Patrol Information

General Information About Life Saving Patrols.

PATROL CAPTAIN

Patrol Captains are in charge of all Patrol Members. It is expected that patrol members obey all instructions of the Patrol Captain in the general work of surf lifesaving, especially in the event of a rescue.

PATROL STRENGTH AND QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS (MINIMUM)

Only members classified as proficient and registered shall be eligible to perform patrol duties.

A maximum of 20 persons per patrol applies. Exceptions are Outpost Patrols, Special Events, Carnivals, Junior Activity Water Safety and/or other activity as approved by the Chairman – Lifesaving Standing Committee.

DURATION OF SEASON AND HOURS OF OPERATION

Patrols generally commence mid-October and conclude early April, however this is determined by SLSSA prior to season commencement.

Recommended minimum patrol times are advised by SLSSA. Henley may provide greater than the minimum patrol hours. Henley attempts to provide a two (2) person surveillance patrol during times when the public continues to swim outside normal patrol hours (weekdays in hot weather).

INCLEMENT WEATHER PATROLS

If the weather during patrol hours is (or becomes) Inclement, the Patrol Captain may – at his/her discretion, sign the patrol on with SurfCom as an Inclement weather patrol. An entry must then be made immediately in the Patrol Log recording the time of change of status.

Unless both of those matters (notifying SurfCom and recording the time in the Patrol Log) have been attended to, Henley may leave itself open to a breach of its Patrol Agreement.

A patrol must not use the ‘Inclement’ patrol option as a method of signing on when the club does not have a full patrol in attendance, in these cases patrols should sign on as a ‘Surveillance’ patrol only until a full patrol contingent is available.

Surveillance Patrol is NOT required at the end of the day for Clubs conducting inclement Patrols AT THAT TIME.

If the patrol reverts to an Inclement weather patrol the following consequences follow:

1. Two (2) Bronze Medallion award holders must observe the beach at all times during the patrol hours, one being an experienced person. Henley is still required to meet its minimum patrol obligation numbers as stated for full patrol, the only variable being that for Inclement weather patrols other members can be deployed to other activities in and around the Club, however must be readily available at all times.
2. Warm outer clothing may be worn by patrolling members. Members should preferably wear Club tracksuits or a red and yellow tracksuit. No zip up pants / trousers are to be worn. Obviously the Association standard red and yellow quartered patrol cap, and Club or red bathers should be worn by all patrolling members.
3. A rescue board, rescue tube and patrol flags (unless on open beach system) must be left on the beach to deal with any situation that may arise. In addition, IRB should be available, if possible. Many rescues using power craft occur as a result of a change in weather patterns.
4. Obviously when damage may result to equipment (e.g. during high winds), then common sense should prevail and equipment should be left in an accessible position.
5. There shall be a first aid kit, resuscitation unit, and a radio in close proximity to the members responsible for observing the beach.

SURVEILLANCE PATROLS

Surveillance Patrols are conducted under the same guidelines as ‘Inclement’ weather patrols and as detailed above.  The exception to this is that Surveillance Patrols are only conducted at times specified within the agreement or outside the times specifically detailed as full patrol operations.

PATROL LOG

~ All lifesavers must personally sign the Patrol Log Book, indicating commencement and completion time of patrol.

~ Inform SurfCom of an serious/major incident and/or resuscitation event or change in patrol status.

~ Log all details of all incidents in the Patrol Log Book.

~ Complete a Incident Report Form after a major rescue and/or resuscitation.

~ It is the Patrol Captains responsibility to ensure he/she is aware of the location of the Patrol Log and Incident Report Log at all times.

IRB OPERATIONS

The guidelines applying to IRB’s on Patrol is as follows:

Operational – which means that:

~ Boat is correctly inflated

~ Motor has been run in test tank and secured to boat

~ All necessary equipment is stored in boat

~ The boat is at the water’s edge ready for immediate use, or is being used

~ Qualified drivers/crew are signed on and available to drive/crew the boat

Standby – which means that all of the ‘operational’ status has been achieved except item d. In the case of standby the IRB is in a position (either on a trailer or not) to be launched within approximately 5 minutes.

Unavailable – which means that the IRB cannot meet the requirements of either operational or standby status, as detailed above, it is classified as unavailable.

Log all IRB operations in the IRB Log Book.

Conduct training away from designated swimming areas and erect SLSA approved signs during training or patrols.

UNIFORM

The minimum requirements for the national lifesaving patrol uniform are defined as the following:

~ Yellow Patrol Shirt (as supplied by SLSA)

~ Red Patrol Shorts (as supplied by SLSA)

~ Red and Yellow Quartered Patrol Cap (is to be worn on the head and secured under the chin at all times when on patrol)

~ Henley Swimming costume / bathers

~ Wide brimmed hat or peaked patrol cap (as supplied by SLSA)

PATROL METHODS

Between the Flags (Traditional) patrols

Designated by Red and Yellow flags set at the best and safest swimming area

Roving patrols

Used in conjunction with the Between the Flags ‘traditional’ method and pairs of patrol members move back and forth along the beach to all other areas, watching outside the flagged area. The use of ATV for roving patrols is encouraged.

Outpost patrols

Are encouraged when and where needs arise.

Surveillance patrols (minimum of two [2] Bronze Medallion Holders)

Can be activated at the discretion of the Patrol Captain after considering weather conditions and beach patronage, as detailed within the agreement

* SurfCom is to be informed of any change in status to patrols.

AREA OF OPERATION