Operating a Rescue Water Craft (RWC) requires strict adherence to health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of Operators, patients, and the public. Compliance with local legislation, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) policy, and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is essential in maintaining high safety standards during rescue operations.
RWC are a high-profile craft due to their size, weight, and speed compared to other craft when operating. A near miss by an RWC could be potentially traumatic for other beach users therefore, care must be taken when operating an RWC to ensure the safety of the Operator and others.
All SLS members have a shared duty of care under Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others, as is reasonably practicable.
Operators must be fully trained and competent in the use of the RWC, with a thorough understanding of all applicable regulations. This includes the safe operation of the craft, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and awareness of potential hazards in both water and rescue environments.
The guidelines outlined in this manual are designed to promote best practices and ensure compliance with the following:
- Health and safety legislation.
- SLSA policies that set national standards for surf lifesaving operations.
- Local SOPs tailored to specific conditions and operational needs within your area of responsibility.
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act 2011) and corresponding state legislation requires that organisations protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers (including volunteers) and other people in the workplace. It defines health to mean both physical and psychological health. The WHS Act 2011 also requires that all people are protected from hazards arising from work, so much as is reasonably practicable. State and territory WHS regulators can impose penalties when organisations or individuals do not comply with this law.
Powercraft Code of Conduct
Download a copy of the Powercraft Code of Conduct
SAFETY
Ensure the safety of yourself, your crew and the public. Regularly assess risk while operating powercraft and promote safety at every opportunity.
LIMITATIONS
Understand the limitations of your craft and crew in different conditions. Always aim to maintain a high level of competency.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Follow regulatory, and organisational operating procedures in the relevant policies, procedures and SLS training manuals.
CRAFT
Your craft is highly visible. Always demonstrate a culture of safety and respect the rights of others in the water.
Duty of Care
Australian WHS legislation requires organisations such as SLSA and its entities to offer a duty of care to ensure, so much as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of people who carry out activities in the workplace. More specifically, duty of care responsibilities are outlined in the duty statements.
Currency
It is also important that all RWC Operators keep up to date with their State/Territory regulations and any other requirements. Ensuring that you regularly operate an RWC, in addition to annual Skills Maintenance sessions, will assist RWC Operators to remain current in their required skills.
RWC Training
When commencing training for an award, it is recommended to start in low-risk surf conditions before building skills and confidence in higher-risk surf conductions. It is important to gain experience in a range of conditions and maintain that experience.