Snorkeling Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Safeguarding — Ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding policies, and conduct background checks for anyone working with vulnerable participants. Establish clear reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns. Maintain proper supervision ratios, particularly when working with children or at-risk adults.
• Getting lost in open water — Implement a buddy system and keep group sizes manageable. Use whistles and brightly colored caps or vests for quick visual identification. Conduct regular headcounts to ensure all participants are accounted for.
• Entanglement in fishing lines or debris — Warn participants of potential hazards like fishing lines or nets, and how to avoid them. Ensure instructors (or participants if appropriate) carry a cutting tool, like a diving knife, for emergency release from entanglement. Maintain regular communication to monitor participant safety. Avoid areas where fishing and rope hazards are common.
• Fatigue — Limit sessions to appropriate durations, depending on participant fitness and water conditions. Build in rest periods on land and floatation rests in the water. Instructors should monitor participants closely for signs of exhaustion and provide assistance when needed.
• Sudden health issues (e.g., heart attack) — Ensure a trained first-aider is present with resuscitation equipment. Carry communication devices like radios to call for emergency services. Make sure participants' medical history is reviewed and anyone at risk is closely monitored throughout.