Purpose
To define the procedures when a disturbance (such as an altercation) occurs at a beach during patrol hours.
Policy
It is possible that an altercation may take place adjacent to patrol areas. Members are to ensure their own personal safety and that of any members in their charge.
Procedure
Notification to the State Operations Centre
- The State Operations Centre is to be notified immediately whenever a Public Order Incident occurs via radio.
Notification of the Police
- Upon receiving information that a Public Order Incident is occurring the State Operations Centre is required to contact the police and pass this information on to them
Notification of other Lifesaving Services
- The State Operations Centre is to notify neighbouring clubs of the situation (if applicable). Additional resources should only be sent to the incident if they are requested by the Patrol Captain or a Duty Officer.
- Duty Officers must be notified and shall attend to liaise with other Emergency Service Organisations (I.e. NSW Police)
- The State Duty Officer will send an Incident notification to relevant Lifesaving Personnel.
Rescues
In the event of a rescue, consideration should be given to taking any patients to an adjacent beach, or swimming them out to sea (if appropriate) to an awaiting SLS Powercraft. Normal protocols in regards to the safety of members, the patients and rescuers are paramount.
Altercations
- If there is likely to be an altercation near patrol members all members are to leave the beach with two members remaining at a vantage point to monitor the bathing public (if it is safe to do so). Otherwise close the patrolled area by removing the flags.
- The members are to proceed to the club rooms until the disturbance has subsided. The State Operations Centre must be advised of this.
- Any radio, first aid and oxygen equipment etc. is to be removed from the beach.
- Every effort is to be taken to ensure that young or inexperienced members are protected and do not become involved (directly or indirectly).
IRB/Rescue Vessels
If able, rescue vessels should conduct patrols from the water. The IRB must be equipped with a radio.
Interaction with Offenders
- Members are to avoid becoming involved in any form of interaction with people causing a disturbance on the beach. Have no verbal communication with them and avoid eye contact if possible.
- If members are harassed leave the area and make sure that you stay with experienced members. Ensure SurfCom has called the Police.
- At no time should a member communicate with any person who is harassing or intimidating them.
- If it is safe to do so, members may film the offender (using a mobile device or club CCTV) from a distance to assist the Police to establish the identity of the individual(s). This footage should be provided to the State Operations Centre or Duty Officer in attendance.
Injuries and Rescues
If any person is injured or requires rescuing from the water, including offenders, normal first aid and rescue procedures are to be provided as long as it is safe to do so.
Post-Incident
- Complete an incident report log (take particular care to complete the narrative as thoroughly as possible and state the nature of the incident). Where the SOC has created an incident the club can be provided with the incident number and append their information to the same record.
- Where physical abuse has been suffered the Police should have been contacted immediately.
- Remain calm and follow other SLSNSW procedures including Incident Reporting, Media and Notification of Incidents.
- Consider initiating critical incident debriefing/peer support.
Reference
Critical Incident Debrief
State Rescue Board Policy