5.1 Lifesaving Vehicles
Purpose
To establish minimum governance, equipment, and compliance requirements for Surf Life Saving vehicles, excluding Side by Side Vehicles (SSVs).
Overview
This SOP applies to motor vehicles utilised for Surf Life Saving operational activities, including patrol operations, emergency response, support operations, and authorised organisational activities.
Operational beach driving procedures and operational deployment requirements are detailed within SOP 8.6 – Beach Vehicle Operations.
Guidelines specific to Side by Side Vehicles (SSVs) are detailed within SOP 5.2 – Side by Side Vehicles (SSVs).
SLS personnel operating vehicles as part of their duties must:
- Hold a current and valid licence appropriate for the vehicle class,
- Hold relevant lifesaving qualifications where applicable,
- Complete any required vehicle inductions or local orientation processes,
- Be authorised by the relevant club, service, or operational authority, and
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, organisational procedures, and local operating requirements.
Drivers of lifesaving vehicles are not exempt from traffic offences, penalties, or legal obligations.
Procedure
Vehicle Compliance and Authorisation
All lifesaving vehicles must:
- Be appropriately registered where required,
- Be maintained in a safe operational condition,
- Comply with applicable legislation and manufacturer requirements,
- Be operated only for approved operational or organisational purposes, and
- Be operated only by authorised personnel.
Any modifications including roll bars, carry racks, storage systems, communications equipment, or warning devices must comply with manufacturer specifications and applicable legislation.
Operational Equipment
Vehicles assigned to patrol or response duties should carry, where reasonably practicable:
- SLS branding or identification,
- First aid equipment,
- AED and oxygen resuscitation equipment,
- Rescue tube and fins,
- Rescue board,
- Radio communications equipment,
- Spinal management equipment,
- Loud hailer or PA system,
- Torch or spotlight,
- Jumper leads,
- Tyre pressure gauge,
- Air compressor, and
- Other operational equipment relevant to the service role.
Vehicle Branding
Permanently branded lifesaving vehicles must only be utilised for approved Surf Life Saving operational or organisational purposes.
Temporary Surf Rescue or Lifeguard identification signage or magnets must only be utilised during authorised operational activities.
All Surf Life Saving branding, identification, and operational equipment must be removed prior to disposal or transfer of ownership.
Amber Warning Lights
Amber warning lights may only be fitted to approved dedicated lifesaving vehicles in accordance with applicable legislation.
Amber warning lights:
- Must be amber/yellow in colour,
- Must comply with applicable state legislation,
- Must not incorporate red or blue emergency lighting, and
- Should only be utilised where increased vehicle visibility is operationally required.
Use of warning lights does not exempt operators from complying with any laws, regulations, or local operating requirements.
Operators are responsible for ensuring warning lights are functioning correctly prior to deployment.
References