Surf Life Saving Australia

8. Emergency Procedures

During RWC emergencies or troubleshooting, good communication is vital. It is essential that the RWC Operator and RWC Crewperson, if applicable, communicate with each other and where appropriate notify the patrol captain/supporting agency of the situation so that necessary actions can be taken to support the situation.

There are a number of emergencies that an RWC Operator and Crewperson (if applicable) may encounter during the RWC operations. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Excessive cavitation (loss or reduction of propulsion)
  • Fire /disabled craft
  • Operator become separated from the craft
  • Capsized craft

Excessive Cavitation (loss or reduction of propulsion)

If engine power rapidly reduces, or a change in engine pitch or vibration is heard, there are two likely causes:

  • Some type of debris has affected the intake (weed or ingestion of other debris). Typically, ingestion will require the blockage to be manually removed.
  • Aeration of the water (operation in whitewash /foaming water). This tends to be only experienced in heavily aerated water and the cavitation can be reduced by reducing the throttle and full power will typically return once exiting the aerated area.

It is vital that the RWC Operator avoids all debris as it is very difficult to clear material from the intake while afloat.

Any blockage to the intake will reduce craft performance and can result in engine damage due to overheating.

To clear a blockage, the Operator will need to conduct the following:

  • Clear the surf zone, or where considered safe to do so, point the RWC into the prevailing conditions.
  • Stop the engine and remove the lanyard.
  • Disembark the RWC on the port side.
  • Inspect the intake by reaching under the RWC feeling for an obstruction.
  • Clear the obstruction if possible.
  • Reboard the RWC via climbing up from the rear of the sled and insert the lanyard.
  • Restart the RWC.
  • Apply gentle acceleration to check that the blockage has been cleared.
  • If the issue persists, advise either the patrol or SurfCom of the nature of the situation.
  • The Operator will need to conduct a dynamic risk assessment on the next course of action.

    This risk assessment will determine if:
    • The craft is able to be moved under its own power to a suitable location for further inspection without overheating.
    • The craft can be surfed back to the beach.
    • The craft is to be towed to a safe location.

Fire/disabled RWC approaching a dangerous situation or sinking

  • RWC Operator removes the lanyard.
  • Collect any equipment available for support (e.g., rescue tube) where possible.
  • Safely exit the RWC feet first, being mindful of water depth for the Operator.
  • Crewperson if applicable should roll off the side of the sled.
  • If applicable, check that all patients and the Crewperson are accounted for and uninjured, signalling to confirm they are “all clear/ok”.
  • Ensure that members of the public and the Crewperson (if applicable) are clear of the area.
  • Move away from any hazard as required.
  • Radio or signal for assistance. If required, activate any distress signals (PLB).
  • Stay together while waiting for assistance.
  • In the event of a break-down or abandonment, and if safe to do so, the RWC Operator and Crewperson (if applicable) may attempt to return to shore by surfing the RWC to shore.

RWC Operator separated from RWC

If the Operator becomes separated from the craft, the RWC engine should be stopped by the kill switch lanyard attached to the Operator which will be dislodged due to the Operator separating from the RWC.

Depending on the circumstances the Operator should:

  1. Protect yourself
    • Immediately after being dislodged from the RWC, you should curl into a ball.
    • Once you have surfaced, assess the situation (i.e. in surf/open water etc).
  1. Check on the Crewperson
    • If applicable, check on the Crewperson to ensure they have surfaced and are safe.
    • Signal to confirm they are “all clear/ok” and aware of the next steps.
  1. Regain control of the situation
    • Swim back to the RWC while staying calm and aware of the surrounding surf conditions.
  1. Re-board the RWC

  • If safe to do so, manoeuvre the RWC to ensure the RWC is facing into the prevailing surf conditions.
  • If safe to do so, the Operator should attempt to re-board the RWC via the sled.
  1. Attempt to restart the RWC
    • Reattach the kill switch lanyard and attempt to restart the engine.
    • If the engine fails to restart after several attempts, revert to surfing the craft to shore or towing the RWC.
    • Radio or signal for assistance
    • If a restart is achieved pickup the Crewperson as applicable.
  1. Action post restart
    • Return to shore.
    • Assess members for injury.
    • Inspect the RWC for damage.
  1. Report the incident and conduct a debrief
    • After the incident, report the situation to the patrol and/or SurfCom as well as in accordance with any other local regulatory requirements.
    • Conduct a debrief to determine the cause of the capsize or any other relevant issues or damage.
    • Review the handling of the incident to improve future readiness and response.

Capsize

In the event of a capsize, it is recommended that the following procedure be followed as appropriate to the conditions and area of operations.

