Lifesavers may sometimes be required to take part in organised search and rescue (SAR) operations during patrol or while off duty. In some situations, they may be asked to assist in searches in unfamiliar areas away from their local surf lifesaving club or lifeguard base. An organised search may be conducted for a missing person, or group of people, either at sea or on land.
If you are the lifesaver who is first notified of a missing person, your responsibility is to:
- alert the patrol captain
- obtain as much information as possible from the informant about the missing person
- keep the informant with you at all times.
The following questions should be asked of the informant:
- a general description of the missing person, including their age, height, gender, complexion, clothing, etc
- the last known location of the missing person
- the last known time the missing person was seen
- the missing person’s swimming ability (if known)
- what areas or locations have been searched already
- what areas or locations the person might go to, e.g., car, home, local shops
- whether the missing person has any known medical conditions or special needs
- whether the missing person was or could be with any other persons.
Once your patrol captain is informed of the situation and missing person details, you are likely to become a member of the SAR team. Always follow the directions of the patrol captain or the individual appointed to control the search.
If the missing person is still not found after an initial search, the police should be alerted immediately.