8.7 Local By-Laws and Regulation

Purpose

To outline the role of SLS personnel in promoting compliance with local by-laws, regulations, and public safety requirements within patrol operations.

Overview

SLS personnel do not generally possess statutory enforcement powers unless specifically authorised or delegated by the relevant authority.

SLS personnel may provide advice, education, and safety direction to beach users in support of public safety, operational requirements, and applicable local by-laws or regulations.

Where required, matters should be referred to the relevant authority, local government, SAPOL, or the State Operations Centre (SOC).

SLS personnel should not place themselves at risk while attempting to manage public behaviour or enforce compliance. Where conflict, aggression, or unsafe behaviour occurs, assistance should be requested from the appropriate authority.

Procedure

Where appropriate, interactions regarding by-laws, prohibited activities, or unsafe behaviour should follow a graduated approach focused on communication, education, and voluntary compliance.

Advisory Stage

The initial response should focus on communication, education, and voluntary compliance.

Personnel should:

• Identify themselves where appropriate,
• Communicate professionally and respectfully,
• Explain the relevant safety concern, by-law, or restriction,
• Provide clear directions or advice where required, and
• Encourage voluntary compliance.

Warning Stage

Where a person refuses to comply, personnel may:

• Reiterate the safety concern or applicable restriction,
• Advise the person that the matter may be referred to an appropriate authority, and
• Consider escalation through operational or supervisory channels where required.

Reporting Stage

Where necessary, incidents or non-compliance issues should be:

• Reported to the relevant authority, local government, SAPOL, or the State Operations Centre (SOC),
• Documented in accordance with organisational reporting requirements, and
• Escalated where there is an ongoing safety risk or operational concern.

References

• Local Government Act 1999 (SA)
• Relevant council by-laws and local regulations