Surf School Guidelines
Surf schools play an important role in promoting surfing. The idea for BCASI approved surf schools was introduced in 2002 to help the public obtain better value for money and greater safety during surfing instruction. Surf schools operating outside of the District of Tofino, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park (ie: "remote") are not subject to these regulations, as certain area specific regulations may apply. In order to become a BCASI approved surf school, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
1. The surf school must have a minimum of $2 million in liability Insurance (both aggregate and occurrence).
2. Proper equipment in good condition must be provided, including the following:
a. Semi-soft surfboards for beginners, preferably with rubber fins
b. All surfboards must have leashes
c. Full wetsuits must be used by all students; common sense must be used in relation to water temperature for the addition of boots, gloves and hoods for winter
d. Colored rash guards must be worn by all students
e. All Instructors must wear a different colored rash guard (all instructors are recommended to wear a blue rash guard as it symbolizes the Lifesaving and BCASI color)
3. Instructor to student ratio of 1:6 or smaller ratio for beginner lessons. Assistant Instructors will be counted as an Instructor but they must be with a Lead Instructor. Instructor to student ratio 1:5 or smaller ratio for kids under the age of 12 and 1:4 or smaller ratio for kids under the age of 8.
4. All instructors must be with a school that holds BCASI membership. Assistant Instructors must be supervised by a Lead Instructor or Instructor Trainer.
5. Instructors must have a First Aid Kit that includes a means of communication such as VHF radio, cell phone, or walkie-talkie with them during lessons. First aid kits must contain the supplies required by WorkSafe BC for level 1 occupational first aid (see Appendix A).
6. All member surf schools fill out the online BCASI Incident Report Forms for all incidents occurring during lessons as well as any incidents attended to outside of lessons. This standardized form use will be a valuable tool as a collection of statistics.
7. All instructors are requested to carry a whistle and know how to use the emergency whistle protocol.
8. All members surf schools must adhere to the BCASI Emergency Action Plan in case of an emergency during a lesson. See section in this manual for plans.
9. All member surf schools must follow the BCASI Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
10. All members surf schools must adhere to the guidelines for safety topics covered in a lesson prior to entry into water. These include:
a. Ocean safety ie. Identifying rip currents and potential hazards such as rocks and other surfers including their equipment.
b. Surf etiquette
c. How to properly handle equipment and protect yourself and others from being injured by a surfboard
d. Emergency procedures
e. Hand signal communication
11. All surf schools are requested to submit a copy of their lesson plan. It must be planned, sequential, and minimizes the risks inherent in the sport of surfing.
12. All surf schools must have a fixed address and are requested to submit physical and mailing address with company contact info. Any updates must be submitted by May 15th annually.
13. All surf schools pay a $200 BCASI membership by May 15st annually. If a surf school has 1-5 instructors they may pay a $100 BCASI membership annually.
14. All surf schools are requested to register and submit their Instructor list (including qualifications, first and last name, birthdate, and contact) by June 30th each year. Updates submitted upon time of change.
15. All surf schools must hold a valid business license for the municipality in which business is conducted, and will only be given a business license upon adhering to the BCASI standards.
16. All surf schools operating in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve must adhere to the regulations set out by PRNPR (included in this manual) and has a valid PRNPR Business License.
17. Company website must have link to CoastSmart.ca
SURF INSTRUCTOR LEVELS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Instructors (may teach only with Lead Instructor/Instructor Trainer present)
-Must be 16 years of age (unless holding an approved and signed exception waiver)
-70 hours of personal surfing experience
-Must pass the BCASI surfing skills test (see below)
-Must have local surfing knowledge
-Within 12 months upon 1st assist lesson complete one of 3 options: ISA International Lifesaving, Canadian Surf Bronze Cross, EFA cpr-c or International equivalent first aid course.
Lead Instructors (Qualified to teach beginner surf lessons)
-Must be 19 years of age
-10 hours training as an Assistant Instructor under supervision of a Lead Instructor/Instructor Trainer
-Must hold current ISA International Lifesaving, Canadian Surf Bronze Cross course (or higher equivalent such as a current Canadian or International Surf Lifeguard award) to obtain the Canadian Ocean standards.
-Minimum 200 hours surfing knowledge
-Must pass the BCASI surfing skills test
-Must hold current Emergency First Aid course CPR-C or International first aid equivalent (higher First Aid such as Standard first aid or Wilderness first aid with Marine First Aid also qualifies)
Instructor Trainer
-Must have Lead Instructor qualification or equivalent from another country (Certified and current ISA International Lifesaving, Canadian Surf Bronze Cross course to obtain the Canadian Ocean standards. Emergency First Aid CPR-C or International equivalency) Extra qualifications include ISA Surf Level 1, ISA Surf Level 2, Surf Lifeguard, Standard First aid and Wilderness First aid or higher)
-Must have a minimum of 2 years teaching experience
-Note: It is important that any instructors new to the area shadow an experienced instructor at every beach they will be teaching at prior to taking their own class.
Surfing Skills Test:
-Ability to paddle out in up to 2-meter surf and demonstrate catching an unbroken wave riding down the line both front side and backside.
