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Access Buddy

Mission– To create opportunities for AccesSurfers to experience ocean recreation with other members of the community with the smallest group size possible while still providing access.

Objective– AccesSurf will provide equipment and expertise to create an accessible and intimate surf environment for an individual participant, within the boundaries set by the city and county of Honolulu, and the state of Hawaii.

Our AccessBuddy program is designed to give our volunteers and AccesSurfers the opportunity to get out in the water to surf, swim, or paddle together. In compliance with current public safety and state regulations of physical distancing guidelines and small group size, AccesSurfers must be independent in the water. Volunteers will help with equipment and as an on-the-water buddy. We will pair volunteers and AccesSurfers according to support needs and location on the island. AccessBuddy pairs can then set their own schedule for time and location.

The AccessBuddy program should have 1-2 volunteers providing access to the ocean and activities in the ocean for 1 AccesSurfer and 1 trusted companion. We will provide AccesSurf equipment and expertise as requested in the profile and pre-registration process. Volunteers may have contact access as long as cleaning protocol is followed and proper personal protective precautions are taken.

To ensure safety for all parties, both the AccesSurfer and Volunteer must complete the COVID 19 screener found on the volunteer waiver prior to the day of the event.

Volunteer Process

To the left you will see the volunteer process.

  1. Register for the program. Here
  2. Go to the Access Buddy volunteer training
  3. Get paired with a AccesSurfer and profile details via email.
  4. Contact the AccesSurfer to decide on a time and place.
  5. Notify AccesSurf of the water event details by emailing info@accessurf.org
  6. Have fun at the activity
  7. Fill out the observation survey according to the activity. Surveys found below.
  8. Notify AccesSurf that you completed the water session.

AccesSurfer Process

You will find the process for the AccesSurfer on the left.

  1. Register online for the program. Here
  2. Get profiled via zoom, FaceTime by an AccesSurf profiler. The profile is a short interview to identify what we will need to support the individual in the activity of their choice.
  3. Get contacted by a volunteer to determine profile details and water session details.
  4. Have fun at your water session
  5. Complete the evaluation survey labeled “Fun Wall” below.
  6. If you have not been contacted for a profile, please contact Ann.

Personal Protective Precautions

Remember to play it safe when working with individuals of vulnerable populations. Keep in mind that the spread of COVID 19 can be prevented through strict adherence to guidelines set by State, City and Federal agencies. In general be proactive and follow the following guidelines.

    • If you do not pass the COVID 19 screener or fill symptoms of sick, stay home and notify us. 
    • Wear clean clothes to the event and cleaning personal items (e.g. cell    phones, water bottles) before arriving at the event.
    • No mask, no can. (until in the water, then no mask or no breath…)
    • Shorter that 6 feet distancing when providing access with a protective mask is allowed with proper cleaning precautions.
    • Hands washed and/or sanitized (washed whenever hand washing station or public sink is available)
    • Social distance of at least 6 feet apart at all times in the ocean without a proper protective mask
    • Cough or sneeze away from others and do it facing down and away from others to minimize the airborne spread of fluids.

Cleaning Protocol

AccesSurf COVID-19 Cleaning Procedures

COVID-19 Equipment

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way (CDC)

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. (or just count to 20 Mississippi)
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

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Hand-washing station
  • Soap is a surfactant (dissolves virus cell walls) – use proper CDC 20sec scrubbing hand washing technique
    • Example: Dr. Bronner’s is made of only organic ingredients except Potassium Hydroxide (potassium, hydrogen, oxygen) 
  • Everyone must wash his or her hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Face masks
  • Must be worn at all times except for times when it is unsafe (in the water) or if someone is unable to do so due to a disability. 
    • We will provide cloth (washable) masks for those who do not have one
    • Clear plastic/ cloth masks (washable) should be used for participants that are hearing impaired.
  • Seventh Generation disinfecting multi-purpose cleaner
    • To disinfect, spray on surface and allowed to air dry (10 minutes)
    • Use on hard surfaces ONLY (objects not going into the water)
    • Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate 
  • Box of clean microfiber rags 
    • Use with cleaning product to wipe off any dirt before disinfecting
  • 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60%< ethyl alcohol
    • Put into a spray bottle to dispense
    • Leave on surface until it air dries (30 secs)
    • Used to disinfect Mobi-chairs and other water equipment
  • Hand sanitizer 
    • Post recommendations to wash hands with soap and water at least once for every 5 uses of hand sanitizer

Other Times to Wash Hands

  • Hand-wash/ sanitize your hands before and after touching (putting on/ taking off) your mask
  • Before and after eating food
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage
  • After you have touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, etc.
  • Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies.

General Cleaning Procedures

    • Don’t Mix Chemicals!
  • Do not mix bleach and ammonia.
  • Do not mix bleach and acids. (vinegar, window cleaners, some detergents, etc.)
  • Wiping down every item which people will contact (water jug, pens, handles, doors, chairs, counter, etc.) after each use, with environmentally friendly disinfectant (such as Seventh Generation Multipurpose Disinfectant/ alcohol solution with at least 60%  isopropyl or ethyl alcohol).
  • Make sure cleaners say disinfectant on the label (“Surfactant” for soap)
  • Linens (rashguards) should be washed in the hottest water possible with household detergent. 

Equipment:

Equipment should be cleaned:

  •  BEFORE the first participant of the day
    • Wipe down the entire board and paddles with an eco-friendly disinfectant (such as 7th Gen. Multipurpose Disinfectant) and wait 10 minutes before the event starts.
  •  IN BETWEEN participants during the day
    • spray with alcohol solution (containing at least 60% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol) and wait 30 secs in between uses.
  •  AFTER the last participant
    • Spray the entire board and paddles with an eco-friendly disinfectant (such as 7th Gen. Multipurpose Disinfectant) before storing. 
  • Lifejackets will only be worn by one participant per event and dried completely. At least 3 days must pass before it can be used again.

Outside references: