2.5 Surf and Weather Warnings
Purpose
To outline parameters for the dissemination of Hazardous Surf Warnings, Severe Weather Warnings and Damaging Surf warnings to internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
Release of surf or weather warnings and operational information must be undertaken by authorised State/Club personnel only.
Procedure
Definition: Any of above warnings must be deemed as any ‘release’ of a warning to the media/public other services regarding forecast high- risk surf/weather conditions.
The surf and weather warning system is administered by the State Operations Centre (SOC).
Media
SLSSA are responsible for disseminating surf and weather warning information to the media via a Media Advisory as required. SLSCs authorised by the State Operations Centre, in consultation with the Lifesaving & Emergency Operations Manager and/or Media and Partnerships Manager, may in addition to that ‘release’ provide local/regional advice and information to the media.
SLSCs and services must not release surf and weather warnings to the media without SLSSA approval.
Surf and Weather Warnings Protocol (General)
The following protocols are in place to best identify and provide warnings:
- The Bureau of Meteorology forecasters identify potentially dangerous surf situations 48-24hrs prior,
- The State Operations Centre reviews the warning requirements, and
- The State Operations Centre releases a briefing to internal stakeholders as required.
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.