Policy Title: Commitment to Health, Safety and Well-being for Experienced Water Users
Effective Date: 29-Jul-2025
Review Date: 29-Jul-2026 (Annual Review or after significant changes/incidents)
1. Our Commitment
Water Nomads New Zealand is dedicated to providing a safe environment for our clients, who are experienced windsurfers, wingfoilers, and surfers; employees and contractors, and for the two owners of the business. While we do not guide or teach novices, we recognise our primary duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). Our objective is to identify and manage, so far as is reasonably practicable, all risks to health and safety arising from our long-term equipment rentals and Surfari trips.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all operations conducted by Water Nomads New Zealand, including:
Watersport Rentals (Long-Term Takeaway): Rental of surfboards, windsurf, and wingfoil equipment to intermediate to advanced clients.
Surfari Trips: Hosted trips for advanced beginners through to expert windsurfers and wingfoilers, including transport and all associated activities.
All related administrative, maintenance, and logistical activities managed by the owners or assigned staff.
3. Responsibilities
3.1. Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs – Water Nomads New Zealand Owners):
The owners Heidrun Bader and Bevan Thrower are responsible for:
Ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of yourselves and other persons (clients) who may be affected by our business.
Providing and maintaining a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.
Providing and maintaining safe plant (equipment) and structures.
Ensuring the safe use, handling, and storage of equipment.
Providing any information or instruction that is necessary for clients to use equipment safely, particularly concerning local hazards on Surfari Trips.
Monitoring the conditions at the workplace (rental pickup/drop-off, trip locations) to prevent illness or injury.
Ensuring effective procedures are in place for incident reporting and review.
Complying with all relevant New Zealand legislation and regulations.
3.2. Clients: As experienced water users, clients are expected to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety.
Take reasonable care that their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.
Use rented equipment responsibly and as instructed.
Adhere to all safety instructions and advice given during Surfari trips.
Disclose any relevant medical conditions or fitness limitations that could affect their participation.
Understand and accept the inherent risks associated with watersports.
4. Key Principles
Risk Management: We will systematically identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures, focusing on the unique risks associated with providing equipment to and guiding experienced water users.
Competency-Based Service: Our service is built on the understanding that clients possess the necessary skills and experience for their chosen activity. We will verify this experience where appropriate.
Equipment Integrity: All equipment provided will be regularly inspected, maintained, and is fit for its intended purpose for an experienced user.
Emergency Preparedness: Despite clients’ experience, robust emergency plans will be developed and communicated for all operations.
Continuous Improvement: We are committed to a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety performance, regularly reviewing our practices.
This policy statement will be communicated to all clients and made available as required.
This operating plan details how Water Nomads New Zealand integrates health and safety into its daily operations for long-term rentals and Surfari trips, specifically considering the experience level of your clients.
1. Legal Compliance & Client Experience Verification
HSWA 2015: All operations will comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Maritime Transport Act 1994: Adherence to relevant maritime safety regulations.
Client Experience Verification:
Rentals: Implement a clear system to verify clients are intermediate to advanced users (e.g., self-declaration of experience, previous rental history, brief discussion of conditions they can handle). Clearly state that equipment is for experienced users only.
Surfari Trips: Verify participants are advanced beginners to expert through pre-trip discussions, skill checklists, or demonstrated experience. This ensures group safety and appropriate trip selection.
2. Management Structure and Responsibilities (Owners)
Heidrun Bader and Bevan Thrower are directly responsible for all aspects of health and safety.
Daily H&S Focus: Integrate health and safety considerations into all daily tasks, from equipment checks to trip planning.
Emergency Contact: Clearly designate who is the primary emergency contact during operations.
3. Hazard Identification and Risk Management
Proactive Assessment: Continually identify hazards and assess risks for all operations:
Rental Equipment: Risks associated with equipment failure, incorrect usage (even by experienced users), or environmental hazards where equipment might be used.
Surfari Trips: Risks related to specific locations (swell, currents, rocks), weather changes, group management, and transport.
Risk Register: Maintain a comprehensive risk register (see Section 4) for identified hazards, assessed risks, and control measures.
Control Measures: Focus on providing information, ensuring well-maintained equipment, and robust emergency plans, given clients’ inherent skills.
4. Client Information and Briefings
Rental Briefings:
Provide clear instructions on the correct and safe use of your specific equipment, highlighting any unique features or handling requirements.
Emphasise the client’s responsibility for their safety, weather monitoring, and knowledge of local conditions at their chosen location.
Provide information on how to report equipment damage or issues.
Surfari Trip Briefings:
Comprehensive pre-trip briefings covering the planned route, specific hazards of the location (e.g., rips, reef breaks, currents), communication protocols, emergency procedures, and expected conditions.
Reinforce individual responsibility for self-management in the water.
Advise on appropriate personal gear (e.g., wetsuits, sun protection).
5. Equipment and Plant Management
Selection & Suitability: Ensure all rental and trip equipment (surfboards, windsurf rigs, wingfoil setups, vehicles, trailers) is high quality and suitable for intermediate to expert use.
Maintenance Program: Implement a rigorous, documented maintenance schedule for all equipment. This includes:
Pre-rental/Pre-trip checks: Visual inspection of every item before release/use.
Regular Servicing: Routine checks, repairs, and servicing of boards, sails, foils, and vehicles.
Damage Reporting: Clear process for clients to report damage, and for owners to document and address it promptly. Defective equipment must be immediately removed from service.
Storage: Secure and appropriate storage to prevent damage and degradation.
6. Operational Procedures (Standard Operating Procedures – SOPs)
General:
Client experience verification process.
Emergency contact procedures.
First aid kits and basic first aid knowledge for owners.
Contingency plans for adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., trip cancellation/re-routing).
Watersport Rentals (Long-Term Takeaway):
Client registration, identification, and a rental agreement/waiver that clearly outlines client responsibilities, risk acceptance, and acknowledges their advanced skill level.
Equipment issue and return procedures, including damage checks.
Surfari Trips:
Thorough pre-trip reconnaissance: Detailed assessment of chosen locations (access, hazards, conditions).
Group management: While clients are expert, maintain oversight; clear rendezvous points, communication check-ins (e.g., headcounts at specific intervals, “check-in waves”).
Communication Protocols: Reliable communication devices (VHF radio, mobile phone, PLB for remote areas).
Vehicle and Trailer: Pre-trip inspections, secure loading, and safe driving practices.
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Emergency Response Plan (ERP):
Client injury/medical emergency (including remote locations).
Lost/missing person procedures (given self-sufficient nature of clients).
Equipment failure leading to distress.
Vehicle breakdown/accident.
Communication: Clear internal and external communication channels for emergencies.
Local Emergency Services: Have readily available contact details for local emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Coastguard).
First Aid: One owner (minimum) to hold current first aid qualifications. Well-stocked first aid kits in vehicles and accessible during trips.
8. Incident Reporting and Review
Reporting: All incidents and near misses, no matter how minor, will be documented by the owners.
Review: Periodically review incident data to identify trends and implement preventative measures.
Notifiable Events: Immediate reporting of “notifiable events” (as defined by HSWA) to WorkSafe NZ if they occur.
This risk assessment identifies potential hazards, assesses associated risks, and outlines control measures for Water Nomads New Zealand’s operations. This is a general template; specific, detailed risk assessments will be completed for each Surfari trip location and for the general rental operation.
Risk Matrix:
Risk Rating:
Low: Acceptable with current controls.
Moderate: Manageable, but requires monitoring and potentially further controls.
High: Requires immediate action and senior management attention.
Extreme: Unacceptable; activity must cease until risk is reduced.
Risk Assessment Register:
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