Purpose
To provide guidance in relation to the practical enforcement of local by-laws/regulations.
Policy
Lifesaving personnel shall be responsible for enforcement functions only as delegated by the relevant authority (local government) under the specifications of the Local Government Act.
Outside of a delegated authority situation lifesaving services may also provide advice and guidance to the public regarding by-laws, regulations and prohibitions in order to promote the safety of personnel and the public.
Procedure
The enforcement of regulations will generally follow a systematic progression or escalation of information and warnings.
The following outlines a series of stages a Patrol Captain/Lifeguard can work through to promote local regulations:
- Advisory
- Warning
- Reporting
Advisory Stage
The advisory stage can have three sub-stages:
- Communicate – Establish communication
- Inform/Educate – Provide information
- Advise – Provide specific advice
Communicate
- Greet the person
- Introduce yourself
- Positive body language
- Smile
- Establish a rapport
Inform/Educate
- Explain that the area is subject to certain rules and regulations.
- Explain that these rules are for the safety and health of all.
- Identify the authority of the regulation – i.e. Local Authority.
- Advise them of the preferred course of action.
Advise
- Advise the person that they would be, or are, in breach of these regulations.
- Reinforce what you would like from them as a preferred course of action.
Warning Stage
Warning
- Advise the person that they are in breach of the regulation and of the penalty if they continue their current activity.
- Advise them of your course of action.
Reporting Stage
Reporting
- Report offence to appropriate authority.
- Record details.