Consideration |
Mitigation Measures |
Adverse weather such as storms, high winds, and lightning can pose significant risks. |
Monitor weather forecasts, use appropriate PPE, and avoid operations in severe conditions. |
Extremes in heat or cold can lead to Operators or patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or hypothermia. |
Ensure Operators wear appropriate PPE to suit the weather conditions. Ensure that wetsuits, booties and gloves are available to be worn in cooler weather.
Follow the six S’s for sun safety: – Slip into protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slide on some sunglasses, Study the UV index.
Take regular breaks, maintain fluids and avoid prolonged operation in extreme conditions.
Check all patients for signs and symptoms of hypothermia or hyperthermia and provide appropriate First Aid where possible. |
Poor weather such as rain or fog can pose visibility hazards. |
Where possible avoid operations when visibility is compromised. Where necessary to operate, extreme care must be taken. |
Consideration |
Mitigation Measures |
Rough surf, strong currents, and underwater hazards can affect RWC operations. |
Conduct pre-operation assessments, use appropriate navigation techniques, and avoid hazardous areas. |
Large waves can impact the stability and control of the RWC. |
Assess wave conditions before launching and operate with caution in high surf. |
Waves and large surf can impede visibility beyond the break or over waves. |
Extreme care should be taken when visibility is affected to avoid collision with people or craft users. |
Poor water quality that may prevent visibility under the surface of the water. |
Extreme care should be taken when visibility is affected to avoid collision with people, craft users, marine life, or objects in the water. |
Consideration |
Mitigation Measures |
Rocky areas, rough surfaces, reefs, hidden rocks and shallow sandbanks can damage the RWC and pose risks to Operators. |
- Where possible avoid operating near rocky shorelines and use designated launch areas.
- Where possible avoid operating near reefs and use marked channels.
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Shallow areas can affect navigation and cause grounding. |
- Use visual checks to identify and avoid submerged rocks.
- Be aware of local sandbank locations and navigate carefully in shallow waters.
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The shoreline and edge of lakes and rivers can be hazardous. |
- Avoid erosion-prone areas or nesting sites to protect natural landforms and support biodiversity.
- Reduce speeds near the shore, edge of lakes and rivers.
- Obey ‘No Wash’ signs to avoid damage to the banks, foreshore and waterside structures as well as other moored or anchored vessels or people using the area.
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Consideration |
Mitigation Measures |
People swimming, diving or snorkelling can be difficult to see and avoid. |
- Where possible operate at safe distances from the public, or at low speed, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing while reducing risks of accidents or interference.
- Act in accordance with your local laws and regulations to maintain a safe distance from swimmers (usually 50m unless actively engaged in a rescue or patrol) and adhere to speed limits and operational rules.
- Where possible consider using a spotter.
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Surfers and board riders can pose collision risks. |
Be aware of surf zones and communicate with board riders to avoid conflicts. |
Other watercraft can create navigation hazards. |
Maintain situational awareness and follow maritime right-of-way rules. |