17.1 Glossary

AED - Automated External Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillator - A portable device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest through electric shocks.

Aerial Services - Services involving aircraft, such as helicopters, used in surf life saving operations.

Aircraft Crash - Response procedures for incidents involving aircraft crashes.

ANI - Automatic Number Identification (Radio Network)

Beachsafe - A platform providing beach safety information, including surf conditions and hazards.

Body Recovery - The process of retrieving deceased persons from water or accident scenes.

Call Signs - Unique identifiers used during radio communications.

Coastal Fire - Actions to take in the event of a fire along the coast.

Coastal Flooding - Inundation of coastal areas due to extreme weather conditions or high tides.

Communications Security - Measures taken to protect the integrity and confidentiality of communications.

Contact Information for Members of the Public - Details on how to reach surf life saving personnel.

Creeping Line Search Pattern - A search pattern where teams move parallel to each other, covering an area incrementally.

Critical Incident Debriefing - A structured review conducted after a critical incident to assess response and impact.

Critical Incidents - Major emergencies that require immediate and coordinated response.

Emergency Patrol Area Closure and Evacuation - Procedures for closing and evacuating a beach area during an emergency.

Enforcement of Local By-Laws/Regulations - Actions taken to ensure compliance with local beach rules and regulations.

Enforcement of Local By-Laws/Regulations - Ensuring compliance with local regulations on the beach.

ERB - Emergency Response Beacon

ERT – Emergency Response Team (“Call Out Team”)

Expanding Square Search Pattern - A search method that expands outward from a central point to cover a designated area.

Extension of Hours - Procedures for extending patrol hours in response to increased demand.

First Aid Equipment - Supplies and tools used to provide initial medical care.

First Aid Equipment - Supplies used for providing initial medical assistance.

Gear and Equipment Inspections - Regular checks to ensure gear and equipment are in proper working condition.

GPS - Global Positioning System

HAZCHEM - A system for identifying and managing hazardous chemicals.

Heimlich Manoeuvre - A technique used to help clear an airway obstruction.

Helicopter Landing Site - Designated areas for

IRB - Inflatable Rescue Boat

IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) - A type of boat used in surf life saving for rescues and patrols.

JRB - Jet Rescue Boat

Lifesaving Service Agreements (LSA) - Contracts outlining the terms and expectations of lifesaving services.

Lifesaving Service Requirements (Minimum) - Basic standards required for lifesaving services.

Lightning - Procedures for responding to lightning storms.

Local Prowords - Standardised words used in radio communications for clarity.

LSA - Lifesaving Service Agreement

Maintaining Lifesaving Service Standards - Procedures for ensuring ongoing adherence to lifesaving standards.

Marine Mammals - Animals such as dolphins and seals that live in the ocean and may be encountered during patrols.

Marine Pollution - Contamination of the marine environment that may affect beach operations.

Member Statements - Reports provided by members regarding incidents or observations.

Member Welfare - Critical Incidents - Support provided to members involved in critical incidents.

Member Welfare - Support mechanisms for surf life saving personnel.

Methoxyflurane - A type of analgesic used for pain relief in emergency situations.

NFAR - No Further Action Required

Nipper Activities - Junior surf life saving programs for children.

Nipper Activities and Patrols - Integration of junior activities with regular patrols.

Operating Gear and Equipment - The tools and devices used in surf life saving operations.

Over Water Helicopter Interaction - Procedures for managing interactions between helicopters and water.

Oxygen Resuscitation Equipment - Equipment used to provide oxygen to individuals who are not breathing properly.

Parallel Line Search Pattern - A search method where teams move in parallel lines to cover an area systematically.

Patrol Briefings - Meetings held to provide updates and instructions to patrol members.

Patrol Operations (Emergency) - Procedures and actions to be taken during emergency patrol situations.

Patrol Operations (General) - Procedures and actions for routine beach patrol operations.

Patrol Operations Manual - A document providing detailed procedures for beach patrol operations at the local level.

Patrol/Service Reviews - Evaluations of patrol and service effectiveness.

Personnel and Equipment Shortages - Handling shortages of staff and equipment during operations.

PFD - Personal Floatation Device (Lifejacket)

PLB - Personal Locator Beacon

POB - Person On Board

POI - Person Of Interest

POM - Patrol Operations Manual

Post Incident - Procedures and actions to be taken after an incident has occurred.

