Water Safety Supervisor

This person is the team leader for the group of Water Safety Personnel (WSP). This person must be qualified and proficient in BM/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue). SLSA strongly recommends that the WSS also holds Silver Medallion Beach Management.

The WSS must always stay on the beach (not in the water) during the session, unless required for an emergency.

If nippers take place during patrol hours, the Patrol Captain will choose the most suitable area of the beach for the activity to take place. If nippers take place outside patrol hours, it is the job of the WSS to determine the safest area. It is recommended that the WSS carries out a risk assessment before each age group enters the water to ensure they are up to date with changing weather conditions.

Water Safety Personnel (WSP)

The team of WSP reports to WSS. They must be qualified and proficient in a SLSA aquatic rescue qualification: Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion (BM)/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).

Summary of Water Safety Requirements

• For junior activities and Junior Preliminary Evaluation’s, a ratio of 1:5 (WSP: Activity Participants) or 1:10 under low risk conditions is required.
• A WSS must be appointed to coordinate WSP and ensure the correct water safety ratios are always in place whilst children are in the water.
• There is a requirement for the use of high visibility garments for aquatic activity participants and WSP.
• All WSP must be wear a clearly identified uniform of a cap (secured under chin) and a rash shirt. This can be either surf rescue uniform or high visibility orange cap and rash vest branded ‘WATER SAFETY’ on the front and back.
• For the purpose of calculating ratios, an IRB counts as 2 WSP on the beach during nippers.