23.29.8. 23.29.8 LGS NBR 031 Magnetic Island Roving Lifeguard Procedures

Introduction

During stinger season and school holidays, three lifeguards are required on Magnetic Island, including one designated as a roving lifeguard based out of Horseshoe Bay. The roving lifeguard provides additional operational support across the island, especially during high-risk periods.

Policy

It is the roving lifeguard’s job to provide extra operational support for the current lifeguard service. This lifeguard is to either rove in the lifeguard truck or the RWC throughout the day roving the entirety of Magnetic Island. If conditions require the rove lifeguard to maintain at one specific area this can be done.

Start and End of Shift Procedures

Start of Shift:

• Sign-On: Complete pre-operation vehicle and equipment checks, then sign on via LIMSOC.
• RWC and Transport Coordination: Roving and Horseshoe Bay lifeguards drop off the Alma Bay lifeguard, retrieve the RWC, and arrive at Horseshoe Bay by 8:45 am.
• Daily Diary: Check the Daily Diary upon arrival for any notes or issues from the previous day.
  

End of Shift:

• Return to Horseshoe Bay by 3:00 pm to allow sufficient time for refuelling, washing down all equipment, and completing sign-off.
• Vehicle and Equipment Wash-Down: Follow LGS 029.6 for detailed vehicle wash-down procedures, ensuring all equipment, including RWC, is thoroughly cleaned and stored properly.
• Complete Daily Dairy
• Sign off via LIMSOC
• Place phone and Radio on charge
  

Roving Lifeguard Patrol Procedures

General Duties

• Patrol designated areas of Magnetic Island using either the lifeguard vehicle or RWC, providing coverage and support to Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay lifeguards.
• Assist with routine lifeguard duties such as beach monitoring, incident response, and public assistance.
• Lifeguards may alternate between static beach posts and roving duties, provided they hold the necessary certifications.
  

Conditions-Based Roving

• Adjust patrol routes or increase frequency in response to specific conditions, including:
  • Dangerous Marine Life: Prioritize areas with reported sightings or increased stinger risk.
  • High Public Activity: Focus on zones with high visitor numbers or heightened activity.
  • Weather and Water Conditions: Modify patrol routes as conditions dictate.

Frequency and Rotation

• Conduct two primary roves each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
• If sustained attention is needed in a specific area, the roving lifeguard may remain stationed there as appropriate.
  

Stinger Season Procedures (November to May)

• Box Jellyfish Drags: Support Horseshoe and Alma Bay lifeguards with morning Box Jellyfish drags before beach opening.
• Extended Patrol to Picnic Bay:
  • Complete Irukandji drags per Marine Stinger Guidelines.
  • Inspect stinger enclosures following Uninet procedures, reporting issues immediately and implementing control measures as needed.
• Weekly Vinegar Checks: Inspect and restock vinegar stations every Monday from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay.
  

RWC Patrol Procedures

Standard Patrol Route

1. Initial Path: Begin at Horseshoe Bay and travel through Balding Bay, Radical Bay, Florence Bay, Arthur Bay, Alma Bay, Geoffrey Bay, Nelly Bay, and Picnic Bay.
2. Extended Patrol (Conditions Permitting): If conditions allow, extend patrol to West Point and the Five Bays (north of Arthur Bay).
   

Monitoring and Reporting

• During the patrol, maintain a consistent speed, scanning the water and shorelines thoroughly for swimmers, divers, fishermen, and individuals on rocky outcrops who may be at risk of waves or tidal changes.
• Regularly report location, direction, and observations via radio to the closest beach for enhanced coordination and safety.
  

Additional Patrol Details

• Exercise caution in areas with shallow reefs, such as Geoffrey Bay to Picnic Bay, where depth varies and visibility may be limited.
• The RWC patrol is flexible to cover the entire circumference of Magnetic Island as needed, ensuring high-risk areas are observed.
• Over the course of the rove, lifeguards are encouraged to assess rocky headlands and isolated zones, where potential risks to public safety may occur due to natural hazards.
  

RWC Non-Deployment Conditions

• The RWC patrol may be cancelled or limited due to unsafe weather or water conditions, low beach attendance, supervisor advisement, or non-operational assets.