Lifesaving education programs additional information and checklist (Excursions)

Groups will be invoiced in the month after the program has been delivered.  Due to the demand for LSV programs, strict cancellation and amendment policies apply:
Cancellation Policy: 
Within four weeks of program commencement date – 50% of total program fee 
Within five working days of program commencement date – 100% of total program fee
Amendment Policy: 
Amendments to program bookings including participant numbers must be made within six working days of the program commencement date; otherwise the invoice will reflect the total program fee irrespective of actual attendees. 
Exceptions: 
At LSV's sole discretion, a refund may be provided, in full or in part, where  unforeseeable circumstances such as extreme weather (bushfire, electrical storm, etc.), pandemic or Government directive prevents the program from being delivered and the program can not be relocated or rescheduled. In the event of a ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ water quality rating by the EPA, or where the LSV Program Team Leader deems the environment unsafe, the program may be run ‘dry’ at the venue or at a suitable nearby area and the school will incur the full booking charge. 

School to bring:

• First aid kit
• Mobile phone
• SPF 30+ sunscreen (see ‘Sun safety policy’ section below)
• Shade shelter (LSV will endeavour to provide min. one shade shelter for use during program rotations and strongly suggests the group bring their own for staff and during breaks)

The school must provide a minimum of two teachers/group supervisors who must be available at all times during the program to: manage participant behaviour, supervise toilet visits and attend to minor first aid incidents. One group supervisor in attendance must complete the ‘Group Supervisor – Pre-Program Report Form’ prior to the commencement of the program. The school understands that there is no lifesaving club facility booking unless explicitly stated by LSV. The program location is at a public outdoor venue.

Risk assessments have been completed by LSV to ensure compliance with requirements of the Department of Education (DE), Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) and Beaches of the Victorian Coast and Port Philip Bay, 1996.

The LSV Program Team Leader will perform a risk assessment of the venue prior to and during the program, and may amend the program where required at their sole discretion.  

The wearing of high visibility rash vests by both participants and Instructors during all open water activities is required. 

LSV reminds teachers of the DE’s requirements for teacher roles and responsibilities during excursions and engagement with External Providers. 

All approved LSV Program Team Leaders and Instructors have current and the correct qualifications and/or experience for their specific role/s, including (as a minimum): 

• LSV Community Surf Life Saving Certificate or Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion 
• Provide First Aid (formerly Senior First Aid) 
• CPR 
• Working With Children Check 
• Attendance at an annual compulsory training workshop which covers delivery of the program, risk processes, emergency management plans and the use of all program and safety equipment. 

Participants to bring:

• Bathers
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
• Sunglasses that meet the Australian standard (ASNZS 1067:2003)
• Warm clothing and spare towel (in case of cool weather)
• SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Lunch and snacks
• Wetsuit (optional)
• Rash vest (recommended in addition to LSV supplied vest)
• Clearly labelled drink bottle
• Wide-brimmed hat (Please be advised that LSV strongly recommends the wearing of hats by all program participants whilst participating in the dry and water-based activities.)
• Enclosed shoes (Please be advised that LSV strongly recommends the wearing of enclosed shoes by all program participants whilst participating in the dry and water-based activities. Thongs are not recommended.)

The School should organise a suitable ‘back-up venue’ (i.e. school gym, pool or lifesaving club rooms) in the possible event of extreme weather. Cool and/or wet-weather-condition programs will still run as scheduled and may be modified accordingly. Where possible, in the case of extreme weather conditions (e.g. storms, lightning, extreme heat) bookings will be modified, re-scheduled, re-located or cancelled in consultation with LSV Education Services Staff and/or the Program Team Leader. Re-scheduling of the program is generally not an available option.

Water quality

Life Saving Victoria conducts daily checks of the water quality at beach program destinations by referring to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website (www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport). The EPA provides daily forecasts on expected bacterial levels present in the water, which may put swimmers at risk while swimming. The water quality forecasts are predictive only and as a general precaution, EPA Victoria advises people not to swim near stormwater drains, rivers, streams and other outlets into the bay during, and for at least 24 hours after, rainfall.

The following is an overview of the beach water quality ratings:
GOOD Forecast water quality is suitable for swimming
FAIR Forecast water quality may not be suitable for swimming and may be affected by stormwater
POOR Forecast water quality is not suitable for swimming

Water quality for programs conducted at inland waterways will be assessed through the governing water authority. If the daily forecast, or the LSV Team Leader, determines that there is poor water quality, the program will be modified accordingly and conducted as a land-based program, or the program can be relocated to an alternative location. 

Please be advised that LSV strongly recommends the wearing of hats by all program participants whilst participating in all activities.

The Cancer Council Australia and LSV recommends Victorians take five steps to protect against sun damage when the Sun Smart UV Alert indicates the UV Index is at 3 or above:

1. Slip on some sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible
2. Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen - make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
3. Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears
4. Seek shade - LSV will provide a shade shelter where available
5. Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards

Please note that all teachers must comply with the Professional Code of Conduct and should be aware of their legal responsibilities in relation to duty of care obligations and OH&S requirements to protect students from known hazards (UV radiation). Staff are encouraged to role model sun protection behaviours and ensure students are adequately protected from unnecessary UV exposure.