Side-by-side vehicles
You may have access to side-by-side vehicles (SSVs). Only appropriately qualified and licensed personnel should drive these vehicles. There may be local laws governing the use of SSVs on the beach, e.g., speed limits that must be adhered to.
Although some SSVs may allow for safe transportation of victims, it should be remembered that it is not the vehicle’s primary intended purpose. It is only permissible for a victim to be transported using an SSV under extreme circumstances where a victim is in an isolated area. This must be determined by a paramedic or the patrol captain to be safe and the most appropriate method for transportation.
Helicopters
Where there is a possibility that a surf lifesaving club will have access to a rescue helicopter, the club should be able to establish a clear square 40 m by 40 m emergency area, preferably extending back from the water’s edge, that can serve as a safe helicopter landing zone.
The patrol captain will instruct team members to mark each corner of the square emergency area with signal flags, to stand outside the landing area, as well as to keep it clear and secure. Nobody should enter the landing area for any reason during take-off or landing, while the rotor blades are turning, or while the pilot is in the pilot seat.
The downwash from the helicopter may cause sand, grit and objects to fly around, both on the beach and in the water. Advise beachgoers and remind other SLS members to stay safe by:
- avoiding the helicopter unless directed by a patrol captain or incident controller under the guidance of the pilot
- holding equipment horizontally below the waist, e.g., rescue tubes
- securing possessions, hats, umbrellas and any other loose items so they don’t fly away
- shielding their eyes and closing their mouths
- turning away from the helicopter during take-off and landing.
If you are in the water as a helicopter approaches, stay on the surface of the water to make sure the pilot is able to see you.
Remotely piloted aircraft
Some states have introduced the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as ‘drones’ or ‘unmanned aerial vehicles’ (UAVs) to assist in beach surveillance and search and rescue operations.
The use of RPAs by SLS members is subject to the holding of the relevant qualification endorsed by their SLS state centre, and compliance with all relevant Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
While the use of RPAs may be undertaken privately, permission is required from your SLS state centre for any use aligned with SLS purposes in order to ensure all SLS, government and CASA requirements and laws are complied with.
Members should consult their own SLS state centre and their SOPs for more information.