8.1.1 Patrol Captain Responsibilities

Purpose

To define the operational responsibilities and expectations of Patrol Captains during patrol operations.

Overview

The Patrol Captain is responsible for the overall coordination, supervision, and management of patrol operations. Patrol Captains are expected to provide leadership, maintain operational oversight, support member welfare, and ensure patrol activities are conducted safely and effectively.

Patrol Captains should demonstrate sound operational judgement, effective communication skills, and a proactive approach to public safety and risk management.

Procedure

Patrol Preparation

Prior to a patrol shift, the Patrol Captain should:

  1. Ensure sufficient patrolling members are available for the upcoming patrol shift.
  2. Ensure minimum award requirements in accordance with the Lifesaving Service Agreement (LSA) are met.
  3. Identify any operational limitations or resource deficiencies that may impact patrol operations.
  4. Encourage members to organise shift swaps with sufficient notice where required.
  5. Review any operational notices, hazards, or relevant information prior to patrol commencement.

Commencement of Patrol

At the commencement of patrol operations, the Patrol Captain must:

  1. Conduct a Surf Risk Rating (SRR) using the SLSA Operations App.
  2. Determine the safest practical location for the flagged patrol area.
  3. Ensure patrol equipment is operational and appropriately positioned.
  4. Ensure operational radios are functional and monitored in accordance with Communications SOPs.
  5. Conduct a patrol briefing in accordance with SOP 8.3 – Patrol Briefings.
  6. Allocate patrol roles, surveillance areas, and operational responsibilities.
  7. Ensure members understand emergency response procedures and escalation pathways.
  8. Sign on using the Operations App and complete any required communications checks with the State Operations Centre (SOC).
  9. Review previous patrol logs, hazards, and operational notes where applicable.

Patrol Management

During patrol operations, the Patrol Captain must:

  1. Maintain oversight of patrol operations and public safety activities.
  2. Ensure the patrol area remains under effective surveillance.
  3. Rotate personnel regularly to minimise fatigue and maintain operational effectiveness.
  4. Ensure preventative actions are undertaken proactively.
  5. Monitor environmental, operational, and public safety risks.
  6. Ensure members comply with operational procedures, safety requirements, and patrol expectations.
  7. Maintain communication with the State Operations Centre (SOC) where required.
  8. Coordinate responses to incidents, rescues, emergencies, or patrol escalations.
  9. Ensure operational records, logs, and incident documentation are completed appropriately.
  10. Ensure members have access to hydration, PPE, and appropriate welfare support during patrol operations.
  11. Ensure members operate in a professional and respectful manner when interacting with the public.

Incident Management

Where an incident occurs, the Patrol Captain should:

  1. Coordinate the initial operational response until relieved or supported by additional resources.
  2. Allocate personnel and equipment appropriately.
  3. Maintain situational awareness and operational oversight.
  4. Escalate incidents to the State Operations Centre (SOC) where required.
  5. Consider requesting additional resources where operationally appropriate.
  6. Ensure member safety remains a priority during all incident operations.

Conclusion of Patrol

At the conclusion of patrol operations, the Patrol Captain must:

  1. Conduct a patrol debrief in accordance with SOP 8.3 – Patrol Briefings.
  2. Ensure patrol equipment is checked, secured, and returned appropriately.
  3. Ensure operational issues, hazards, equipment faults, or incidents are recorded and reported.
  4. Ensure the patrol is signed off using the Operations App.
  5. Ensure any relevant operational handover information is communicated where required.

References

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.

8.1 Beach Management Principles 8.1.2 Senior Lifeguard Responsibilities