A note from the Surf Life Saving NSW Board
Health and safety is an integral part of all surf lifesaving activities. All SLSNSW Operational Procedures will have health and safety implications and any decision or action taken will affect the health and safety of volunteers, staff and third parties. Surf Life Saving New South Wales’ ultimate goal is to promote a culture where all members understand that SAFETY COMES FIRST!
Purpose
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to communicate the health and safety responsibilities of our surf lifesaving volunteer, staff and third parties with the aim of always ensuring a safe and healthy environment for lifesavers and others.
Policy
All surf lifesaving volunteer personnel are required to perform their tasks in a safe manner and follow Surf Life Saving policies, procedures, and established work practices.
All surf lifesaving volunteer personnel are required to meet their responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 No. 10.
Procedure
Smoking
Smoking while on active lifesaving duties is not permitted including in any SLS property, SSV, powercraft or any other SLS vehicles. This includes tobacco, e-cigarettes (Vapes) and any other substance.
Smoking of any substance is prohibited in all Surf Life Saving buildings, facilities, and vehicles. Surf lifesaving personnel must not smoke while in uniform, in the public’s view or while representing the organisation.
Smoking brings with it additional hazards in terms of fire safety. Surf lifesavers must ensure others do not smoke near oxygen equipment, fuel or in other circumstances where there is an increased risk of fire or explosion.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not to be consumed whilst wearing any Patrol and Support Operations uniform.
Lifesaving service personnel should not undertake patrolling duties or incident responses including emergency callouts with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05% or operate any surf lifesaving vehicles, SSVs and powercraft.
Lifesaving service personnel who are on their provisional driving license should have a blood alcohol limit of 0% when undertaking patrolling duties or incident responses including emergency callouts or operate any surf lifesaving vehicles, SSVs and powercraft.
Lifesaving personnel acknowledge and agree that they may be breath tested at any time to ensure they are meeting these requirements.
Drugs
Surf lifesaving personnel are responsible for monitoring their own condition and communicating any (relevant) changes in medical state to the Patrol Captain.
The use of drugs prescribed by a doctor for medicinal or recuperative purposes may be taken, however the Patrol Captain must be advised as to the type of medication and all possible side effects.
If these prescribed drugs affect your wellbeing or impair or disrupt your senses, you must advise the Club Captain immediately and cease surf lifesaving patrol duties until you have completed the prescribed course of medication.
The improper use of non-prescription and/or prescription drugs during the course of duties is prohibited. Surf lifesaving personnel must not present themselves for duty whilst under the influence of any prohibited substance.
No member is permitted to undertake active lifesaving duties including the operation of powercraft, SSVs or SLS vehicles whilst under the influence of any prohibited drugs and substances.
Operating Gear and Equipment
Surf lifesaving personnel must adhere to all legal blood alcohol limits for the operation of gear and equipment, including any type of lifesaving vehicles, SSVs, e-bikes and Powercraft of all types and UAVs.
Persons impaired by drugs and/or alcohol are not permitted to operate gear and equipment under any circumstances.
Surf lifesaving personnel must attend task specific training as provided and adhere to Surf Life Saving procedures, i.e. induction prior to driving the SSV and must not operate plant or equipment unless authorised and qualified as per Surf Life Saving NSW requirements.
Sun Safety
Lifesavers are required to follow necessary precautions to protect themselves from the effects of direct exposure to sun light and UV radiation. Steps may include:
- Reduce exposure to the sun by using shade e.g. a patrol tent.
- Wear UV rated clothing such as patrol uniform (long sleeve shirt, rash vest, SLSA issue shorts).
- Wear a SLSA approved cap, bucket or wide brimmed hat.
- Apply broad spectrum sunscreen regularly.
- Wear UV protective sunglasses.
It is recommended that surf lifesaving personnel check their skin regularly for suspicious spots and address any concerns with a doctor.
Please refer to the Beachsafe App of BOM for the current sun safety rating on any given day.
Dehydration
As dehydration can cause fatigue and loss of concentration, impacting on performance of lifesaving activities, it is important to take in sufficient fluids while on duty. 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is advised (higher depending on external factors such as temperature, time of day and physical exertion).
To minimise the effects of dehydration, which in extreme cases may lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, lifesaving personnel must continually hydrate and reapply sunscreen and should rotate through various positions on the beach throughout the patrol.
Sun shelters (e.g. patrol tents) and other shaded areas and means should be used where possible.
Suitable quantities of water &/or rehydration / electrolyte mixture should be carried while patrolling on powercraft. It is prudent to carry extra to ensure your safety in the event of a breakdown, prolonged SAR operation, etc. UV rated patrol SLSA issue SLSA approved cap, bucket or wide brimmed hat.
Penalties for Breaches
Surf lifesaving personnel who present themselves for duty whilst suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs may be immediately suspended from duties and referred for disciplinary action.
Any lifesaver who knowingly allows a person to carry out duties whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs may also be subject to disciplinary action.
Cases that indicate evidence of illegal drug use shall be referred to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Reference
SLSA Safer Surf Clubs Guide, Version 4, May 2020
The Cancer Council of Australia
Sports Medicine Australia
Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1996 (NSW)