3.12 Rescue Ready

Purpose

To define the minimum state of readiness required to ensure SLS personnel can respond immediately and effectively to incidents.

Overview

All SLS operations must maintain a Rescue Ready state.

Rescue Ready means that personnel, equipment, and systems are prepared and positioned to enable an immediate response to an incident without delay.

Failure to maintain Rescue Ready may result in reduced service capability and requires immediate action.

Procedure

Definition of Rescue Ready

A service is considered Rescue Ready when:

• The Emergency Response Team (ERT) or service call out list requirements are met
• Critical rescue equipment is available, functional, and accessible
• Communication systems are operational
• The club or service can initiate a response without delay

Minimum Requirements

Rescue Equipment

All primary rescue equipment must be:

• Present
• Functional
• Immediately accessible
• Positioned for rapid deployment

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Rescue tubes
• Rescue boards
• First aid equipment (including oxygen and AED where applicable)
• Communication equipment (radios)

Rescue tubes and boards must not be stored in a way that delays deployment. Ideally, these items should be placed in racks closest to the door.

Rescue Ready IRB

Where an IRB is part of the service, it must be:

• Inflated and maintained to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure
• Fully fuelled or with sufficient fuel for immediate tasking (stored in a nearby fuel cabinet is acceptable)
• Equipped with all required safety and operational equipment
• Positioned for immediate deployment

The IRB should be stored on a trailer and positioned so that deployment can occur without delay. Avoid storing the IRB behind other equipment not related to its deployment.

The IRB motor should be:

• Attached and supported to avoid unnecessary load on the transom where practical, or
• Otherwise immediately available for rapid attachment and deployment, such as on a nearby motor stand

Communication

• Radios must be available at all times
• The service must be able to communicate with the State Operations Centre (SOC) immediately

Loss of Rescue Ready Status

A service is not Rescue Ready if:

• ERT requirements are not met
• Critical equipment is missing, unserviceable, or inaccessible
• Communication systems are unavailable
• Environmental or operational conditions prevent safe response

Actions When Not Rescue Ready

Where Rescue Ready cannot be maintained:

• Immediate action must be taken to restore readiness
• The State Operations Centre (SOC) must be advised if service capability is reduced

Operational Considerations

• Rescue Ready must be maintained at all times
• Temporary loss of readiness (e.g. during active response) must be managed by adjusting service capability
• Services operating with reduced staffing must adjust their operating model to maintain Rescue Ready

References

• SOP 3.3 – Surf Club Patrol Requirements
• SOP 3.5 – Personnel and Equipment Shortages
• SOP 12.1 – State Operations Centre (SOC)