Purpose
To outline SLSNSW endorsed radio codes and the parameters of use in lifesaving operations.
Policy
Use of radio codes is not mandatory for lifesaving operations, but if used, shall adhere to the following.
Procedure
- Any SLSNSW services wishing to use radio codes shall adhere to the codes below and shall implement their use consistently across the whole service (i.e. club).
- No alternative ‘codes’ shall be used by lifesaving services on SLSNSW frequencies without written authorisation by SLSNSW.
- SurfCom shall be aware of radio codes and have ‘the code’ immediately available to reference when on-duty.
- SurfCom Operators and Duty Officers shall be inducted in ‘the code’ during SurfCom training.
- Club/service personnel should be adequately trained/inducted in the use of codes should that service implement their use.
- If in any doubt services/personnel should always revert to standard English (clear and concise sentences).
Radio Codes
| Code | Meaning | Further Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue Rescue Rescue |
Prefix for emergency transmissions to indicate urgency + call-sign |
Should prefix every initial ‘Priority 1’ emergency call to notify/request support. i.e. from lifesaver to patrol base/patrol captain or from club to SurfCom. |
| Break Break |
Grouping transmissions together (should always leave a gap after 2 different transmissions) | ‘Break break’ can be used to group different transmissions together. E.g. “Avoca patrol from SurfCom, all copied thank you. Break break, Copacabana Copacabana patrol this is SurfCom requesting your patrol sign-on, over” |
| No Duff | A real incident underway during a training exercise | The term ‘NO DUFF’ is used when a real incident is occurring during a training exercise or simulated event. Every transmission after “No Duff” is treated as legit. E.g. “No Duff No Duff No Duff, Rescue Rescue Rescue, SurfCom SurfCom this is Avoca Beach” |
| Priority 1 | Urgent task | Specific tasking that requires immediate attendance – usually involves life-threatening situation/rescue or serious injuries or several patients. |
| Priority 2 | Non-urgent task | Specific tasking that requires lifeguard to provide emergency care or to undertake rescue operations but not considered life-threatening. |
| Priority 3 | Routine task | Specific task but is not considered urgent. May include administrative, logistics requests. |
Last modified:
25/07/23