Scenarios

SLSQ recommends running Emergency situation training scenarios with your junior committee to ensure everyone is aware of the process and procedure should something go wrong.

Some basic scenarios that can be utilised can be found below:

Role Play Scenario 1: Missing Nipper – Beach Activity
Scenario Summary:
During a Sunday morning beach session at a Sunshine Coast club, Age Manager Lisa notices one of her Under 9 nippers, Toby, has not returned from a flags activity rotation. It’s been five minutes since the group relocated.

Participants:

• Patrol Captain
• Age Manager
• Water Safety Supervisor
• Other Age Managers
• Role-playing Parents and Nippers
  

Objective:
Test team coordination, land-based search initiation, and effective communication.

Immediate Actions (per SLSQ POM):

1. Age Manager alerts the Patrol Captain and Water Safety Supervisor.
2. Patrol Captain notifies SurfCom (SOCC) and activates the Missing Person Plan.
3. All activities are halted. Use air horn/whistle to signal.
4. Roll call is conducted at the emergency assembly point.
5. Assign search teams for: Clubhouse and change rooms, Car park and public areas & Beachfront
6. Keep the reporting Age Manager nearby for ongoing info.
7. Document all actions and time stamps.
8. Toby is eventually located with another group near the water bubblers, confused about his rotation.
   

Role Play Scenario 2: Missing Nipper – Water Activity (Shallow Water Search)
Scenario Summary:
During a board paddle session in waist-deep water at a Bundaberg beach, a child (Ella, U10) does not return with the rest of the group. Her board was seen drifting south.

Participants:

• Patrol Captain
• IRB Driver/Crew
• Water Safety Supervisor
• Age Manager
• Search team members with goggles & high-vis rashies
  

Objective:
Activate shallow water rescue, assign roles efficiently, and practice real-time searching.
Immediate Actions (per LSP014):

1. Water Safety Supervisor calls for water evacuation with whistle/air horn.
2. Patrol Captain assumes command and notifies SurfCom (SOCC).
3. Conduct roll call at the emergency assembly point.
4. Open Shallow Water Rescue Kit.
5. Mark last known position with anchor and buoy.
6. Deploy marker dye if current direction is uncertain.
7. Assign search team (SRC/BM-qualified) with goggles to begin a parallel line search.
8. IRB launched, assigned to line search or down-current tracking.
9. Designate recorder to log times, locations, and actions.
10. Ella is found 150m south, calmly paddling, unaware she drifted.
    

Scenario 3: Missing Nipper After Sign-Out – Midweek Training Session
Scenario Summary
During a midweek afternoon nipper training session at a local Surf Lifesaving Queensland club, a parent arrives to collect 8-year-old Mia. The Club Admin reports that Mia was already signed out 20 minutes earlier by an individual unknown to the parent.

Participants:

• Coach or Water Safety Supervisor
• Patrol Captain or Lifeguard
• Club Admin Volunteer (sign-out desk)
• Role-playing parent
• Volunteer acting as mistaken guardian
• Other volunteers to simulate club environment
  

Objective:
Rehearse lockdown/search protocol, communication between key personnel, and proper handling of guardianship and sign-out verification.
Immediate Actions (per Missing Person Plan):

1. The reporting parent is kept at the scene for questioning and to assist with details.
2. The Patrol Captain/Lifeguard or Coach/WSS notifies SurfCom (SOCC).
3. A lockdown of the site is initiated:
4. All exits are monitored.
5. A public announcement is made via PA or direct communication.
6. The sign-out sheet is reviewed for any irregularities or unauthorised signatures.
7. Search teams are deployed to check: Toilets and changerooms, Training areas and nearby beach access & Car parks and club surrounds
8. All actions are documented, including time stamps and roles assigned.
9. Mia is eventually found with a family friend, who mistakenly believed they had permission to sign her out.