Patrol equipment used in rescues must be restored to maintain rescue readiness. Make sure all equipment used in rescue operations is recovered, cleaned and maintained as per manufacturer instructions and to organisation standards. For example, ensure that you are following your surf lifesaving club’s SOPs safety and hygiene precautions when cleaning. Refer to any chemical’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or warning instructions and advise the appropriate club personnel when any chemicals expire or need replacing.
Any broken rescue equipment will require:
- an identification tag, or other similar identifier, attached to ensure it is not accidentally used on patrol
- removal from usage until repaired or replaced
- your surf lifesaving club’s gear steward to be notified
- you to follow your surf lifesaving club or service’s maintenance and hazard reporting processes for equipment requiring repair or replacement.