Lifesavers rarely work alone. To maximise the efficiency of your team, you should:
- be aware of your limitations
- be aware of who the patrol captain is for the patrol, e.g., patrol captain or senior lifeguard
- be ready to assist other patrol members if called upon to do so
- communicate effectively, and be supportive of your team members
- encourage participation from all members, e.g., listen and ask relevant questions where clarification is required
- have a clearly defined purpose and established goals, e.g., how will the beach be supervised?
- have lifesavers and lifeguards working together when both services are patrolling the beach at the same time
- identify and carry out tasks that need to be done, subject to your patrol captain’s directions, e.g., who performs what roles?
- include all members in group activities
- make new and substitute team members feel welcome
- speak up if you see or hear something that warrants your team members’ attention
- use time efficiently, e.g., when will roles be swapped?
Note: It is important that your team conducts scenario-based training together, whether during or outside of your rostered patrols. This will ensure you are all confident in each other’s skills and abilities and have shared experience in carrying out rescues and emergency care treatments working together as a team.