---
section_id: Patrol Operations (Emergency)
nav_order: 12
title: 9.1 Emergency Patrol Area Closure and Evacuation
layout: lesson-content
icon: exclamation-triangle
#topics: GitHub; Optional Software
---

## Purpose

To provide operational guidance for emergency patrol area closure and evacuation where unacceptable risks to members or the public are identified.

## Overview

Emergency patrol area closure or evacuation may be required where hazards, environmental conditions, operational limitations, or public safety risks prevent patrol operations from being conducted safely.

This procedure is commonly referred to as “closing a beach”; however, Surf Life Saving services do not legally close beaches. SLS services may close patrol areas, remove patrol flags, withdraw supervised swimming operations, evacuate areas, or advise that swimming is not recommended due to identified hazards or operational risks.

Patrol Captains, Senior Lifeguards, and operational leaders must undertake dynamic risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures to protect members and the public.

This SOP should be read in conjunction with:

- [SOP 8.4 – Conclusion of Patrol Operations](../8-patrol-operations-general/8.4-conclusion-of-patrol-operations.md),
- [SOP 8.9 – Marine Pollution and Environmental Contamination](../8-patrol-operations-general/8.9-marine-pollution-and-environmental-contamination.md), and
- [SOP 8.11 – Adverse Weather and Environmental Conditions](../8-patrol-operations-general/8.11-adverse-weather-and-environmental-conditions.md).

## Procedure

Patrol Captains, Senior Lifeguards, or operational leaders should consider emergency patrol area closure or evacuation where unacceptable or unmanageable risks are identified.

This may include, but is not limited to:

### Dangerous Surf Conditions

- Heavily dumping surf,
- Large or unsafe surf conditions,
- Strong currents or dangerous rips,
- Debris in the surf zone, or
- Rapidly deteriorating surf or weather conditions.

### Marine Life Hazards

- Shark sightings or incidents,
- Excessive marine stingers, or
- Dangerous marine creatures.

### Human or Operational Hazards

- Uncontrolled surf craft activity,
- Powercraft hazards,
- Violent or anti-social behaviour,
- Equipment hazards within swimming areas, or
- Major operational limitations affecting patrol capability.

### Environmental Hazards

- High pollution levels,
- Chemical spills,
- Oil or fuel contamination,
- Harmful algal blooms,
- Biological contamination, or
- Airborne environmental hazards.

### Other Hazards

- Dangerous or unidentified objects,
- Suspicious packages or security threats, or
- Any other hazard presenting an unacceptable risk to public or member safety.

### Emergency Patrol Area Closure and Evacuation

1. Determine whether water users and beach patrons should be evacuated from the patrol area.
2. Activate the emergency evacuation alarm where required.
3. Inform the public:
   1. That patrol operations are being suspended or the patrol area is closed,
   2. That supervised swimming is no longer available, and
   3. The reason for the closure where appropriate.
4. Remove patrol flags and surf craft management signage where applicable.
5. Record the patrol area closure within the Operations App and notify the State Operations Centre (SOC) through approved operational communications channels.
6. Erect “Swimming Not Advised” or other hazard signage where available and appropriate.
7. Continue monitoring the patrol area and identified hazards.
8. Where safe and operationally appropriate, maintain sufficient personnel and rescue capability to support emergency response functions.
9. Maintain an active public safety presence where practicable.
10. Record operational details, hazards, and actions within operational logs or reporting systems.
11. Liaise with emergency services or supporting agencies where required.

### Emergency Evacuation Alarm

- **Emergency evacuation of a patrol area:** Alarm should be sounded continuously until water users have exited the patrol area.
- **All clear / patrol area reopened:** Announcement should be made via PA system or loud hailer where available.

### Closure Periods

Patrol area closure should remain in place until the identified hazard no longer presents an unacceptable risk.

Recommended closure considerations may include:

- Dangerous surf conditions,
- Shark incidents or shark sightings. Refer to [SOP 9.5 – Shark Incidents](../9-patrol-operations-emergency/9.5-shark-incidents.md),
- Chemical, biological, or environmental contamination incidents, and
- Direction or advice from emergency services or relevant authorities.

### Reopening

Once hazards are controlled or risks are assessed as manageable, normal patrol operations may resume under the direction of the Patrol Captain or Senior Lifeguard.

Patrol reopening should be recorded within the Operations App and communicated to the State Operations Centre (SOC).

## References

- [Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual, 35th Edition, Module 10 – Patrol Operations, Closing the Beach](https://members.sls.com.au/members/document_library/1/media/8571)