Actively patrol the water’s edge. It is advisable to have a piece of rescue equipment nearby or on you in case of emergencies.
Avoid undertaking too many duties on the one day, to avoid fatigue and reduced effectiveness.
Ensure you are in a position, both physically and psychologically, to undertake the duties expected of you during the patrol, having regard to the IM SAFE principles.
Follow patrol captain instructions within your limitations and training.
Inform your patrol captain if you are unable or unwilling to perform a task.
Know your patrol area.
Place (and maintain) flags and equipment as close as possible to the water’s edge that can move with tidal changes.
Promote safety first.
Remain vigilant in your surveillance of the patrol area and its surrounds.
Report to the patrol captain on any:
potential hazards for beachgoers that are identified
significant changes in swimmer activities or behaviour
significant changes in the surf or beach conditions
other activities taking place on the beach that may constitute a risk to the safety and wellbeing of members of your team and/or beachgoers.
You must not leave the patrol area unless authorised to do so by your patrol captain.
Responsibilities of the patrol captain
Be in charge of all operations.
Brief team members at the start and end of patrol duty.
Collate reports of equipment faults reported by team members.
Ensure that all relevant information is recorded in the appropriate logs.
Monitor weather forecasts and beach conditions.
Organise the rotation of patrol member responsibilities.
Place rescue equipment ready to access in and around the flagged area.
Provide direction to patrol team members when needed.
Respond appropriately to reports from patrol members.
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