Introduction
As a SLSQ lifeguard it is important to recognise that fitness and surf skills need to be maintained to a high standard as a part of the role of a lifeguard. While it is accepted that it is the responsibility of the individual lifeguard to maintain their own fitness level and surf skills, this procedure aims to provide clarity as to when a lifeguards training activity would be covered by work cover.
Types of Approved Training
Pool Swims
Lap swimming at a designated SLSQ pool during normal pool opening hours. Lifeguards must write and sign their name on a sign on sheet at the pool. SLSQ reserves the right to change add or remove any pools.
Surf Beach Training
Surf beach training at a designated lifeguard patrolling site, limited to 30mins after sunrise and 30 mins before sunset. Surf beach training is to happen at the location limited to a radius of 400m out to sea and along the beach from the normal beach flag location.
Surf Beach Training includes:
- Swimming
- Board paddling & rescue simulations
- Lifeguard missions
- Rescue tube simulations
Surf Beach Training does not include:
- Surf board or body board riding
- Stand up paddle board riding
- Paddle backs from one location to an other on any type of craft
- Ski paddling
- Kite surfing
Water Safety & Risk Assessment
Lifeguards are required to appoint a water safety Supervisor (WSS) who is responsible for conducting a risk assessment on the SLS risk mobile app or paper form. The WSS will determine if training can commence and conduct surf beach training in accordance with the buddy procedure. See below buddy procedure from SLSA water safety procedure1.1. For clarity Surf beach training cannot be conducted solo.
Uniform
Lifeguards are required to wear a high HIGH-VISIBILITY LYCRA VEST OR SHIRT when participating in Surf beach training. These are available from your lifeguard supervisor.
Logging Attendance
Attendance at surf beach training is to be logged on the LIMSOC training portal for the beach that the training is been conducted at.
- Lifeguards must log on at the commencement of training.
- Prior to commencement of the training, all lifeguards must inform their supervisor of their planned training.
- Lifeguards must log off at the completion of training
- Any incidents or injures are to be logged immediately
Use of equipment
Lifeguards are to seek permission from the regions lifeguard supervisor to use any SLSQ equipment while conducting surf beach training.
Personal Training
Any training outside of this procedure will be considered personal training see below the SLSA water safety procedure1.1.
BUDDY PROCEDURE (SLSA Water Safety Procedure 1.1)
The buddy procedure is where qualified activity participants of similar experience and ability participate together in the same aquatic activity. They continuously monitor each other throughout the activity, and able to offer immediate assistance to their “buddy” if required.
The Buddy procedure for water safety can be applied to SLS member training of 2 or more activity participants.
All activity participants must hold a proficient aquatic rescue qualification. In larger groups, the training plan and measures in an emergency may be the same for all participants. Participants should still however identify a buddy.
Prior to the commencement of the activity or training session, qualified members should identify a ‘buddy’. In a group situation where there is an uneven number, a buddy group of three can be formed.
The WSS or buddy pair should form an agreed training plan.
This plan includes:
- Specific activities to be completed
- Duration of the activity (start and finish time)
- Location (and destination if applicable)
- Outline measures in case of an emergency. For example: carrying a mobile phone, notifying family/a friend of your training intentions.
During the activity, each buddy pair should be in a position to:
- Be able to offer immediate assistance to each other if required
- Maintain communication – advise each other should training plans or conditions change
- If you lose sight of or contact with your buddy, alert the WSS and/or other participants and commence searching immediately
- In the case of emergency, assist their buddy to remove him/her from danger (where it is safe to do so)
Personal Training (SLSA Water Safety Procedure 1.1)
Where a group or individual undertakes ‘personal training’, all responsibility is taken on by the individual/s and/or their parents/guardians. Please be aware of the possible insurance and litigation issues resulting from an incident.
It is recommended that individuals undertake their own risk management process, including considering the increased risk of training alone, prior to any personal training being conducted.
Feedback
Post your comment on this topic.