8.4 Conclusion of Patrol Operations

Purpose

To outline best practice procedure for closing a SLS service patrol for the day.

Overview

The conclusion of patrol operations requires effective communication, continued surveillance, and controlled stand-down of personnel and equipment to support a safe transition from supervised to unsupervised beach activity.

Procedure

Conclusion of Patrol Operations

1. Review the Lifesaving Service Agreement (LSA) and determine whether patrol operations should be extended based on prevailing conditions, hazards, or patronage. Refer to SOP 3.6 – Extension of Hours.

2. Notify the State Operations Centre (SOC) of conclusion of patrol operations or extension through the SurfAssist app (formerly Operations App) or other approved communications methods.

3. Advise remaining beach users that patrol operations are concluding and that supervised swimming is ending.

4. Where practicable, utilise public address systems, roving patrols, or in-water personnel to communicate conclusion of patrol operations and identified hazards.

5. Continue active surveillance of the patrol area while patrol equipment is being packed down.

6. Maintain dedicated rescue equipment in a rescue-ready state until patrol operations have fully concluded.

7. Prepare after-hours or call-out response equipment in accordance with local operational arrangements.

8. Conduct a final surveillance sweep of the patrol area prior to leaving the beach.

9. Record and report any operational issues, equipment faults, hazards, or resource deficiencies to relevant personnel.

IRB Rescue Ready Arrangements

At the discretion of the Patrol Captain or Senior Lifeguard, an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) may be removed from the beach no earlier than 30 minutes prior to minimum conclusion of patrol operations time for refuelling, cleaning, maintenance, or rescue-ready preparation activities.

At the discretion of the Patrol Captain, it is permissible to remove an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) from the beach no earlier than 30 minutes before the minimum closing time for maintenance tasks, such as washing, refuelling, and preparing it for after-hours or call-out responses. This process must adhere to the following conditions:

• The IRB driver and crew must remain in radio contact throughout the maintenance process. They must also be present and available until the minimum closing time is reached.

• The IRB, along with its driver and crew, must be kept in a rescue-ready status, ensuring a swift response if needed. For example, the IRB should be attached to a SSV or in a similarly accessible location.

Refer to SOP 3.12 – Rescue Ready for minimum rescue readiness requirements.

References

• Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual, 35th Edition, Module 10 – Patrol Operations, Concluding Patrol Operations