWIM
Location Various locations as assigned
Description of main task(s) During SA Water VACSWIM 2013 classes VACSWIM volunteers may b asked to provide the following assistance: . Safety-spotting services during classes . Setting out and putting away VACSWIM equipment . Recording attendances . Cleaning of immediate site and pool areas . Observing qualified instructors for the purpose of attaining a swimming instructor qualification
Qualifications, skills, expertise, On site instruction/direction will be provided by the Instructor in Charge training required
Time commitment/attendance Daily between 4 January 2013 and 12 January 2013 requirements
Name of Manager All Volunteers are responsible to the Instructor in Charge appointed by VACSWIM for that location.
Other: . *Volunteers are restricted to tasks not involving direct physical reimbursement arrangements, contact with children. dress code, special conditions . No reimbursement is available for this Volunteer position . Volunteers can register on site by presenting ‘Photo ID’ to the Instructor in Charge and completing the ‘Volunteer Register’
Only the following persons may be accepted as Volunteers for SA Water VACSWIM 2013 . Parents, Guardians or siblings of a child enrolled in the SA Water VACSWIM program A child, already enrolled at that location for a ‘Higher Awards’ lifesaving program, who is required to undertake ‘observations’ to obtain that higher award qualification . A person who is undertaking recognised training as a swimming instructor and is required to undertake ‘observations’ to obtain that swimming instructor qualification . Persons who are known to the IC for the location or are members of a recognised community organisation such as Progress Association, Surf Life Saving SA, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Swim SA, Volunteer Sea Rescue Squadron, Volunteer Coast Guard. . The following restrictions will apply to the activities of all VACSWIM volunteers . Must not be used to supervise change areas or accompany children to toilets . Must not undertake a role which involves any direct physical contact with children . Must not undertake a role which involves money handling
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26.2 Volunteer Register/Declaration
Location ______
Volunteers assisting in the SA Water VACSWIM 2013 program must sign this register.
I declare that: 1. I understand the nature of the volunteer duties I will be involved with. 2. I consider myself fit enough to undertake the volunteer duties required. 3. I am currently not in receipt of benefits from WorkCover. 4. I have not been convicted of any criminal offences that would exclude me from working with children. 5. YMCA of South Australia collects information on this form for the purpose of registering and assessing your interest in becoming a YMCA of South Australia volunteer. Your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent except where required or authorised by law.
Full Name of Volunteer Address Signed Date of Birth
This form must be returned to the VACSWIM Office at the end of the program.
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