Surf Life Saving Australia

Environmental Hazards

Weather

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Adverse weather such as storms, high winds, and lightning can pose significant risks. Monitor weather forecasts, use appropriate PPE, and avoid operations in severe conditions.
Extremes in heat or cold can lead to Operators or patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or hypothermia. Ensure Operators wear appropriate PPE to suit the weather conditions. Ensure that wetsuits, booties and gloves are available to be worn in cooler weather.
Follow the six S’s for sun safety: – Slip into protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slide on some sunglasses, Study the UV index.
Take regular breaks, maintain fluids and avoid prolonged operation in extreme conditions.
Check all patients for signs and symptoms of hypothermia or hyperthermia and provide appropriate First Aid where possible.
Poor weather such as rain or fog can pose visibility hazards. Where possible avoid operations when visibility is compromised. Where necessary to operate, extreme care must be taken.

Water Conditions

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Rough surf, strong currents, and underwater hazards can affect RWC operations. Conduct pre-operation assessments, use appropriate navigation techniques, and avoid hazardous areas.
Large waves can impact the stability and control of the RWC. Assess wave conditions before launching and operate with caution in high surf.
Waves and large surf can impede visibility beyond the break or over waves. Extreme care should be taken when visibility is affected to avoid collision with people or craft users.
Poor water quality that may prevent visibility under the surface of the water. Extreme care should be taken when visibility is affected to avoid collision with people, craft users, marine life, or objects in the water.

Marine Life

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Encounters with marine animals such as dolphins, whales, jellyfish, sharks, birds and other wildlife.
  • Stay vigilant, avoid known habitats where possible, and follow marine safety protocols.
  • Be aware of any regulations that may be in place in relation to operations around marine animals such as:
    • The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 that sets out guidelines for how vessels should operate near protected species to minimise disturbance and harm.
    • The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2017 provides best practices for approaching marine mammals and states that you cannot approach closer than 100m to any whales and 50m to any dolphins – more if they have calves. (Whist these are national guidelines please refer to your state guidelines for your local requirements.)
    • State and territory legislation may have additional regulations. Queensland for example has specific guidelines for vessels operating near dugongs and turtles.
  • Refer to local SOPs, regulations and laws regarding distance and wildlife protections regulations.
  • In the event of a collision with marine fauna ensure this is reported to the relevant authorities.

Rocks, reefs, shallow water and shorelines

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Rocky areas, rough surfaces, reefs, hidden rocks and shallow sandbanks can damage the RWC and pose risks to Operators.
  • Where possible avoid operating near rocky shorelines and use designated launch areas.
  • Where possible avoid operating near reefs and use marked channels.
Shallow areas can affect navigation and cause grounding.
  • Use visual checks to identify and avoid submerged rocks.
  • Be aware of local sandbank locations and navigate carefully in shallow waters.
The shoreline and edge of lakes and rivers can be hazardous.
  • Avoid erosion-prone areas or nesting sites to protect natural landforms and support biodiversity.
  • Reduce speeds near the shore, edge of lakes and rivers.
  • Obey ‘No Wash’ signs to avoid damage to the banks, foreshore and waterside structures as well as other moored or anchored vessels or people using the area.

Noise Control

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Be mindful of noise levels, particularly in sensitive areas, to minimise disruption to wildlife and the comfort of beachgoers.
  • Act within local laws regarding noise restrictions.
  • Reduce speeds near built up residential areas, near populated areas and around wildlife.

Rope lines and loose objects in the water

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Ropes and lines can entangle the RWC or Operator.
  • Stay clear of rope lines and floating buoys and maintain awareness of surroundings.
  • Ensure the rescue tube leash and lanyard is kept clear of the RWC intake.
  • Take extra care when operating near or rescuing kite surfers so you don’t become entangled in their lines.
Objects like seaweed can obstruct the RWC’s intake and affect performance. Regularly check and clear the intake and avoid areas with heavy debris.

People

Consideration Mitigation Measures
People swimming, diving or snorkelling can be difficult to see and avoid.
  • Where possible operate at safe distances from the public, or at low speed, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing while reducing risks of accidents or interference.
  • Act in accordance with your local laws and regulations to maintain a safe distance from swimmers (usually 50m unless actively engaged in a rescue or patrol) and adhere to speed limits and operational rules.
  • Where possible consider using a spotter.
Surfers and board riders can pose collision risks. Be aware of surf zones and communicate with board riders to avoid conflicts.
Other watercraft can create navigation hazards. Maintain situational awareness and follow maritime right-of-way rules.

Pollution

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Pollutants such as petrol, oil and detergents from entering the water, or being spilled on sand or soil.
  • Prevent pollutants from entering the water or being spilled on sand or soil by using appropriate refuelling practices and using spill kits where available.
  • Disposing of any fuel and oil pollutants appropriately (contact your local council for further information).
  • Use biodegradable detergents when washing the RWC to reduce chemical runoff.
  • Conduct washdowns in designated areas with proper drainage to prevent wastewater from entering natural water bodies.
  • Follow local council regulations regarding wastewater disposal and stormwater management.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain the RWC to prevent fuel and oil leaks into marine environments.
Sustainable operations.
  • Where possible, use eco-friendly practices and equipment to reduce the environmental footprint of rescue activities.
  • Following local SOPs for protecting the environment.

Restricted Areas

Consideration Mitigation Measures
Operating a vessel may be restricted in particular areas. General exemptions from the requirements under specific maritime rules may be granted to surf lifesavers by authorised authorities in certain circumstances.
  • Where possible steer clear of protected zones, reefs, and areas with high biodiversity to prevent damage to the natural environment.
  • Operators must ensure the appropriate exemption exists prior to navigating in restricted waters.
  • Arranging to gain access to restricted areas often takes time. Services should be aware of any potential access restrictions in their area. You may not have time for extended planning prior to a SAR operation. Your club may need to make prior arrangements to cater for SAR operations as time can be critical. In some special circumstances, access arrangements can be sought through State Operations Centre as required.