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Guidelines

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 while being taught to surf. 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-Liability Insurance.
  2. Proper equipment in good condition must be provided:
    • semi-soft surfboards for beginners, preferably with rubber fins
    • all surfboards must have leashes
    • full wetsuits must be used by all students, common sense must be used in relation to water temp for the addition of gloves and hoods for winter
    • coloured rashguards must be worn by all students in groups of 6 or more
  3. Instructor:student ratio of 1:6 or better must be standard practice. Assistant Instructors are counted as an Instructor. It is recommended that all schools have a 1:4 instructor:student ratio for kids under age 12.
  4. All instructors must be BCASI Level 1 accredited instructors, Assistant Instructors must be supervised by an Accredited Level 1 Instructor.
  5. Instructors must have a First Aid Kit that includes a means of communication such as VHF radio, cell-phone, or walkie talkie.
  6. All surf schools must register and submit their Instructor list (including qualifications) by May 1st each year. Updates should be submitted when necessary.
  7. All approved surf schools must follow the BCASI approved Emergency Action Plan and fill out Incident Report Forms for all incidents occurring during lessons.
  8. BCASI Code of Conduct must be followed by all approved surf schools.
  9. All surf schools must hold a valid business license for the municipality in which business is conducted.
  10. All surf schools operating in PRNPR must adhere to the regulations set out by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR)

SURF SCHOOL GUIDELINES:


Assistant Instructors

(may teach only with Level 1 Instructor present)
  • Must be 16 years of age
  • 1 year personal surfing experience
  • Must pass the BCASI surfing skills test (see below)
  • Must have local surfing knowledge

Level One Instructors

(Qualified to teach beginner surf lessons)
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must complete the following within 12 months:
    1. 20 hrs training as an Assistant Instructor under supervision of a Level 1 accredited Instructor
    2. 6 hrs judging of performance as an Instructor (Instructor Test)
  • Complete Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion Lifesaving courses (or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2 years local surfing knowledge
  • Must pass the BCASI surfing skills test
  • Must hold current Standard First Aid course (15hrs) and CPR level "C"

Level Two Instructors

(Qualified to teach Intermediate surf lessons)
  • Must have held a Level 1 Instructors Certificate for a minimum of 6 months
  • Must have 4 years personal surfing experience and excellent local surfing knowledge

Surfing Skills Test


You must be able to paddle out in up to 2 metre surf and demonstrate catching a wave and riding down the line.

PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE (PRNPR) GUIDELINES / SURF SCHOOLS PROPOSED PRNPR SURF SCHOOL STANDARDS:


  1. All surf schools operating within the Park boundary must follow all BCASI regulations (if final BCASI standards are endorsed). BCASI regulations consist of surf instructor qualifications, surf school guidelines and a code of conduct. Surf schools are responsible for ensuring their clients abide by Park rules and regulations during their surf instruction.
    RATIONALE
    Endorsing BCASI regulations reflects Parks Canada's principle to adopt industry standards.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. Surf schools MUST operate outside the area between Lovekin and Incinerator Rocks and Florencia Beach BETWEEN July 1st and September 15th.
    RATIONALE
    Crowding has become an issue between Lovekin and Incinerator Rocks. Between 2002 and 2003 the number of water users has increased 133 percent. Surfing increased by 65 percent; surf kayaking by 111 percent; and swimming by 85 percent. This substantial increase in use at this one location has significant implications for public safety. Over the last year, surf guard responses to emergencies increased by 42 percent and there was a 42 percent increase in public safety incidents. PRNPR is liable for ensuring public health and safety of all Park visitors. Reducing water use in the highest-use area in PRNPR is one way of addressing safety issues and allowing surf schools to operate 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.


  5. Surf schools must submit a lesson plan.
    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).


  6. No cleaning of equipment or gear in the Park showers.
    RATIONALE
    This is to reduce crowding and line-ups at showers.


  7. Surf schools must annually submit statistics, including the number of clients and the dates and times of lessons. Statistics are to be submitted by October 15th of each year.
    RATIONALE
    This information is used for calculating visitor statistics and for management purposes.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.


  11. 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 which 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.


  12. 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.

BCASI EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN FOR SURF SCHOOLS:


At the beach always have present a First Aid Kit with cell phone. Instructor: Student ratio is 1:6 max

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.

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 keep their eyes open and are 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)

  1. Instructor notifies second Instructor (if there is one present) through hand signals and/or verbally.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. In the event of any actual treatment of an injury, the most qualified Instructor will administer or supervise the treatment, no matter how minor.


  5. The incident and all treatments will be recorded in an Incident Report Form.

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)

  1. The Instructor recognizing the problem alerts other Instructor (if present). The Instructor closest to the student will react and move quickly to the student.


  2. The second Instructor will alert other students and have them exit the water immediately. If there is only one Instructor present, he or she will alert the other students to exit the water.


  3. The Instructor to respond will make verbal contact, and if safe, make physical contact using a surfboard or body to assist the person.


  4. Once the student is on the beach, the secondary assessment will be made to determine how to proceed.


  5. If medical attention is needed, the Instructor (second Instructor, if present) will get the First Aid kit and call 911.


  6. One Instructor will remain with the student and continue to administer First Aid until EMS arrives and takes over.


  7. The incident and all treatments must be recorded in an Incident Report Form.

Click here for a printable BCASI Incident Report Form