Coastal Risk Management Services
Coastal Risk Management
Risk Management, as described in the Standard AS/NZS 4360 Risk Management, involves the process of establishing the context, risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation, risk treatment, monitoring and review, and communication and consultation to individuals or organisations.
Risk Management has a primary focus of maximising potential
opportunities and minimising mitigating losses by implementing a
systematic process that provides greater insight into risks and
their impact. In the coastal context, risks can be defined as 'the
possibility of events or activities having an adverse effect on the
safety of users of coastal environments including beaches and
waters'.
Risk management is also driven by legislative requirements, common
law precedents and coronial inquests.
It is the responsibility of those coastal organisations, agencies,
Councils and authorities with jurisdiction over coastal areas,
including beaches, to minimise and/or identify risks of injury or
death by drowning or other related activities.
The implementation of an effective risk management program can
reduce the incidence of injury and death on the coast.
Coastal Risk Assessment
Coastal risk assessment and auditing has proved a popular and
necessary service offered by SLSSA.
The assessments include the use of spatial data, the ABSAMP
(Australian Beach Safety and Management Program) beach
classification system and research, best practice signage
guidelines, plus results from extensive on-site assessment of the
designated coastal zone.
These risk assessments provide a comprehensive assessment and
identification of the risks to public safety and provide detailed
recommendations on how to manage those risks.
Safety Audits
Safety audits provide a methodical review and verification of services already in place such as safety signs and lifesaving/lifeguard services.
Objectives of an Aquatic Risk and Safety Consultation
The focus of any consultation or inspection should be positive. An audit should not become an exercise in fault finding or blaming people. The primary objective of any audit is to reduce the number and severity of hazards, risks, and potential injuries at the location.
The results of the audit must be measured against agreed criteria or performance indicators. The objectives of the system of measurement should be:
- To ensure that the standards achieved at any given location conform as closely as possible to the objectives set out in the responsible authority's safety and signage policies, recognised Best Practice or Australian Standards;
- To provide information and resources to enable the evaluation
of the success of the strategy; and
To maintain a continuous improvement strategy towards safety and signage. - These objectives can be achieved by setting standards, comparing actual results with targets and, where necessary, taking corrective action.
A well-developed audit system will:
- Provide an objective review of the status of aquatic safety and signage management within the responsible authority;
- Identify opportunities for improvement in management or control systems and highlight aspects requiring corrective action;
- Recognise success in aquatic safety management, i.e. where the
set standard has been achieved or exceeded; and
Evaluate the level of compliance or non-compliance with statutory or other appropriate standards.