Purpose
To provide a minimum standard by which lifesaving vehicles shall be managed.
Lifesaving vehicles are defined as motor vehicles (excluding SSV) that are used for lifesaving operations (patrolling/emergency response).
Policy
Lifesavers/Lifeguards required to drive as part of their patrolling duties will only be permitted to do so if they hold the following driver qualifications.
- Driver’s license (Provisional or Open).
- Appropriate lifesaving qualifications for the patrol/response task.
- Vehicle induction (specific to that vehicle).
Surf Life Saving is not recognised by the State Rescue Board of NSW as an accredited rescue unit so vehicles shall abide at all times with speed limits and all relevant laws and regulations relating to vehicles (including registrations, speed, seatbelts, red-lights, parking). Lifesaving vehicles are not exempt from any fines and infringements, including during emergencies.
Vehicles operating on-beach shall minimise speed and shall operate with headlights and hazard lights on at all times.
Procedure
Rescue Equipment
All vehicles assigned to patrol/response duties are recommended to carry the following lifesaving equipment during operational times:
- Surf Life Saving branding/magnets
- Oxygen Resuscitation Equipment + AED + First Aid Kit
- Rescue Board
- Rescue Tube + Fins
- Radio
- Spinal Equipment & Stretcher
- Loud Hailer/PA System
- Jumper Leads
- Torch/spot-light
- Reverse Beepers
- Compressor
- Snatch straps
- Tire pressure gauge
Any modifications including roll bars carry racks and storage containers must adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines and be carried out in consultation with the manufacturer or dealer.
Vehicle Branding and Surf Rescue/Lifeguard Magnets
Permanently branded lifesaving vehicles shall only be operated by approved personnel for approved duties.
Surf Rescue/Lifeguard Magnets shall be utilised only by approved personnel during lifesaving operations, such as Duty Officer Patrols or Emergency Response Callouts.
When the vehicle is being disposed, all surf lifesaving branding and equipment must be removed at the end of service.
Flashing Lights
Use of flashing lights shall be restricted to dedicated lifesaving vehicles (not private vehicles).
Flashing lights shall meet the relevant state laws/restrictions regarding use and colours (Note: red and blue lights shall not be used by lifesaving vehicles). SLS colours should be red and amber.
The use of flashing lights should be restricted to on-beach patrolling/emergencies and shall not be used on public roads. For the purpose of clarification, Surf Life Saving cannot utilise blue or blue/red combination of lights or a warning device (siren).
Use of flashing lights does not exempt lifesaving services from any laws, regulations and by-laws (including speed/parking).
Reference
SLSA Brandbox (Branding Guidelines)