CAI Risk Management & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reports they cannot swim. As a CAI instructor, you should FIRST:
- Exclude the non-swimmer from all water-side activities
- Require the student to wear a properly fitted PFD at all times near water (Correct answer)
- Pair the non-swimmer with a strong swimmer as a buddy
- Postpone instruction until the student completes swim lessons
Correct answer: Require the student to wear a properly fitted PFD at all times near water
Requiring a non-swimmer to wear a properly fitted PFD at all times near water is the primary risk control measure.
Question 2: Which knot-tying hazard should an instructor specifically address when teaching young students to rig their tackle?
- Overloading fishing line beyond its rated strength
- Using sharp scissors or line clippers near fingers and eyes (Correct answer)
- Tying knots on the water surface to avoid tangles
- Selecting knots that are too complex for beginners
Correct answer: Using sharp scissors or line clippers near fingers and eyes
Sharp cutting tools used for trimming line tag ends pose a significant cut and puncture risk, especially for young students.
Question 3: An angler in your group hooks a fish that becomes deeply embedded in the lip. The student attempts to remove it by hand. The safest instructor response is:
- Allow the student to proceed since it is their catch
- Demonstrate proper hook removal using needle-nose pliers and instruct on hand positioning (Correct answer)
- Have all students gather close to observe the technique
- Cut the line immediately and move on
Correct answer: Demonstrate proper hook removal using needle-nose pliers and instruct on hand positioning
Using needle-nose pliers with proper hand positioning minimizes the risk of hook punctures during fish handling.
Question 4: Which condition MOST increases the risk of a capsizing incident during a boat-based fishing lesson?
- Fishing near a shoreline with aquatic vegetation
- Students moving simultaneously to one side of a small boat (Correct answer)
- Using live bait instead of artificial lures
- High fish activity causing frequent casting
Correct answer: Students moving simultaneously to one side of a small boat
Simultaneous movement of passengers to one side of a small boat dramatically shifts the center of gravity and can cause capsizing.
Question 5: Before leading a group to a tidal fishing location, an instructor must consult tide charts primarily to:
- Predict which species will be most active during the session
- Identify periods when rocks and jetties may become dangerously slippery or submerged (Correct answer)
- Comply with fishing license regulations for tidal waters
- Schedule the lesson during peak feeding times
Correct answer: Identify periods when rocks and jetties may become dangerously slippery or submerged
Tidal fluctuations can rapidly submerge fishing platforms or expose extremely slippery algae-covered rocks, creating serious fall hazards.
Question 6: A participant is stung by a bee during a lesson and reports a known severe allergy. What should the instructor do FIRST?
- Apply ice to the sting site and observe for 10 minutes
- Ask if the participant has an epinephrine auto-injector and call emergency services (Correct answer)
- Administer an antihistamine from the first aid kit
- Continue the lesson while monitoring the student's symptoms
Correct answer: Ask if the participant has an epinephrine auto-injector and call emergency services
Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening; the instructor must immediately locate epinephrine and activate emergency medical services.
Question 7: When instructing near a reservoir with steep, rocky banks, which footwear requirement should the instructor enforce?
- Flip-flops for easy removal if wading becomes necessary
- Closed-toe shoes with non-slip, rubber soles (Correct answer)
- Waterproof boots at least 12 inches tall
- Any athletic shoe the student owns for comfort
Correct answer: Closed-toe shoes with non-slip, rubber soles
Closed-toe shoes with non-slip rubber soles provide essential traction and foot protection on rocky, uneven, and potentially wet terrain.
CAI Risk Management & Mitigation 3
A student reports they cannot swim.
As a CAI instructor, you should FIRST: