Launching a Rescue Watercraft (RWC) will vary depending on factors such as beach type (sandy, rocky, or reef), tidal conditions, and the type of equipment and trailer (beach or road, forward or rear orientation, tandem or single craft) being used, all of which influence the approach, safety, and ease of the launch process.
Beach Launch
Identifying a launch Site
- Conduct a risk assessment (preferably in the risk rating section of the Operations App)
- Choose a launch site using deeper water, inshore gutters, or the base of a rip (if safe).
- Consider factors like rocks, reefs, drop-offs, currents, beach shape, swell size, shore break, shallow sandbanks, and swimmers/surfers.
- Take into account RWC weight, trailer design, and beach conditions (e.g., dry or aerated sand).
- Define the RWC launching area with signs and cones in accordance with your local SOPs.
Preparing the RWC and Trailer
- Ensure all drain plugs are inserted and secure.
- Remove all tie-down straps, safety chain, and portable lights if applicable.
- Ensure the rescue sled is clear of the ground/waves to prevent it from catching on water or folding under the RWC. Best practice is to have a second person walk next to the sled while reversing.
- Where possible reverse the trailer to the water’s edge, avoiding incoming surges.
- Where more water depth is required and conditions allow, detach the trailer from the tow vehicle, making sure it is level and stable.
Removing RWC from the Trailer
- Release the winch system, create slack, and unhook the winch cable from the RWC.
- If needed, move the trailer into the water, adjusting the speed based on surf conditions. This will depend on the type of trailer being used.
- Remove the RWC off the trailer, either with a gentle push or by lifting the trailer vertically and let the RWC slide into sufficient water or to the water’s edge. Removing the RWC from the trailer will vary depending on beach conditions.
- Care should be taken to ensure that manual handling is minimised and that the RWC is gently rolled off the trailer to avoid damage to the Jet Nozzle and Reverse Bucket.
- Ensure the trailer is recovered above the high tide waterline.
Launching the RWC
- Move the RWC into sufficient water depth.
- Control the RWC by facing it into oncoming waves. Where possible it is ideal for the Operator to have the assiatnce of another patrol member to hold the RWC facing into oncoming waves.
- Ensure no one is directly behind the RWC to avoid injury.
- Board the RWC from the port side once in sufficient depth.
Boat Ramp Launch
Pre-launch Hazard Check
- Identify possible hazards at the ramp such as rocks, reefs, drop-offs, wind, current, tide, and other ramp users.
- Take care around boat ramps as they become very slippery below the water line.
- Typically, a boat ramp launch will be conducted with two members. One to drive the tow vehicle and one to launch the RWC.
Prepare the RWC and Trailer
- Remove all tie-downs, straps, and trailer portable lights before moving to the ramp.
- Leave the safety chain attached until the trailer is in the water.
- Ensure all drain plugs are inserted and secure.
- Attach the rescue sled.
Removing the RWC from the Trailer – single Operator
- Move the trailer into sufficient water depth using a spotter where possible.
- Release the safety chain and winch cable or quick release mechanism, then push or drive the RWC off the trailer.
- Control the RWC from the side or drive to a safe location and secure as required.
- Recover the trailer to a parking area.
Removing the RWC from the trailer – multi Operators.
- Move the trailer into sufficient water depth using a spotter where possible.
- Have an Operator board the RWC.
- Have the other person release the safety chain and winch cable or quick release mechanism, then push the RWC off the trailer.
- On releasing the safety chain and winch cable the Operator should start the RWC.
- The RWC will roll off the trailer and RWC Operator will reverse the RWC to a safe location to turn and manoeuvre as required.
- The second person would then recover the trailer to a parking area.