8.6 Beach Vehicle Operations
Purpose
To outline operational requirements and safety considerations for the use of lifesaving vehicles on beaches and within patrol operations.
Overview
This SOP outlines operational requirements for the use of lifesaving vehicles on beaches during patrol and operational activities.
Vehicle governance requirements including authorised operators, licensing, registrations, inductions, maintenance, and vehicle standards are detailed within:
Lifesaving vehicles operating on beaches must prioritise public safety, minimise environmental impact, and operate at the lowest safe practical speed appropriate to conditions and operational requirements.
Procedure
Operational Beach Driving Requirements
Lifesaving vehicles may only operate on beaches where:
- Operation is permitted by the relevant controlling authority where required,
- Beach conditions safely support vehicle operations,
- Operational access is necessary for lifesaving purposes, and
- Drivers are authorised, inducted, and competent to operate the vehicle.
Vehicles must be operated at the lowest safe practical speed appropriate to the conditions, environment, and operational task.
When operating vehicles on beaches:
- Pedestrians, swimmers, and other beach users always have priority,
- Wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas should be avoided,
- Headlights and hazard lights should be activated while the vehicle is in motion where practicable,
- Seatbelts must be worn,
- Passengers must remain within designated seating positions,
- Vehicles must not be operated within dune systems unless authorised for operational purposes, and
- Operators must comply with all applicable road rules, local by-laws, and operational directions.
Beach Access
Vehicles should only enter and exit beaches using approved access points, ramps, or designated tracks.
Operators should consider:
- Prevailing weather and visibility,
- Tides and changing beach conditions,
- Soft sand, washouts, and unstable surfaces,
- Beach congestion and public activity,
- Wildlife, fishers, and recreational users,
- Erosion risks and environmentally sensitive areas, and
- Safe parking and vehicle recovery considerations.
Beach Driving Considerations
Operators should ensure vehicles are configured appropriately for beach conditions, including tyre pressures, traction requirements, load distribution, and recovery capability.
Reduced tyre pressures may affect braking, steering, and vehicle handling characteristics and should be managed accordingly.
Environmental and Terrain Considerations
Operators should consider:
- Tides and changing beach width,
- Sand consistency and vehicle traction,
- Erosion prone areas,
- Beach congestion and public activity,
- Wildlife and environmental impacts, and
- Recovery limitations in soft or unstable sand.
Vehicle Incidents and Damage
Any vehicle collision, damage, near miss, mechanical failure, or injury occurring during operations must be reported in accordance with organisational reporting requirements and applicable legislation.
Member injuries must be reported to the State Operations Centre (SOC) via the Surf Emergency Response System (13 SURF).
References