When you are on duty in or on the water, you should regularly check the shore to see if you are being signalled.
All signals should be clearly demonstrated, and the message understood before proceeding.
Assistance required
One arm waved to and fro above the head. Used at any point in time to indicate that assistance is required while performing a rescue, e.g., when unsafe to return to shore, to lift a heavy victim.
Beachgoers may raise one arm if they need help.
Shore signal received and understood
One arm held vertically above the head, then cut away sharply to the side.
Emergency evacuation alarm
Both arms held vertically above the head.
Submerged victim missing
Both arms raised to form a cross above the head. Used to indicate that a swimmer is missing and presumed submerged. This may mark the last known location of missing swimmers.
All clear/OK
Touch the middle of the head with the fingertips of one hand. Used to indicate that no help is required in performing the rescue.
Powercraft wishes to return to shore
One arm raised up and down from horizontal to 45 degrees above the horizontal, in a waving motion. You must acknowledge the signal, clear a path for the return to shore and signal to show the path to be taken by the powercraft. This should be the path that leads to your position on the beach. Whenever a powercraft is returning to shore with a victim, it is important that you are waiting at the water’s edge to receive the victim.
