Supervision
Lookout person
Snorkelling guides and supervisors
Under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008, you may conduct recreational snorkelling only if you follow these control measures:
- Have at least one person acting as lookout for the snorkelling; or
- Conduct the snorkelling with a guide; and:
- the guide is guiding 10 snorkellers or less
- the guide has conducted a proper assessment of the risks involved in not having a lookout
- it is reasonable to snorkel without having a lookout.
Use the risk management process to determine the ratio of lookouts/snorkelling supervisors to snorkellers. In determining the number and location of lookouts and snorkelling supervisors, consider:
- the size, type and location of the snorkelling area and control measures already in place to minimise the risks to snorkellers
- environmental conditions that could impact on the safety of snorkellers
- the number of snorkellers in the water
- the ability of snorkellers to easily understand instruction and advice given about snorkelling
- snorkelling ability, fitness and confidence levels of snorkellers
- the skills and abilities of supervisory staff
- the type and effectiveness of equipment at the snorkelling site.
Lookout person
Where a lookout person is appointed, ensure the person:
- is out of the water and solely engaged in being a lookout
- scans the area under his/her supervision in an effective and efficient way
- rescues a snorkeller (if required) or directs someone who is immediately available and capable to rescue a snorkeller
- is fit enough so that his/her own health and safety are not compromised if there is a need to rescue or assist in a rescue
- gives first aid (if required) including expired air resuscitation, oxygen resuscitation and external cardiac compression, or directs a capable person to provide first aid
- observes snorkellers when they enter and exit the water or are on the surface
- has access to binoculars and polarised sunglasses for better visibility
- continually monitors the position of snorkellers and looks for hazards or changes that could lead to problems, and identifies problems so that snorkelling operations can be adjusted
- wears a brightly coloured shirt, wetsuit or other identifying clothing or equipment so he/she can be recognised easily by snorkellers
- is part of a communication system that is relevant to the snorkelling site and allows for effective communication with snorkellers and other appropriate personnel.
Snorkelling guides and supervisors
- Ensure that the snorkelling guide is either in the water with the snorkellers or in a vessel close enough to the snorkellers to allow good communication.
- Appoint a snorkelling supervisor to manage the snorkelling operation and remain at the site whilst snorkelling takes place. Guides and supervisors have several responsibilities so they must have certain skills and abilities. For more information, read the Compressed Air Recreational Diving and Recreational Snorkelling Code of Practice 2005.
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