Ocean Seining and Reptile Program

 

Barrier Island Field Experience: Ocean Seining & Live Animal Programs

 

1. Purpose of the Safety Plan

Salt Marsh Kids is committed to providing safe, enriching, and developmentally appropriate outdoor learning experiences for K–8 students. This Safety Plan outlines the procedures, staffing, emergency protocols, and risk‑mitigation strategies for field experiences on Kiawah Island involving:

• Ocean seining on the beach

• Live animal programs featuring native turtles, non‑venomous snakes, small alligators, and opossums

Our goal is to ensure that every child experiences wonder, confidence, and environmental stewardship in a safe and supportive environment.

 

2. Staffing & Supervision Requirements

Adult-to-Student Ratios

• Grades K–2: 1 adult per 5 students

• Grades 3–5: 1 adult per 7 students

• Grades 6–8: 1 adult per 10 students

Required Personnel

• Salt Marsh Kids Program Director (on-site lead)

• At least two trained Salt Marsh Kids Educators

• School staff or chaperones

• Certified wildlife handler for live animal programs

• Lifeguard or water‑safety certified staff member during seining

Staff Training Includes

• CPR/First Aid

• Water safety and rip‑current awareness

• Animal handling protocols

• Emergency communication procedures

• Child behavior management and trauma‑informed practices

 

3. Pre‑Trip Preparation

Before the Trip

• Review weather, tides, and surf conditions

• Conduct staff briefing and role assignments

• Confirm emergency contacts for all students

• Review medical needs, allergies, and accommodations

• Ensure all equipment is inspected and functional

Required Student Preparation

• Closed‑toe shoes or secure sandals

• Sunscreen applied before arrival

• Water bottle

• Hat or sun protection

• No loose jewelry or items that may fall into the water

 

4. Beach & Ocean Safety Protocols

Boundaries

• Students remain within clearly marked zones

• No student enters water deeper than knee‑height

• No running on wet sand or near equipment

Water Safety

• Lifeguard or water‑safety certified staff monitors surf conditions

• Staff positioned at front, middle, and back of student groups

• Immediate exit from water if:

• Rip currents form

• Lightning is detected

• Waves exceed safe height

• Wildlife (e.g., jellyfish, stingrays) is observed nearby

Seining Procedures

• Only trained staff handle seine nets

• Students assist from shoreline only unless permission is given by chaperone.

• Buckets used for temporary observation only

• All organisms returned safely to the water

 

5. Live Animal Program Safety

Animals Included

• Native turtles

• Non‑venomous snakes

• Small alligators (under 3 feet)

• Opossums

Certified Wildlife Handler Responsibilities

• Transport, containment, and handling of all animals

• Ensuring animals are healthy and stress‑free

• Demonstrating proper handling techniques

• Maintaining safe distance between animals and students

Student Safety Rules

• No touching animals unless invited and supervised

• No feeding animals

• Hands washed or sanitized after interactions

• Students remain seated during demonstrations

Animal Welfare

• Animals handled for short periods only

• Shade and hydration provided

• Immediate removal of any animal showing signs of stress

 

6. Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergencies

• First Aid kit on-site

• AED available if school provides one

• Staff certified in CPR/First Aid

• Emergency services contacted immediately if needed

• Incident report completed within 24 hours

Environmental Emergencies

• Lightning: Immediate evacuation to shelter

• Heat Illness: Move student to shade, hydrate, cool with water

• Wildlife Encounters: Students moved to safe distance; staff manages situation

Lost Child Protocol

• Immediate headcount

• Staff assigned to search zones

• School staff notified

• 911 called if child not located within 5 minutes

 

7. Communication Plan

On-Site Communication

• Staff equipped with radios or cell phones

• Program Director serves as communication lead

• School staff briefed on all procedures

Parent Communication

• Pre‑trip information sheet

• Emergency contact numbers provided

• Post‑trip summary if any incidents occur

 

8. Accessibility & Inclusion

Salt Marsh Kids ensures that all activities are accessible to students with:

• Mobility needs

• Sensory sensitivities

• Medical conditions

• Behavioral or emotional needs

Accommodations may include modified participation, additional staff support, or alternative activities.

 

9. Equipment Checklist

For Seining

• Seine nets

• Buckets

• Field guides

• Gloves

• Hand sanitizer

For Safety

• First Aid kit

• Emergency contact binder

• Sunscreen

• Water cooler

• Shade tent (optional)

 

10. End-of-Day Procedures

• Final headcount

• Equipment inspection and cleaning

• Animal welfare check

• Debrief with school staff

• Documentation of any incidents or observations