The coastal environment is highly dynamic, with constant changes to beaches, sandbanks, waves, winds and currents. While on patrol, you should regularly monitor hazardous surf conditions that increase the risk to the public. For example, falling tides may increase the speed of rip currents, a wind change may see more stingers washing ashore, or a long swell period may signal danger for unwary rock fishermen. The ability to forecast, translate and prepare for changing environmental conditions is a valuable skill.
Rip currents are a particularly significant hazard since they are the cause of the majority of rescues and coastal drownings each year in Australia[10]. Learning how to identify rip currents, ascertain their flow behaviour, manage public interaction with them and use them to assist you are vital lifesaving skills.
As a lifesaver, you will need to develop the key skill of reading the surf conditions, which change in a very short period of time due to changing tides and weather conditions. For your safety and that of your team, you should always spend time looking and reviewing the conditions before entering the water.