Post Incident Media Handling - Guidelines for communicating with the media after an incident.

PSAR (35) - Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Manual (35th Edition)

PSS - Public Safety Standard

Public Order Incident - Situations involving disturbances or conflicts among the public.

Public Rescue Equipment - Equipment available for use by the public in emergency situations.

Public Rescue Equipment (To be issued) - Guidelines for equipment available for public use.

PWC - Personal Water Craft – usually referring to private jet skis.

Radio Communications - The use of radios to communicate during operations.

Radio Equipment Specifications - Technical details and requirements for radio equipment.

Radio Features - Functional aspects of radio equipment, such as transmit and receive capabilities.

Radio Network Fault Reporting - Procedures for reporting faults or issues with radio networks.

Reduced Visibility Operations - Procedures and safety measures for operating in low visibility conditions.

Reduced Visibility Operations - Specific protocols for operating in conditions of poor visibility.

Rescue Vessel Launching and Beaching Zones - Designated areas for launching and beaching rescue vessels.

Rescue Vessel Regulations/Exemptions - Rules and exceptions related to the operation of rescue vessels.

Risk vs Gain - Evaluation of the potential benefits versus risks in a search and rescue operation.

RPAS - Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS)

RPAS Operations (Drones) - Guidelines for operating remotely piloted aircraft systems.

RWC - Rescue Water Craft

SAR - Search and Rescue

SAREX - Search and Rescue Exercise. Activities conducted to locate and assist individuals in distress.

SMEACS (Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Logistics, Communications, Safety) - A structured briefing format used during SAR operations.

Search and Rescue Responsibilities - Duties and roles assigned during SAR operations.

SERS - Surf Emergency Response System (13 SURF)

Shark Incidents - Events involving sharks that require specific response procedures.

Shark Sighting Report (SSR) – Shark sighting report made to SLS

Sharps - Medical or other tools with sharp edges or points, such as needles, requiring careful handling.

SLSA - Surf Life Saving Australia (National)

SLSA Equipment Policies - Guidelines for the use and maintenance of surf life saving equipment.

SLSSA - Surf Life Saving South Australia (State)

SMEACS - Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, Command and Control, and Safety

Social Media - Online platforms used to share information and updates.

Social Media Policies - Guidelines for using social media in relation to surf life saving activities.

SOP - Standard Operating Procedures

SSV - Side-by-Side (All-Terrain Vehicle)

State Operations Centre (SOC) (Call sign SurfCom) - The central hub for managing and coordinating SLS operations.

Surf and Weather Warnings - Alerts regarding surf conditions and weather that affect beach safety.

Surf Club Emergency Response Teams (ERT) - Teams within surf clubs trained to respond to emergencies.

Surf Club Patrol Requirements - Minimum standards and requirements for surf club patrols.

Surf Club Patrol Requirements - Standards for surf club patrols to ensure effective beach coverage.

Surf Emergency Response System (SERS) (13 SURF) - A system for managing surf life saving emergency responses.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) - The national body overseeing surf life saving activities across Australia..

Surf Life Saving SA (SLSSA) - The organization responsible for surf life saving operations in South Australia.

Surf Life Saving SA Mission - The goals and objectives of Surf Life Saving SA.

Surf Rescue Vessels - Boats specifically designed for surf rescue operations.

Tsunami Warning - Alerts issued in response to potential tsunami threats.

UAV - Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (this term appears in the Operations App but is not used by SA)

Underwater Search and Rescue - Operations conducted to locate and rescue individuals underwater.

Water Safety Flags - Flags used to indicate beach conditions and safety information.

Water Safety Signage - Signs providing information about water safety and hazards.

WHS - Work Health and Safety

Work Health and Safety (WHS) - Procedures and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

Zone Emergency Management Committee (ZEMC) – Comprised of Local and State Government and emergency management staff. These committees have a risk assurance role and provide regional leadership in emergency management in their Zones.

Zone Emergency Support Team (ZEST) – Operational group of stakeholders established by Control Agency to support the Incident Management Team (IMT).

Zones and Channels - Specific areas and frequencies used for radio communications.


This document must not be displayed, including in a patrol room, or reproduced in any form, without permission from the Lifesaving Department, Surf Life Saving SA.