Risk Management
Establishing a safe beach and aquatic environment for the public involves the effective management of risk. Risk exists in all aspects of lifesaving and club operations. The level of risk faced at any one time is a combination of the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences if it were to occur.
Effectively managing risk involves following the risk management process. When following this process, it is important that you report any potential hazards to the appropriate person immediately.
The underlying principles of risk management include:
- Identify Hazards – Identify hazardous items and situations that could potentially cause harm.
- Assess Risk – Assess the possibility that harm might occur when exposed to a hazard.
- Control Risk – If you are uncomfortable with the level of risk associated with a particular activity, control measures will need to be implemented to reduce the risk to a tolerable level before the activity can be undertaken. If a risk can’t be controlled, then don’t proceed with the activity.
- Monitor and Review Control Measures – Documentation assists in monitoring and reviewing the risk control measures put in place. Thorough documentation is required at every stage of the risk management process.
Risk management is everyone’s responsibility—if you are not sure what constitutes a risk or what you can do about one, ask an appropriate person for further assistance.
If you are operating an RWC, you should perform a risk assessment prior to commencing duty and adhere to any state policies and procedures or safety management system.
Dynamic Risk Assessment
A dynamic risk assessment is essential for Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Operators, as it’s an ongoing process that continuously evaluates and responds to changing conditions and potential hazards in real-time.
In a surf lifesaving context, conditions in the water can change quickly due to factors like wave size, rips, currents, weather shifts, and the presence of people in the water. Other factors may include the equipment performance, and the condition of individuals involved in the operation.
A dynamic risk assessment approach ensures that RWC Operators can adapt their strategies and actions to maintain safety and effectiveness in a constantly evolving environment. It is important that Operators maintain situational awareness and continuously assess potential risks.
By maintaining an dynamic risk assessment mindset, Operators can quickly identify new hazards, implement corrective actions, and adapt to changing conditions, enhancing both safety and operational effectiveness.
Dynamic risk assessment process:
Key Elements of Dynamic Risk Assessment:
Continuous Monitoring: Consistently observe and assess the environment, including weather conditions, water currents, and beach activity.
Real-Time Decision Making: Based on the ongoing assessment, RWC Operators should make immediate decisions to address emerging risks and adjust their actions accordingly.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability to quickly adapt to new information and changing conditions is crucial. Surf lifesavers should be prepared to modify their plans and procedures as needed.
Communication: Effective communication among team members is essential to ensure that everyone is aware of the current situation and any changes in the risk landscape. It is vital to share updates on evolving risks, ensuring that adjustments to tactics and procedures are made in real time.
Documentation: While the assessment is dynamic, it is important to document key observations and decisions to provide a record of the risk management process. This can be done via a radio call to Surfcom or similar.
By incorporating dynamic risk assessments into their routine, surf lifesavers can enhance their ability to manage risks effectively and ensure the safety of all beachgoers.