8.7 Enforcement of Local By-Laws/Regulations

Purpose

To provide guidance in relation to the practical enforcement of local by-laws/regulations.

Overview

SLS personnel will only be responsible for enforcement functions when delegated by the relevant authority (local government) under the specifications of the Local Government Act.

Outside of a delegated authority, SLS services may provide advice and guidance to the public regarding by-laws, regulations and prohibitions in order to promote the safety of personnel and the public.

Procedure

The enforcement of regulations will generally follow a systematic progression or escalation of information and warnings. The following outlines a series of stages a Patrol Captain/Lifeguard can work through to promote local regulations:

1. Advisory.
2. Warning.
3. Reporting.

Advisory Stage

The advisory stage can have three sub-stages:

1. Communicate – Establish communication.
2. Inform/Educate – Provide information.
3. Advise – Provide specific advice.

Communicate

• Greet the person.
• Introduce yourself.
• Positive body language.
• Smile.
• Establish a rapport.

Inform/Educate

• Explain that the area is subject to certain rules and regulations.
• Explain that these rules are for the safety and health of all.
• Identify the authority of the regulation – i.e. Local Authority.
• Advise them of the preferred course of action.

Advise

• Advise the person that they would be, or are, in breach of State or local regulations.Reinforce what you would like from them as a preferred course of action.

Warning Stage

Warning

• Advise the person that they may be in breach of the regulation.
• Advise them of your course of action (i.e. advising Council or police).

Reporting Stage

Reporting

• Report offence to the appropriate authority, usually via the State Operations Centre (SOC).
• Record details.