Purpose

To outline the Duty Officer code of conduct.

Policy

All Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) State and Branch Duty Officers are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct.

Procedure

Act Responsibly and with Professionalism

As a Duty Officer you are providing leadership and support to lifesaving personnel and representing Surf Life Saving to external agencies/emergency services.

As an operational figurehead, other agencies and our members have high expectations of your conduct, image, and professionalism.

Promote a Culture of Safety

As an operational leader the Duty Officer should at all times promote safety within lifesaving. The Duty Officer must understand his/her role in assessing risk while co-ordinating the response of lifesaving resources and promote safety at any opportunity.

Be Prepared

The time-critical nature of the role requires a Duty Officer to become an asset to an emergency response almost immediately. Duty Officers must ensure that the minimum equipment and information required for the role is readily available whenever on duty.

Communication

Maintaining good communication with lifesaving services is essential in optimising a response. Building good relationships with key lifesaving service personnel is important.

Follow/Strengthen Operating Procedures

SLSNSW provides Standard Operating Procedures for lifesaving services and adherence to these should be promoted by Duty Officers. Specific procedures and contingency plans should be developed, maintained and exercised within your local/regional area and reflected in Branch Duty Manuals and Club Patrol Operations Manuals.

Last modified: 25/07/23