8.1.3 Patrol Team Responsibilities

Purpose

To define the operational responsibilities and expectations of SLS personnel operating as part of a patrol team.

Overview

Patrol team members play a critical role in the delivery of safe and effective lifesaving services. SLS personnel are expected to operate professionally, maintain situational awareness, follow operational directions, and contribute positively to patrol operations and public safety outcomes.

All SLS personnel operating within a patrol team remain under the operational direction of the Patrol Captain, Senior Lifeguard, or delegated supervisor.

Procedure

Attendance and Availability

Prior to a patrol shift, patrol team members should:

1. Advise the Patrol Captain, Senior Lifeguard, or relevant supervisor if they are unable to attend a patrol shift.
2. Arrange suitable patrol swaps where required in accordance with local service requirements.
3. Provide sufficient notice where possible to support operational planning.
4. Ensure qualifications and proficiencies required for patrol operations remain current.

Patrol Operations

During patrol operations, SLS personnel must:

1. Follow lawful operational directions provided by the Patrol Captain, Senior Lifeguard, or delegated supervisor.
2. Maintain active surveillance of the patrol area and surrounding environment.
3. Undertake preventative actions to support public safety.
4. Conduct patrol duties, surveillance tasks, and operational rotations as allocated.
5. Encourage members of the public to swim between the red and yellow flags.
6. Warn members of the public about hazards or unsafe activities where appropriate.
7. Assist with the setup, operation, and pack down of patrol infrastructure and equipment.
8. Ensure rescue equipment is operational and immediately available where required.
9. Carry rescue equipment when undertaking water’s edge patrols where operationally appropriate.
10. Maintain communication capability when operating away from the primary patrol area.
11. Notify the Patrol Captain or supervisor before leaving the patrol area unless responding to an emergency.

Professional Standards

SLS personnel must:

1. Wear the approved patrol uniform during patrol operations.
2. Maintain professional, respectful, and courteous behaviour when interacting with the public and other personnel.
3. Use personal devices only where operationally appropriate and not in a manner that distracts from surveillance or operational responsibilities.
4. Operate in accordance with SLSSA procedures, safety requirements, and operational expectations.
5. Present themselves in a manner consistent with the professional expectations of SLSSA.

Safety and Welfare

SLS personnel must:

1. Maintain hydration and manage fatigue during patrol operations.
2. Utilise appropriate PPE and safety equipment where required.
3. Practice appropriate sun safety measures.
4. Advise the Patrol Captain or supervisor if they are injured, unwell, fatigued, or otherwise unable to safely perform operational duties.
5. Report operational hazards, damaged equipment, incidents, or safety concerns as soon as reasonably practicable.

Incident Operations

Where an incident occurs, SLS personnel must:

1. Respond in accordance with their qualifications, training, and operational directions.
2. Maintain situational awareness and operate safely.
3. Follow directions provided by the Patrol Captain, Senior Lifeguard, Incident Controller, or delegated supervisor.
4. Prioritise personal safety and the safety of other personnel during operational activities.
5. Assist with operational support functions where directed.

References

• SOP 8.1 – Beach Management Principles
• SOP 8.1.1 – Patrol Captain Responsibilities
• SOP 8.1.2 – Senior Lifeguard Responsibilities
• Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual, 35th Edition, Module 10 – Patrol Operations