RWCs are a versatile craft that can be used for a diverse set of lifesaving activities, some of these include:
Patrol
RWCs are commonly used for on-water observation of an area. This may include supporting the beach patrol and covering locations without a beach patrol. RWCs can be an effective piece of equipment to cover large areas due to their agility and speed.
Swimmers and other water users may feel intimidated or nervous by the presence of the RWC. As an Operator you are responsible for keeping clear of other water users. RWC should be operated with the utmost care and attention.
Avoid placing the RWC in a position where it needs to launch over a sand bank where bathers are swimming, this will make it difficult to manoeuvre around bathers before reaching the patient.
Shepherding
Shepherding is an operating technique used during patrol operations to communicate with swimmers in closer proximity. Shepherding involves manoeuvring the RWC close to water users and providing advice either by using voice marshalling or hand signals. This may be to alert swimmers to a danger or guide them to move in a particular direction. Care should be taken by the RWC Operator to ensure a safe separation distance and speed is always maintained.
The RWC can be used as a presence and preventative tool as bathing conditions deteriorate during the day. Maintaining a visible presence in the water may assist in keeping bathers in the designated bathing area.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
A SAR operation is defined as a situation that involves the dispatch of a rescue team to an incident, the location of which may or may not be known. The use of an RWC in search and rescue operation can enhance the speed, efficiency, and safety of lifesaving efforts in aquatic environments.
An RWC will allow for rapid response to emergencies, effective navigation through challenging surf, and safe transportation of patients, ensuring comprehensive coverage and quicker identification of potential hazards. The RWC may provide additional support in a SAR operation where multiple assets are being utilised. Where this is the case, a clear mission should be established and communicated for each asset by the incident controller.
Water Safety
RWCs can be an effective piece of an equipment to form part of a water safety team. When conducting water safety in support of an event (i.e. carnival/nippers/events) RWC Operators are to sign on with the event Coordinator/Water safety supervisor etc. RWC Operators will fall in behind and follow event participants, unless there is an emergency that requires them to respond differently or if directed to do so by the event coordinator.
The below is an example of an RWC assigned to an arena at a carnival
The green area indicates areas of operation for the RWC. RWC Operators should stay outside of the course and remain in the channels. Do not patrol alongside or in front of competitors whilst they are racing. The RWC should fall in behind and follow competitors around the course. The exception to this would if there is an incident that requires you to do so, such a competitor that requires assistance/ rescuing.
The red zone should not be occupied by RWC Operators unless performing a rescue. Being inside the cans hinders the view of the officials.
Stand By
Stand by refers to when the RWC is not active on the water, but ready to respond if required. When the RWC is on standby, it should always remain on the trailer. This allows for quick launching of the vessel in an emergency. There are several factors to consider when placing the RWC on standby:
- The combined weight of the RWC and its trailer is significant. During standby it is of upmost important to have the RWC ‘ready to respond’ at all times.
- Compact Sand – Place the RWC on compact sand close to the water’s edge. This will allow the RWC trailer to roll easily when launched without getting ‘bogged’.
- Making Tracks – If you are required to setup the RWC trailer on soft, dry sand, tow the RWC trailer perpendicular from the water’s edge. Once in the desired standby position the RWC trailer can be reversed back down the same tracks created earlier to compact the soft sand. This process can be done multiple times to achieve a smooth ‘runway’ for the RWC trailer.
- Recovery Tracks – Recovery tracks can be placed under the RWC trailer tyres. This will ensure the RWC trailer tyres are on a hard surface, out of any soft sand or most elements that will affect a beach launch.
- All Operators must be aware that the RWC trailer has potential to roll if not properly secured or positioned. The major factors that cause this are the angle or slope of the desired standby position.