SLSA COMMUNICATION BOARD How to use Guide: For Surf Life Saving Club Members, Volunteers and Staff
1: PURPOSE
This board helps to communicate with • • • •
People from non-English speaking backgrounds People with intellectual impairments People who are deaf or hard of hearing Or anyone having difficulty communicating on the beach
2: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE KEEP BOARD ACCESSIBLE
Keep close to: Patrol tent, ATV, surf sports kit, education room
CHECK UNDERSTANDING Watch for nods, gestures, facial expressions, use keywords
COMMUNICATION
Be reassuring, point to images, smile, make eye contact, meet at eye level where possible
ACTIONS
‘Wait here’, ‘come with me’, ‘sit down’
BODY LANGUAGE
Use gestures or symbols, speak clearly
INVOLVE OTHERS
Family, yystanders, carers, prioritise safety