Topic 4 - Introduction to communication for effective beach management
Communication
Communication plays an important role in enabling you to effectively manage the beach. Communicating is a skill that can be practised and learnt. There are tools that assist you to communicate on the beach such as radios, public address systems and phones but ultimately the process of communicating is important.
Communication is a two way process that involves:
- Listening
- Questioning
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Clarifying
While managing a beach you might use your communication skills to:
- Provide instruction to team members
- Complete workplace documents such as logs
- Co-ordinate and participate in an emergency situation
- Talk to members of the public
- Provide information to others - whether it is in a verbal or written form
- Read information, procedures and instructions
- Complete tasks alone or in groups
It may be worth remembering there can be many involved in the communication process which could have an impact on the effectiveness of the process. The correct use of language is an important aspect. You should think about:
- What is it that needs to be communicated?
- Who is it being communicated to
- What is the best method to communicate the message?
Core interpersonal skills consist of:
- Clear communication
- Assertiveness and empathy
- Integrity
- Encouragement and motivation
- Respect for others
- Ability to be a team player and work effectively with others
There are tools that assist you to communicate on the beach, but ultimately it's the process of communicating which is important. The correct use of language is also an important aspect.
Find out how your communication skills can be used on the beach. Think about the scenario at Sigh Bar Bay where Mark failed to follow instructions.
Reflection
When would written communication be preferable to verbal communication on the beach?
Activity
Got to the Sigh Bar Bay Lifeguard Tower (linked at top of the screen). List the communication tools that you can see.