  1. Protect yourself
    • Immediately after being dislodged from the RWC, you should curl into a ball.
    • Once you have surfaced, assess the situation (i.e. in surf/open water etc).
  1. Check on the Crewperson as applicable
    • If applicable, check on the Crewperson to ensure they have surfaced and are safe.
    • Signal to confirm they are “All Clear/ OK” and aware of the next steps.
  1. Regain Control of the Situation
    • Swim back to the RWC while staying calm and aware of the surrounding surf conditions.
    • If safe to do so, manoeuvre the RWC to ensure the RWC is facing into the prevailing surf conditions.
  1. Re-righting of the RWC
    • Swim to the rear of the RWC remaining aware of the surrounding surf conditions.
    • Identify the decal on the rear of the RWC that identifies the direction the RWC is to be re-righted (rotated).
    • Rotate the RWC in the direction of the arrows by pulling the ride plate/ intake grill towards you while pushing down on the sponsons on the other side of the RWC. Use your body weight to assist in rolling the RWC upright.
  1. Attempt to restart the RWC (refer local SOPs if a restart is to be attempted)
    • Once the RWC is upright and stable, the Operator should board from the rear of the sled, reattach the kill switch lanyard and attempt to restart the engine.
  1. Action post restart
    • If the engine restarts, collect the Crewperson if applicable.
    • Return to shore and assess members for injury, and inspect the RWC for damage.
  1. Action post unsuccessful restart
    • If the engine fails to restart after several attempts, proceed to surfing or towing a disabled RWC to shore.
  1. Report the incident and conduct a debrief
    • After the incident, report the situation to the patrol and/or SurfCom as well as in accordance with any other local regulatory requirements.
    • Conduct a debrief to determine the cause of the capsize or any other relevant issues or damage.
    • Review the handling of the incident to improve future readiness and response.

Post Capsize RWC Inspection

A typical RWC inspection would include the following:

  • Inspect the RWC looking for damage to the handlebars including controls and their operation.
  • Look for damage to mirrors, hatches, straps, hull and deck in general.
  • Inspect the of steering by moving the handlebars and checking the jet nozzle movement.
  • Inspect the engine compartment for anything that may have become dislodged as a result of the roll over, such as the battery for example.
  • Check for the presence of water in and around the engine bay.
  • Look for the presence of water seeping from the air intake.
  • Check the engine oil level and assess its colour, checking for water ingestion which will give the oil a milky colour.

Surfing a disabled RWC to shore

In the event that the RWC is disabled, if it safe to do so, the following procedure is recommended for surfing the RWC back to shore.

  1. Assess surf conditions and safety
    • Evaluate the surf conditions and determine whether it is safe to stay in the water or continue towards shore.
    • If the surf is manageable, proceed with the plan to return to shore. If the surf is large or dangerous, do not attempt to surf the RWC, ensure all members are safe, and request assistance.
  1. Radio for Assistance
    • Ensure you update the patrol and/or SurfCom to advise that your RWC is non-operational.
    • If surf conditions are too dangerous to safely surf the RWC back to shore, request assistance to get the Crewperson (if applicable) and RWC back to shore safely.
    • Provide your location, explain the situation, and request support from another RWC or an IRB for towing.
    • Whether surfing the RWC or waiting for assistance, maintain regular communication with the patrol and/or SurfCom.
    • Provide updates on your progress and any changes in conditions to ensure the patrol and/or SurfCom are aware of your status.
  1. Prepare for surfing the RWC to shore
    • Turn the RWC so it is facing the shore.
    • Both the Operator and Crewperson (if applicable) should lie flat on the rescue sled, bracing themselves as the wave approaches by holding the straps securely.
  1. Surfing the RWC
    • Keep the RWC aligned towards the shore and use the momentum of the waves to “surf” the disabled RWC towards the beach.
    • Use your legs and body weight to adjust the direction of the RWC after each wave to stay on course.
  1. Safely reach the shore
    • Once you reach the shore, maintain control of the RWC until it is clear of the surf zone.
    • Notify the patrol and/or SurfCom that you have successfully returned to shore and request assistance where possible to move the RWC onto the beach.
    • Assess the RWC for any damage.
  1. Report the incident and conduct a debrief
    • After the incident, report the situation to the patrol and conduct a debrief to determine the cause of the failure or any other relevant issues.
    • Review the handling of the incident to improve future readiness and response.

Towing a disabled RWC

RWCs are not intended as a towing craft. Using ropes around an RWC can be hazardous and should be avoided where possible. There may be situations where towing is required when the RWC has become disabled and the environment and or surf conditions do not allow an immediate return to shore.

When considering towing an RWC, the following should be considered:

Type of craft to undertake the tow

Another RWC is not the preferred craft to undertake a tow due to the danger of ropes and the handling of an RWC. Where possible an IRB or other more appropriate vessel should be used. RWCs may be used as a last resort, if permitted by local SOPs.

Equipment

Depending on your area of operations, the RWC may be equipped with a suitable tow rope that is able to be connected to conduct the tow.

Towing Speed

The towing speed of an RWC should not exceed the maximum towing speed of 8km/h. RWCs rely on water being drawn through the impeller for cooling of the engine (Yamaha and other brands) or exhaust (BRP). During a tow, the engine is not running and there is no exhaust pressure to push the water out of the exhaust and therefore towed speeds above 8km/h can cause water to enter the engine causing further damage to the RWC.

The Tow

The tow line is to be attached to the tow attachment point of the RWC being towed.

The Operator is to sit on the RWC and hold onto the handlebars in order to balance the RWC. The primary purpose of the Operator remaining on board the RWC during the tow is to keep the bow out of the water to reduce the risk of flooding the storage bin and engine bays.

This procedure is not recommended for towing a disabled RWC back through the surf zone and should only be used for short transit tows to bring the RWC to a safe position of recovery.