Purpose
To outline the requirements of club/service emergency response systems.
Policy
Due to the benefit to the community, all volunteer lifesaving services in NSW should have emergency response (24/7 callout) capability.
This should be achieved through a coordinated system of suitably qualified personnel with access to appropriate rescue equipment, responding within specific emergency response plans.
To further ensure the safety of young members, all callout team personnel must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Procedure
Local Emergency Response System
Lifesaving services should have emergency response systems in place that fall in line with the Surf Life Saving Emergency Response System; namely:
- Response areas (maximum) – Lifesaving Service Agreement/Contract.
- Equipment preparedness (suitable 24/7 ‘rescue ready’ equipment).
- Formally established and administered callout teams.
- Local response plans – included in their Patrol Operations Manual.
- A formally administered personnel contact list (based within SurfGuard).
- A contingency notification/tasking process for use during business continuity events (SMS groups/messaging services etc).
Declining a Request for Assistance
Lifesaving services/personnel may decline a request to respond to an emergency if they feel it would create a level of unacceptable risk to do so.
Examples of inhibitors may be:
- Insufficient personnel;
- Insufficient equipment;
- Dangerous conditions; and
- Geographical distance (outside achievable response area).
Appropriate local emergency response planning/preparedness (equipment and procedures) will minimise the above inhibitors and maximise the ability to render assistance.
Planning/Preparedness
To maximise emergency response effectiveness and personnel safety, it is recommended that clubs/lifeguard services maintain the following equipment/logistical preparedness:
Equipment
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rescue Tubes | 2 |
| Fins | 2 pairs |
| Rescue Boards | 2 |
| SSV | 1 – fuelled and operational |
| Oxygen Resuscitation Kit | 1 |
| AED | 1 |
| First Aid Kit | 1 – stocked and operational |
| Radios | 2 |
| Personal Telephone | 1 |
| Emergency Back-up contact book | 1 |
Recommended Additional Equipment
- Searchlights / Torches
- Glow Sticks
- Loud hailer
Logistics
- SurfGuard should be utilised to maintain and administer club/service callout team contact information (updated pre-season, post-season and when otherwise changes).
- SurfGuard SMS functions should be utilised and/or other suitable emergency notification systems.
Training/Exercises
- All club/service callout teams should conduct an annual pre-season induction/briefing.
- All club/service callout teams should conduct at least scenario/exercise annually.
Reference
Lifesaving Service Agreement
Patrol Operations Manual