-You must be able to show safety in entering and exiting the surf, while adhering to surf etiquette.
SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSES
The BCASI recognizes certifying bodies (i.e ISA – International Surfing Association and NCCP - National Coaching Certification Program) to carry the certification levels required for instructors to further instruction with certification courses at the highest national and international standards in support of quality service. Safety and skills are the main focus of the teaching process.
FIRST AID COURSES (National and International equivalency)
The BCASI recognizes the 5 National certifying bodies (i.e. Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, Heart and Stroke foundation, St. John’s Ambulance and Ski Patrol) to carry the certification levels of Emergency First Aid cpr level C for instructors to further instruction with certification courses at the highest national and international standards in support of quality service. Safety and skills are the main focus of the teaching process. International equivalency must have a minimum of an 8 hour first aid training certificate from a recognized certifying body. The certificate should cover the following topics:
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Primary Assessment
Secondary Assessment
Recovery Position
Face-Down to Face-Up Roll
Adult Choking
Child Choking
Baby Choking
Choking Alone
Circulation Emergencies - Heart Attack, Stroke, Shock
Care for Life-Threatening Bleeding
Using a Tourniquet
Adult CPR & AED
Child CPR & AED
Baby CPR & AED
Adult Compression-Only CPR
Breathing Emergencies - Asthma, Anaphylaxis
Using an
Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Using an Inhaler
Minor Bleeding (Cuts & Scrapes)
Wound care - burns, eye injuries, impaled objects, chest injuries
RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Risk assessment and management consists of the surf school examining the risks that could result during a lesson and ensuring there are adequate safety measures in place to control the risks. By following BCASI guidelines your school will be greatly mitigating any risks associated with surf instruction. The BCASI requires member surf schools have emergency plans in place (see section in this manual).
Other factors Instructors must consider include:
-Are students physically fit and likely able to handle the equipment?
-Are wave conditions such that taking students into the water poses a threat to their safety?
-Do weather conditions (ie. high wind) pose a threat to safety?
-Are there a number of other surfers and/or schools in the water? Should your lesson be moved to another section of the beach?
BCASI EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN FOR SURF SCHOOLS:
At the beach always have present a First Aid Kit with cell phone or other communication device such as a VHF radio or walkie-talkie.
Instructor: Supervision
-Keep within a reasonable distance (clearly visible and within earshot) of all students.
-Make eye contact with students (checking emotional state etc).
-Do a head count often.
-Establish distinct locations for students to meet in case of emergency.
-Establish clear signals for distress, for help, and for exiting the water with students.
-Wear a whistle for communicating with students and for distress or emergencies. (See whistle Protocol)
Emergency Protocols/ Water safety Procedures for Minor and Major Emergencies Surf Instructors must be trained to provide a safe environment for beginner surfers while in the water. While accidents do happen, many can be prevented if Instructors are vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Instructors are trained in water safety procedures and must be able to administer First Aid to the level of their training.
MINOR EMERGENCY
This is a situation where the student does not need rescuing or First Aid, but may need support or assistance.
Basic Protocol (5 steps)
Instructor notifies second Instructor (if there is one present) through hand signals and/or verbally or with whistle.
Instructor makes contact with student and makes initial assessment. Based on this assessment, the decision is made to have the student exit the water or not. The other Instructor is informed of this decision.
If the student needs to exit the water, the Instructor must accompany them to shore, at which time the Instructor will reassess whether or not the student can remain on the beach alone.
In the event of any actual treatment of an injury, the most qualified Instructor will administer or supervise the treatment, no matter how minor.
The incident and all treatments will be recorded in an Incident Report Form (Appendix B).
MAJOR EMERGENCY
This is any situation where one of the following is true: the student needs immediate medical attention, the student needs rescuing because they are unable to hold their position in the water, the student's condition is deteriorating, complex, or severe in nature.
Basic Protocol (7 steps)
The Instructor recognizing the problem alerts other Instructor (if present). The Instructor closest to the student will react and move quickly to the student.
The second Instructor will alert other students and have them all exit the water immediately. If there is only one Instructor present, he or she will alert the other students to exit the water.
The Instructor to respond will make verbal contact, and if safe, make physical contact using a surfboard or body to assist the person.
Once the student is on the beach, the secondary assessment will be made to determine how to proceed.
If medical attention is needed, the Instructor (second Instructor, if present) will get the First Aid kit and call 911.
One Instructor will remain with the student and continue to administer First Aid until EMS arrives and takes over.
The incident and all treatments must be recorded on a BCASI Incident Report Form (Appendix B).
TSUNAMI OR EARTHQUAKE
In the case of a major emergency such as an earthquake or tsunami, Instructors will use whistles to alert students to the necessity to exit the water immediately. Once students have exited the water, Instructors will gather students on the beach and alert them as to how they will proceed to a safe zone such as higher ground..
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MINOR EMERGENCY
This is a situation where the student does not need rescuing or First Aid, but may need support or assistance.
Basic Protocol (5 steps)
Instructor notifies second Instructor (if there is one present) through hand signals and/or verbally or with whistle.
