Paddling Supervisor - Kayak

Qualification Definition
The holder of this qualification has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to supervise a paddling activity with a group of novices on day based activities in Kayaks on Flatwater areas such as lakes, dams, slow moving rivers, etc. where the group under supervision can be seen from a single vantage point at any time and does not leave the immediate launch area. An area should not be classified as Flatwater if any of the following apply: Rapids of any grade Surf (of any size) entry or exit An entrance structure to an estuary or embayment Affected by swell Documented tidal rips (see chart) Documented tidal current greater than 1 knot (see chart) Where the tide (rise or fall) removes a landing area or makes it unsuitable Distances greater than 400 metres from shore Fetch greater than 1 nautical mile The assessment can be conducted in single or double kayaks. If using a double kayak the candidate should be tested in both the bow and stern positions.
Skills
Prepare appropriate craft and equipment	Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment. This equipment promotes personal safety and is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Secure craft for transport, secure equipment to craft	Participants transport craft to and from venue, method is safe for craft and participant. (or able to demonstrate method they would use) Equipment placed on or in craft is secured in a manner that does not impede safety and is accessible when required
Launch and land craft	Participant launches and lands craft in a safe repeatable manner without assistance
Perform paddle strokes	Demonstrate individual strokes to manoeuvre the craft: Forward and reverse paddle Forward and reverse sweeps Draw stroke Stopping
Form into and disperse from a raft	A raft is formed in a timely manner (no wasted time) and promotes safety to all involved
Perform self and assisted rescues	Self rescue: Swim 50m in paddling gear Capsize, wet exit and re-entry(with spray deck worn) Assisted rescue (rescues are performed as rescuee and rescuer): T rescue Rescues are performed in a timely manner (no time wasted) and promotes safety to all involved and is deemed to work in all conditions
Accept a tow	Calm is maintained. Craft kept in a straight line while towed. Craft kept stable and balanced
Perform a tow	Demonstrate: Single tow Contact tow Tows are performed using quick release system that floats if disconnected. Tows are performed to promote safety to all.
Supervise a group	Program is delivered to a group to promote a smooth, productive, effective, and safe program for all students. Arrange venues, equipment, staff or assistants, and coordinate timetables and logistics
Group Situational Awareness	Group and environment are monitored to ensure activity remains safe and enjoyable for all participants. Monitoring may include: Fatigue Separation Sickness Engagement Weather Other environmental influences
Knowledge
Knowledge level: General
Knowledge and maintenance of craft	Knowledge of the features of the craft. Must include but not limited to: Construction Materials Design Flotation Water line Rocker Volume Cockpit Hull shapes Handling characteristics; tracking, edge behaviour Grab handles Foot support Deck lines Storage/carrying methods Equipment stowage
Select and advise on appropriate equipment and clothing	Clothing and equipment is selected with consideration of sun sense and other environmental influences Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment and are monitored and reminded of appropriate precautions. This equipment is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Store, operate and maintain appropriate safety and communication equipment	Equipment to include but not limited to: Lifejacket (level 50) Sufficient food and water Spare paddle Mobile phone Tow line Sling/rescue ladder Pea-less whistle First Aid kit
Interpret weather	Able to gain appropriate Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather forecasts (e.g. from MetEye) and warnings, and interpret how weather can influence and affect a paddling location. Knowledge of, but not limited to: Winds Beaufort Scale Funnelling Fetch Tidal currents Precipitation Telling signs of bad weather approaching
Plan an activity	Plan is developed to meet the activity goals and is appropriate for group, location and time limitation. Plan allows for all capabilities within the group and contains contingency plans for equipment failure and emergency evacuation
Minimal environmental impact	Follows PA Minimal Impact Guidelines
Maintain a log book	Understands the purpose and contents of a log book Knowledge and use of PA's Paddle Log app
Selection of launching and landing sites	Understands the issues when selecting an appropriate launching and landing site to be safe for the group
PA's role, membership structure, your rights and responsibilities	Understands PA's membership, structure and rights and responsibilities as a registered PA leader
PA's relevant guidelines and policies	Has knowledge of the safe conduct of recreational paddling as described in PA's Safety Guidelines
Hazard identification and risk management	Able to identify risks and causal factors for a Flatwater activity and also able to identify management strategies to mitigate any risks. Risks may include: Separation Drowning Sunburn Hypothermia Hyperthermia
Licensing, permits, legal matters	Able to give examples of any Licensing, Permits and other legal and behavioural laws and requirements that may be required for an activity
Communication
Group participants: Novice paddlers
Establish and maintain an effective communication system within a group	Participant establishes a safe working system. Maintain group within communication distance. Communication is limited to Verbal, Whistle, Visual. Communicate in a positive manner within a paddling group to help establish and maintain an enjoyable, safe experience for all group members Deliver directions in a clear and concise manner
Conduct briefing	Brief must include but not limited to: Purpose and duration of activity Expected conditions Lifejacket fitting Appropriate clothing worn Correct posture Setting up the craft Launching and landing Strokes as required Limits Actions in the event of an emergency On water signals Capsize drill Warm up Group movement requirements Communication Foreseeable risks Participant experience Brief is clear and concise, attention of the group is gained. Recollection could be tested.
Conduct debriefing	A debrief is conducted to suit the activity and group. Constructive feedback is provided
Experience
On water activities to be carried out in a variety of locations and conditions
Minimum log book requirement	In the previous three years: Four Flatwater activities of a minimum of one and a half hours duration Two Flatwater activities of at least one and half hours duration as an observer under training or as an assistant Supervisor Two Flatwater activities of at least one and half hours duration as lead Supervisor
Leadership
Group participants: Novice paddlers
Manage the launching and landing of a group	Launch and landing promotes safety to all involved
Manage a group	Group is managed in a safe manner to meet activity goal; assistance and direction given if and when needed
Manage multiple capsizes and emergencies	Rescues are managed to promote safety to all in group
Assessment Tasks
The following tasks should be completed prior to final assessment. Links to these tasks are made available by clicking the View Resources button adjacent to your course enrolment on the Paddle Education site.
Project	Plan a paddling activity with a group of eight Year 7 students in a location of your choice. The location must fit within the qualification definition above. Prepare: A hazard identification and risk management program for the activity including placement of supervisory staff, communications (signals and systems for you and your staff), rescue plans and First Aid support An equipment list for the activity, taking into consideration sun sense and hypothermia precautions, and including equipment for group communication and rescue. A briefing in point form to be delivered prior to departure, to include signals, posture, Flatwater paddle strokes, capsize issues, and actions in the event of sickness or other emergency. Look at the Bureau of Meteorology site and choose a forecast for the location that will have an impact on your activity. Analyze how the forecast conditions will affect your activity and outline any changes or precautions you might take
Quiz	Relevant knowledge quiz(zes) completed by participant and results viewed