You should record your rostered patrol dates in your calendar as soon as they become available. If you are unable to attend your rostered patrol, you should advise your patrol captain and find a substitute as far in advance as possible for your patrol. The ‘patrol captain’ is referred to as the ‘senior lifeguard’ for lifeguards.
You are required to arrive early to help your patrol team to set up the patrol area and be ready to respond to any incidents that may arise during your allocated patrol. It is important that:
- a risk assessment is conducted so the safe patrolling location is identified for swimmers
- the necessary number of suitably qualified team members are ready to patrol
- the appropriate gear and equipment are available and ‘rescue ready’.