Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Hazards and environmental conditions may include:
Dumping waves
Large waves
Lateral currents
Marine creatures
Other surfers or swimmers
Other equipment
Own equipment
Rips
Sandbars
Shorebreaks
Characteristics of different types of waves may include:
Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
Plunging (dumping)
Steep, powerful, dangerous
Shallow water depth
Spilling (crumbling):
deeper water
wave face less steep
wave slower to break
Distinguishing features of rips include:
Darker blue/green foam or debris
Lack of waves
Rippled surface
Techniques for survival may include:
Attracting attention of lifesaver/lifeguard or others who may be able to help
Floating and treading water
Recognising hazards and keeping a safe distance from hazards
Swimming or paddling diagonally across rips
Personal safety and environmental hazards may include:
Hydration
Hypothermia
Sun safety
Prevailing conditions are influenced by:
Availability of assistance
Imminent hazards
Imminent risks
Size of surf
Craft may include:
Bodyboards
Handboards
Hard surfboards
Sitting on top of kayaks
Soft surfboards
Strategies when not able to self-rescue may include:
Floating and treading water
Remaining with craft where possible
Using recognised signals for assistance

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques
apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to surf lifesaving.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed while participating in lifesaving activities or in a simulated environment and under a range of weather conditions.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions