Between the flags method
This is the most commonly used patrolling method. It requires setting the red and yellow flags in a location that provides for maximum safety to swimmers. This will take into consideration:
- prevailing surf conditions
- accessibility
- beach usage
- ensuring swimmers and boardriders are each allocated separate zones on the beach so that they do not impede or present a risk to the safety of one another.
Equipment will be placed near the flags ready for use.
Roving method
Roving patrols are used in conjunction with the ‘between the flags’ method. They can be undertaken by a minimum of two lifesavers or as per your local SOPs. As well as setting and monitoring the flagged area, additional team members are allocated to walk back and forth along the beach, watching outside the flagged area. Side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) or IRBs can also assist with a roving patrol. This allows greater coverage of the beach outside of your designated patrol area.
In 2017-18, almost one-third of all drowning deaths in Australia occurred within 1km of the nearest lifesaving service[22]. The area covered by roving patrols will be directed by your patrol captain as per your local SOPs and/or LSA.
The minimum equipment to be carried by lifesavers on a roving patrol includes:
- a radio
- a rescue tube (with swim fins where available)
- personal protective equipment in a waistbag with a note pad and pen.
Outpost method
This method also works in conjunction with the ‘between the flags’ method. As well as setting and monitoring the flagged area, additional lifesavers can set up a patrol at areas that are outside the red and yellow flags. This outpost method usually does not include the actual setting up of a flagged area.
In other cases, an outpost patrol may be established outside of the flags when a large group of swimmers are identified outside your primary supervision zone and your patrol team has enough members to dispatch additional lifesavers to that location for a brief period.
Open beach method
In some locations, there may be only a tower or a series of towers with overlapping supervision zones, and no flags. The tower is a point of reference for members of the public wishing to access the services of lifesavers or lifeguards. Open beach observation is best accompanied with a roving patrol.
Stand-by method (surveillance method)
This method involves the minimum number of lifesavers or lifeguards monitoring the public during periods of very low activity, e.g., in the early mornings, late afternoons or bad weather. Refer to your SLS state centre SOPs for the minimum number of lifesavers and what SLS award holders are required to be on patrol duty.