Instructor makes contact with student and makes initial assessment. Based on this assessment, the decision is made to have the student exit the water or not. The other Instructor is informed of this decision.
If the student needs to exit the water, the Instructor must accompany them to shore, at which time the Instructor will reassess whether or not the student can remain on the beach alone.
In the event of any actual treatment of an injury, the most qualified Instructor will administer or supervise the treatment, no matter how minor.
The incident and all treatments will be recorded in an Incident Report Form (Appendix B).
-
MAJOR EMERGENCY
This is any situation where one of the following is true: the student needs immediate medical attention, the student needs rescuing because they are unable to hold their position in the water, the student's condition is deteriorating, complex, or severe in nature.
Basic Protocol (7 steps)
The Instructor recognizing the problem alerts other Instructor (if present). The Instructor closest to the student will react and move quickly to the student.
The second Instructor will alert other students and have them all exit the water immediately. If there is only one Instructor present, he or she will alert the other students to exit the water.
The Instructor to respond will make verbal contact, and if safe, make physical contact using a surfboard or body to assist the person.
Once the student is on the beach, the secondary assessment will be made to determine how to proceed.
If medical attention is needed, the Instructor (second Instructor, if present) will get the First Aid kit and call 911.
One Instructor will remain with the student and continue to administer First Aid until EMS arrives and takes over.
The incident and all treatments must be recorded on a BCASI Incident Report Form (Appendix B).
-
TSUNAMI OR EARTHQUAKE
In the case of a major emergency such as an earthquake or tsunami, Instructors will use whistles to alert students to the necessity to exit the water immediately. Once students have exited the water, Instructors will gather students on the beach and alert them as to how they will proceed to a safe zone such as higher ground..
PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE (PRNPR) GUIDELINES FOR SURF SCHOOLS:
All surf schools operating within the Park boundary must follow all BCASI regulations. BCASI regulations consist of surf instructor qualifications, surf school guidelines and the code of conduct. Surf schools are responsible for ensuring their clients abide by Park rules and regulations during surf instruction.
RATIONALE: endorsing BCASI regulations reflects Parks Canada's principal to adopt industry standards.
Within PRNPR it is unlawful to collect or remove natural and cultural objects, feed or harass wildlife, or have fires between Green Point and Esowista. Fires elsewhere must be below the high tide line.
RATIONALE: these are Canada National Park Act Regulations and Superintendent Notices and are applicable to all visitors to PRNPR.
The Duty Warden must be contacted within 24 hours if an incident occurs where an ambulance is needed.
RATIONALE: a record of all incidents must be recorded by Park staff. This information is used for risk management planning and management purposes in the Park. Florencia Beach is zoned to provide opportunities for visitors to experience PRNPR's natural and cultural heritage values. Surf school instruction will not be permitted here to maintain these values as per Park management objectives. Surf schools must submit a lesson plan to PRNPR.
RATIONALE: this is to ensure that all operators have lesson plans in place which incorporate Parks
Canada messages and public safety messages (rip currents, cover head when falling off boards). No cleaning of equipment or gear in the Park showers.
RATIONALE: this is to reduce crowding and line-ups at showers.
All surf schools operating within PRNPR must have a valid Park business license.
RATIONALE: this is a requirement under the Canada National Park Act Business Regulations.
Surf schools must submit safety plans.
RATIONALE: this is to ensure that all operators have safety plans in place which meet Parks Canada's requirement for public health and safety.
All surf schools are required to have two million dollars in liability insurance.
RATIONALE: this is consistent with the insurance coverage required by all tour operators operating within a Canadian National Park.
All surf schools will be required to participate in a Parks Canada orientation session administered by PRNPR.
RATIONALE: this is consistent with the requirement for all tour operators (once their activity group has developed standards through consultations) to attend an orientation prior to operating within the Park. PRNPR is maintaining the consistency set by other Canadian National Parks that require all tour operators (and in some cases all visitors) to attend an orientation session. Orientation sessions provide an introduction to Parks Canada, and an overview of PRNPR operator standards, Park rules and regulations, and provide some natural and cultural heritage information. Surf schools are to use lycra tops or rash guards to identify their instructors and clients.
RATIONALE: this is so Park staff and Surf Guards can identify surf school clients as part of a group being attended to by professionals with water safety rescue training.
EMERGENCY WHISTLE PROTOCOL
Whistle signals: Whistle signals are useful in facilities where the sound carries clearly.
Whistle signals according to International Lifesaving of the International Surfing Association include:
-1 short blast signal a minor emergency, attention or alert to surfers.
-2 short blasts signal a minor emergency, attention or alert to another lifesaver/instructor or coach.
-3 long blast signals a major emergency. Train students to clear the water on this signal. Lifesaver/Instructor or Coach taking emergency action.
Any other instructors in area may come assist once all of their students are safely out of water should they have their own class.
Whistle signals according to Canadian Lifesaving Society include:
-2 short blasts signal a minor emergency, attention or alert to other instructors. This signal asks all instructors to look to the source of the whistle. This can be used to gain attention of your students when hand signals are not effective.
-1 long blast signals a major emergency. Train students to clear the water on this signal.