In the realm of diving and snorkelling, addressing participants' medical fitness is crucial, considering that incidents often involve individuals grappling with medical conditions exacerbated by the activity and the aquatic environment.
Key medical concerns encompass cardiac conditions (like heart disease or high blood pressure), respiratory issues (such as asthma or pneumothorax), and conditions prone to causing loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy and diabetes). WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the importance of participants possessing adequate medical fitness for the various diving and snorkelling activities available.
For diving workers involved in general and high-risk diving work, holding a current certificate of medical fitness in accordance with AS/NZS 2299.1:2015 is imperative. This certificate, issued by a medical practitioner trained in underwater medicine, must not be older than 12 months and should be retained for the same duration after completing the diving work. Workers are advised to communicate any relevant medical conditions prior to diving, such as colds, hay fever, ear infections, or hangovers.
In recreational diving, specifically resort or introductory diving, all participants must complete a medical declaration. An assessment, based on the declaration and seeking medical advice if needed, determines whether it is reasonable for the person to dive. Resort divers should be at least 12 years old, with parental or guardian consent required for those under 18.
Entry-level certificate trainee divers are required to complete a self-assessed medical declaration. If certain conditions apply, like being over 45 years old or having a body mass index over 30, a medical certificate from a doctor certifying their fitness to dive is mandatory. Similar to resort divers, entry-level trainee divers should be at least 12 years old, with parental or guardian consent for those under 18.
For certificated divers, assessing their current medical fitness is essential. Questions regarding recent illnesses, injuries, medication, and general well-being help determine their readiness to dive. If concerns arise, seeking medical advice or having a dive instructor/certified assistant accompany the diver on each dive is recommended.
In the context of snorkelling, participants are advised about the risks associated with certain medical conditions. Snorkellers should disclose their medical conditions to the supervisor, lookout, or guide. Assessments are conducted to identify individuals who may be 'at risk' due to factors such as age, health, or behavior. Additional attention, advice, equipment, and supervision are provided to ensure their safety.
WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing at-risk snorkellers through various means, including communication, assessment forms, and individual discussions. At-risk participants may be required to snorkel in pairs or guided groups, use flotation devices, and be easily identifiable in the water. If an at-risk participant refuses to follow safety instructions, entry into the water can be denied. Additional resources and case studies are available for further insights.