PSS 3.9 Patrol Operations Manuals

Purpose

To outline the purpose of Patrol Operations Manuals (POM’s) within SLSNSW. Specific local beach management/response plans are essential for appropriate planning/preparation, response, and recovery operations for clubs.

Policy

All SLSNSW clubs/services shall have developed, implemented, and endorsed annually (by Club/Branch) a Patrol Operations Manual that is submitted to SLSNSW as part of annual compliancy requirements.

As part of annual season planning these manuals shall be reviewed and updated (if necessary) to reflect the Standard Operating Procedures and communicated to the patrolling membership.

At a minimum each club/service POM shall include:

1. Communication – SLS & Emergency Service contacts, radio network information.
2. Hazard/Risk Management – Map, hazard/risk management plan, emergency response areas.
3. Beach Management – Patrol requirements, patrolling types, patrol/club procedures.
4. Emergency Operations Plan – Emergency beach closure, tsunami plan, flood plan, emergency rally point, helicopter landing zones.
5. Standard Operating Procedures – reference of current SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures.

Procedure

1. POM reviewed and updated (if necessary) as part of annual season planning.
2. POM endorsed by Club and Branch then submitted to SLSNSW as part of annual compliancy requirements.
3. Key contact information, including emergency callout teams are to be kept up to date in SurfGuard.
4. All new patrolling members are recommended to be provided a copy of the POM (e.g. uploading to the Document Library of the Members Area is one effective way to provide access to the file).
5. All new/existing Patrol Captains are to be provided a copy of the POM.
6. The POM should form part of the annual pre-season briefings/inductions with Patrol Captains and key patrolling members.

Reference

Patrol Operations Manual
Lifesaving Service Agreement