Purpose
To outline Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) policy with regards to SLS marine rescue vessel use in and around designated red and yellow flagged patrol areas.
Policy
SLSNSW is committed to safe operations and requires all personnel to follow the requirements listed in this policy.
Procedure
Rescue vessels could pose a hazard due to size, weight and speed of the vessel.
Rescue Vessels will usually not operate, launch or beach within a designated patrolled area and must remain at least 60m either side and/or at least 500m from shore unless required within their patrolling or rescue duties.
SLSNSW Exemptions
The following regulations do not apply to Surf Life Saving Powercraft, but ONLY for the purpose of undertaking rescues or responding to an emergency. For clarity, SLSNSW vessels are able and endorsed to be operating within the break zone.
Service NSW Regulations – Public (non SLS) Vessels
PWCs (excluding SLS RWCs included in lifesaving operations) exceeding 8 knots, must stay:
- 60m from any person in the water
- 60m from any non-powered vessel under 4m
- 30m from any other vessel
- 30m from the shore/riverbank/structures
Other vessels must (if exceeding 8 knots) stay:
- 30m from any person/object/vessel in water
- 60m from any person in water, if towing an aqua-planer (skier/wakeboard/tube)
All vessels must stay 500m from shore and 60m clear of any lifesaver/lifeguard patrolled areas. Lifesaving craft/vessels are exempt only if undertaking patrolling or rescue duties.