Managing the risks
A variety of control measures can be used to manage specific risks associated with snorkelling.
Employers should follow this five-step process, detailed in Section 22 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (PDF, 766 KB):
- identify the hazards
- assess the risks that may result because of the hazards
- decide on control measures to prevent or minimise the risks
- implement the control measures
- monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures.
Conduct a risk assessment of environmental conditions at each snorkelling site.
When assessing the site, consider:
- currents
- weather
- surface conditions
- visibility
- maximum dive depths.
You should manage the risks in relation to:
- individual abilities of snorkellers
- marine jellyfish stings
- ratio of lookout/supervisors to snorkellers.
Modify snorkelling procedures if the assessment shows that normal control measures are not enough to minimise risks to snorkellers.
Read more about the risk management process.
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