POLICIES: SAFETY & SWIMMING
Swimming is a big part of Surf Life Saving: however, Surf Life Saving is not a "learn to swim" program. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to provide swimming instruction for those children who are unable to swim.
Parents are encouraged to obtain qualified swimming tuition for their children to ensure these minimum standards are met. We do recognise that swimming in the sea is a new experience for many children at first. The role of the Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Coaches is to encourage children and to help develop their confidence and skills swimming in the sea as well as provide surf education.
The club has a weekly slot for endurance and conditioning training at the Mahurangi Colledge pool for qualified and trainee (Rookie) lifeguards only. Due to capacity restrictions this is unfortunately not open to other members. Use of this facility during that training time is covered by your membership fees.
200M SWIM
This is a mandatory Safety Requirement by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand for all Juniors who want to use boards or skis.
This award must be refreshed every year. Coaches and Managers will organise the refresher during Sunday sessions.
Candidates must swim 200 meters (using any stroke) in the ocean. Following the 200 meter swim, candidates will be expected to tread the water for one minute. This one minute of treading water is included within the time allocation of ten minutes. It is expected that candidates will demonstrate that they are confident in the ocean and are capable of returning to shore if they are separated from their equipment.
The 200m swim badge is required to be sewn on the upper leg; on the right hand side of the tog; before aquatic board activities are undertaken.
All parents and coaches have a duty of care at Junior Surf and at Carnivals, to ensure that the junior members are safe and can confidently and competently complete a course and distance. This means that parents should take into consideration the conditions, the course and the physical and emotional state of their juniors on the day and only enter those they consider to be confident, competent and in a fit state to complete the course in a safe and timely manner.
Before each Junior Surf Session, coaches together will lifeguards will assess the conditions to ensure all activities planned for the session will take place in a safe environment. A Daily Threat Analysis Sheet will be completed for each group.
Junior participants should enjoy their involvement through quality teaching and coaching. To ensure this, parents, coaches and managers will be encouraged to attend a training and information session annually. There are various training opportunities available through Surf Life Saving NZ for coaches and assistant coaches.
