Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

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PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

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PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Apply knowledge of the surf environment 

1.1 Potential hazards and environmental conditions  of the surf environment are identified.

1.2 Characteristics of different types of waves  and their impact on surf safety are used to identify safe surfing locations.

1.3 Distinguishing features of rips , gutters and sweeps are identified and used to determine the most suitable surfing venue.

1.4 Different types of beaches and the safety aspects of the beach structure are identified.

2. Apply surf skills and techniques 

2.1 Techniques for survival  in the water are implemented.

2.2 Personal safety and environmental hazards  are avoided while in the water.

3. Implement self-rescue techniques 

3.1 Surf is negotiated in prevailing conditions  using craft  and without craft.

3.2 Return to shore in prevailing conditions is achieved, using craft and without craft.

3.3 Strategies when not able to self -rescue  or return to shore unassisted are implemented.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• paddle surf craft and use rescue tubes
• swim in the surf in moderate conditions
• use recognised signals

Required Knowledge 

• effects of wind, tide, swell and ocean floor on surf conditions
• features and signs of rips, gutters, sweeps and currents
• surf awareness including beach safety zones
• surf hazards
• surf survival techniques
• self-rescue techniques
• types of waves and their characteristic features

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques
• apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf

Consistency in performance 

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

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

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Hazards and environmental conditions  may include:

• Dumping waves
• Large waves
• Lateral currents
• Marine creatures
• Other surfers or swimmers
• Other equipment
• Own equipment
• Rips
• Sandbars
• Shorebreaks

Characteristics of different types of waves  may include:

• Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
• Plunging (dumping)
• Steep, powerful, dangerous
• Shallow water depth
• Spilling (crumbling):

• deeper water
• wave face less steep
• wave slower to break

Distinguishing features of rips  include:

• Darker blue/green foam or debris
• Lack of waves
• Rippled surface

Techniques for survival  may include:

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

Personal safety and environmental hazards  may include:

• Hydration
• Hypothermia
• Sun safety

Prevailing conditions  are influenced by:

• Availability of assistance
• Imminent hazards
• Imminent risks
• Size of surf

Craft  may include:

• Bodyboards
• Handboards
• Hard surfboards
• Sitting on top of kayaks
• Soft surfboards

Strategies when not able to self-rescue  may include:

• Floating and treading water
• Remaining with craft where possible
• Using recognised signals for assistance