Safety Rules for Meetups
Our Commitment to Safety
Safety is our first priority at Surfing Moms, both for children on the beach and moms in the surf. All participants and Group Coordinators are expected to understand and follow the Safety Rules for Meetups below.
Parents and caregivers remain ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of their own children throughout every Surfing Moms meetup. The surf-swap is a voluntary cooperative arrangement in which participants assist one another with child supervision. Each participant is responsible for ensuring their child is appropriately supervised and for communicating any important information about their child to their Swap Partner.
We strongly encourage everyone affiliated with Surfing Moms to review the ocean safety resources and educational videos on our Commitment to Safety page (coming soon).
Children’s Safety (On the Beach)
Maintain a safe supervision ratio
During every surf-swap, one supervising adult may supervise no more than four children at a time.
If this ratio cannot be maintained, the surf-swap should be modified, delayed, or canceled until adequate supervision is available.
Participate in the surf-swap as designed
When an even number of moms are present, participants should pair up in a 1:1 Partner Swap.
When an odd number of moms are present, one group of three moms should rotate supervision in three 40-minute surf sessions rather than two 60-minute sessions. For example:
Mom 1 surfs while Mom 2 supervises (first 40 minutes)
Mom 2 surfs while Mom 3 supervises (second 40 minutes)
Mom 3 surfs while Mom 1 supervises (third 40 minutes)
Children may not enter the water during the surf-swap
Children are not permitted in the water during an official Surfing Moms meetup.
Once a parent has completed their surf session and is no longer participating in the surf-swap, they may take their own child into the water at their own discretion.
Supervision is your priority during your child-minding shift
The supervising adult is responsible for actively supervising the children in their care at all times.
During your child-minding shift, your primary responsibility is child supervision.
Avoid distractions such as phone use or lengthy conversations.
There is plenty of time to connect with other moms before, after, or during your own surf session.
Communicate your child’s needs with your Swap Partner
Before entering the water, discuss any important information your Swap Partner should know about your child, including:
allergies or sensitivities
medications or medical conditions
feeding needs
sleep needs
toileting needs
comfort items
any other information necessary for your child's safety and well-being
Only current Surfing Moms members may supervise another participant’s child
Only current Surfing Moms members may participate in the official surf-swap and supervise another participant’s child.
Spouses, babysitters, grandparents, and other family members are welcome to attend and care for their own children, but they may not supervise other participants’ children during the surf-swap.
Create a safe and welcoming environment
Conduct yourself in a respectful, inclusive, and kind manner.
Help create a supportive environment where all families feel welcome.
No smoking, tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs
Do not smoke or use tobacco products, consume alcohol, or use recreational drugs during a Surfing Moms meetup.
Moms’ Safety (In the Surf)
Know your abilities
Beginners are welcome to participate in Surfing Moms, but we are not a surf school.
We strongly encourage new surfers to take lessons from a qualified surf instructor before attending meetups.
Surf within your limits
Always check ocean and weather conditions before entering the water.
All participants must know and surf within their abilities.
If conditions exceed your comfort or skill level, do not surf.
If in doubt, stay out.
Use the buddy system
Pair up with another mom when entering the water.
Stay aware of each other and communicate your plans, including if you are heading in, moving to another break, or changing locations.
Support newer surfers
Whenever possible, beginner surfers should pair up with more experienced surfers.
Choose safer locations
Local groups are encouraged to plan meetups at locations near lifeguard stations or lifeguard-patrolled beaches whenever possible.
Coordinator safety training
Group Coordinators are required to maintain CPR and First Aid certification if they are not already certified. Surfing Moms covers the cost of this certification.
Emergency Procedures
If an accident or emergency occurs:
Take charge of the situation if it is safe to do so.
Notify the parent or caregiver immediately.
If the parent is surfing, use the Surfing Moms emergency signal (waving the Surfing Moms flag, or a towel if flag is unavailable) to signal that they need to return to shore.
If lifeguards are present, notify them immediately and follow their instructions.
Call 911 for serious injuries or medical emergencies.
Provide first aid or CPR only within the scope of your training and when it is safe to do so.
Contact the participant’s emergency contact if needed.
Notify Surfing Moms leadership as soon as reasonably possible for any incident requiring medical attention, emergency services, or that may result in an insurance claim.
Complete an Incident Report as soon as practical after the incident.
General Expectations
Safety comes before surfing
If ocean conditions, weather, beach hazards, supervision needs, or any other circumstance makes a meetup unsafe, the surf-swap should be modified, postponed, or canceled.
