10.1 Reduced Visibility Operations
Purpose
To provide operational guidance for SLSSA activities conducted during periods of reduced visibility or low-light conditions.
Definitions
Reduced visibility is when SLS personnel cannot clearly see a distance of 100m ahead due to unfavourable conditions, such as failing light, sun glare, rain and/or fog.
Sunset is defined as the disappearance of the Sun below the horizon of the Earth.
Civil twilight is the period when the sky is light, even though the sun is just below the horizon. It occurs twice daily: in the morning before the sun rises (dawn) and in the evening after the sun sets (dusk). During this time, there is enough natural light to see clearly without artificial lighting. For SLSSA purposes, civil twilight concludes 15 minutes after sunset.
Overview
In conditions of reduced visibility, it becomes more difficult to accurately assess hazards, locate individuals in distress, and navigate safely. This can lead to delayed response times, decreased effectiveness of rescue efforts, and a higher likelihood of accidents or injuries to both the public and lifesaving personnel.
SLSSA activities and operations should not occur during periods of reduced visibility unless appropriate risk controls, approvals, training, and operational capability are in place.
Routine SLS water-based activities should conclude no later than 45 minutes prior to sunset unless responding to an emergency situation at the direction of a Duty Officer or the State Operations Centre (SOC).
When visibility changes due to adverse weather conditions, the Patrol Captain must adjust patrol activities to prioritise member safety, making the necessary modifications to operations as needed.
SLSCs are not permitted to independently conduct reduced visibility or night water operations unless specifically authorised, trained, equipped, and operating under approved SLSSA operational arrangements.
Approved reduced visibility operational capability may include the Duty Officer Team, Jet Rescue Boat (JRB) Service, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Service, State Operations Centre (SOC), and other specifically authorised resources.
Procedure
Operational Restrictions
SLSSA members should be clear of the water 45 minutes prior to sunset unless operating under approved reduced visibility or emergency response arrangements.
SLS personnel and assets may be tasked to perform search and rescue operations during reduced visibility conditions where appropriate training, equipment, approvals, and operational controls are in place.
On-water night operations in surf conditions may only be conducted in the lead up to sunset and up to one hour following sunset, unless otherwise authorised under approved operational arrangements.
Any vessel, powered or unpowered, operating on the water after sunset must comply with the requirements for displaying lights as detailed in the South Australian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.
Reduced Visibility Water Operations
Reduced visibility water operations must only be undertaken by pre-identified, trained, and appropriately resourced personnel or services.
Reduced visibility water operations should consider:
- Prevailing weather, surf, and visibility conditions,
- Available light and expected sunset or twilight timing,
- Personnel qualifications and experience,
- Vessel lighting and navigation requirements,
- Communications capability,
- Rescue equipment availability,
- Search area size and complexity,
- Fatigue and welfare considerations,
- Emergency service tasking or direction, and
- Whether the operational risk remains acceptable.
Low-Light and Night IRB Operations
Low-light or night IRB operations may be conducted on enclosed or flat water at any time where:
- An appropriate risk assessment has been completed,
- Approval has been granted through the State Operations Centre,
- Sufficient navigation and safety equipment is available,
- Communications capability is maintained, and
- Personnel are appropriately trained and equipped for the task.
IRBs must not be used for independent reduced visibility operations outside approved operational arrangements.
Jet Rescue Boat, Duty Officer, SOC and RPAS Operations
Jet Rescue Boats currently provide SLSSA’s primary offshore reduced visibility water response capability.
The Duty Officer Team, State Operations Centre, RPAS Service, and other authorised land-based responders may support reduced visibility operations where trained, equipped, and tasked through approved operational arrangements.
Land-Based Operations
Land-based searches between sunset and sunrise should be conducted under the instruction and direction of the appropriate control agency, such as police, where it is safe to do so.
Lifesaving services must ensure personnel have appropriate safety equipment, protective equipment, communications capability, and task briefing for the operational environment.
Members should hold the Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) award where possible.
Operational Safety Considerations
Operational leaders should consider:
- Reduced situational awareness,
- Increased risk of slips, trips, falls, and disorientation,
- Limited ability to identify hazards or persons in difficulty,
- Fatigue and cold exposure,
- Communications limitations,
- Lighting and visibility aids,
- Buddy systems or team accountability,
- GPS or location tracking where available, and
- Crew rotation and welfare requirements during prolonged operations.
References