PSS 3.6 Lifesaving Service Extension of Hours

Purpose

To provide guidance for lifesaving services in extending their operational hours past their minimum finish time.

Policy

Lifesaving service times are allocated based on an averaged risk management approach which considers lifesaving operations, weather, time of year, beach visitors and the like. However, these times are a minimum and may need to be extended depending on the conditions on the day (i.e. a very hot day in September may cause the public to remain longer at the beach in the afternoon).

Procedure

When a lifesaving service is due to finish its operations the person in charge of the lifesaving service should conduct an assessment of the level of risk present.

Given this risk assessment it may be deemed a ‘high risk’ to close the patrolled area and go ‘off-duty’ and thus the need to extend services may be warranted. If this is the case the following should occur:

1. The Patrol Captain/Senior Lifeguard is to consult team member/s to discuss extension of hours and requirement to meet minimum lifesaving standards to do so.
2. SurfCom is to be contacted and informed of the situation at least 30 minutes prior to the end of patrol.
3. SurfCom shall notify the appropriate Branch Duty Officer/s and local Lifeguard Supervisor/s.
4. The Duty Officer/Lifeguard Supervisor should notify the appropriate personnel for any authorisation required (i.e. Council if a lifeguard patrol).
5. Relevant Support Operations are considered to assist (i.e RWCs) to either complement or substitute the patrol.

If extended hours are agreed:

1. Minimum lifesaving standards shall be required for the continuation of a patrol (including the number of Bronze Medallion holders, equipment etc).
2. The lifesaving service is to continue operations and monitor/evaluate every half an hour until making a decision to complete operations.
3. SurfCom shall continue to function until the last patrol has closed for the day.
   

Reference

Lifesaving Service Agreement