NUSULC is supporting this sun nus biatholon..was checking the email..was shocked to see such a long SOP...
Instructions to Lifeguards and Canoeists
Preparation
- Have ample sleep before the race day.
- Hydrate yourself sufficiently before and during the race.
- Have a heavy breakfast before you report.
- If you are feeling unwell during the race, approach your In-Charge for assistance.
- Bring along a whistle, a water bottle, a pen and a note pad.
- Kindly do a check on the working condition and expiry dates of your equipments.
- Please kindly revise on the various first aid skills applicable for the race.
General
- Personal Safety FIRST!
- When in doubt, ASK!
- Usage of personal entertainment devices like music players, gaming accessories are strictly prohibited. Be professional!
- Restrict usage of mobile phones to only official and emergency matters.
Evacuation procedures
- The swim route area will be divided into 4 zones, A, B, C and D. Refer to Map of Lifeguard Location.
- In zone B, C and D, there will be a single kayak, a double kayak, a rescue board and a single-man double kayak.
- In zone A, there will be a single kayak, a rescue board and a double kayak.
- All double kayaks will be equipped with a rescue tube.
- For race officials in zone A and B, you are to evacuate casualties to the nearest shore near evacuation point E1, E2, E3 and E4.
- For race officials in zone C and D, you are to evacuate casualties to the nearest shore near evacuation point E1 and E4. Do NOT cross the lane rope as this may endanger the safety of active participants.
- As you reach the shore, signal to the lifeguard or first-aider on the shore with a loud and short whistle.
Rescue procedures
- Use a single short whistle at any casualty to gain their attention.
- Use a double short whistle to gain the attention of other race officials.
- Procedure for rescue of conscious victim is as follow:
1. Lifeguard will approach victim with his surfboard or kayak with caution.
2. He is to advise victim to hold on to the buoyant vessel to maintain the latter’s floatation.
3. Lifeguards on kayaks and surfboards will tow the victim to shore for further medical assistance from shore lifeguards.
4. In cases when the victim is unable to hold on to the kayak to be towed to shore, the rescue tube will be used to keep the victim afloat. Tow to shore will then proceed.
- Procedure for rescue of unconscious victim is as follow:
1. Upon sighting of victim, the lifeguard is to make three continuous short whistles and signal to the nearest double kayak and shore lifeguards.
2. The lifeguard is to enter water and keep victim’s head above water with a rescue tube, and execute the quickest rescue method to shore.
3. Shore lifeguards are to prepare the necessary rescue equipments on shore and alert the ambulance personnel.
- Any other rescue methods by lifeguards are accepted as long as it serves the purpose of saving or rescuing the victim in the shortest period of time without endangering the lives of both rescuer and victim. These methods have to WORK.
- Shore lifeguards are to record down the casualties’ name, race tag number, type of injury and any other relevant information. Inform your In-Charge immediately, who will then inform the organising committee. You would also be required to fill up the Safety Log File at the starting point.
- In cases whereby you assess that the race need to be stopped due to any reasons that would affect the safety of the officials or participants, alert your In-Charge immediately. He will assess the situation and advice the Organising Committee.
- Stay Calm in all situations.
Wet Weather Program
- The following siren signal will be used for the race
1. Stoppage of race
a. 1 continuous long siren: Both swim and run phase of the race will be stopped.
b. Multiple short sirens: Only the swim phase will be stopped.
2. Restart of race
1 continuous long siren.
- Your In-Charge will inform you about the stoppage and restart of race.
- Seek the nearest shelter when race is stopped. Keep yourself warm.
- Stop all active participants and instruct them to stay in the shelter.
- Be firm in your instructions given to participants during the stop.
- If the shelter is too crowded, inform your In-Charge, who will then call for transportation of the participants to the starting point.
- Once the signal for the participants to return to the starting point is given, direct them politely.
- You will be informed of the commencement of the restart. Please kindly return to your assigned position quickly.
- Do keep a look out for potential hazard prior to the restart, and report them if any.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
