On arrival at patrol, your patrol captain will conduct a preliminary briefing. It may be the case that you are the first team to patrol the beach for the day, or you may be taking over from a team that has patrolled the beach earlier in the day. If a change-over in patrol teams is occurring, it is critical the beach remains effectively supervised by patrolling members during this period.
In either case, it is important you arrive at least 30 minutes before your patrol commences so that you are able to properly participate in this briefing. You should sign on to the patrol using the method designated by your SLS state centre standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The team briefing conducted by your patrol captain will generally include all members of the team working together to identify:
- any new and substitute patrol team members
- what roles individual team members will perform
- how team members will rotate in their roles during the patrol
- how the beach will be effectively supervised and managed by your team
- how you will communicate with each other and beachgoers while on patrol
- what potential hazards to beachgoers and patrol members exist or may arise during the patrol
- any special events or activities (such as Nipper activities, surfing contests, oceans swims, etc.) that are known to be taking place during the day that may influence how you effectively manage the beach
- how gear and equipment will be allocated to key areas of risk
- the risks identified in the initial risk assessment and methods for minimising these risks.