4.1. Codes of Conduct

Codes of Conduct for Lifeguards

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all;
2. Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with all;
3. Preserve and protect the standing and reputation of the Australian Lifeguard Service – Queensland and operate to the standards, rules, regulations and policies;
4. Be professional in all actions and accept responsibility. Language presentation, manner and punctuality should reflect high standards;
5. Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures;
6. Make a commitment to providing quality service and foster a collaborative approach to the management of the team;
7. Use facilities and equipment for their proper purpose, and care for and maintain such facilities and equipment correctly;
8. Refrain from anything which may abuse, intimidate or harass anyone;
9. Understand the consequences of any breach of policies within SLSQ Lifeguard Service Operations Manual;
10. Provide a safe environment, and maintain a ‘duty of care’ towards others and an accountability for matters relating to the delivery of Lifeguard Services.

Breach of Code of Conduct

Lifeguard Service Code of Conduct violations but not limited to) are listed below:

• Failing to wear a full and correct uniform;
• Failing to follow reasonable instructions or requests from your Supervisor or appointed representative;
• Sleeping whilst on duty;
• Reporting for work or a training session under the influence of liquor or drugs;
• Consume liquor or non-prescribed drugs during working hours;
• Act in a manner liable to bring discredit to yourself or ALSQ;
• Immoral conduct or violation of any criminal code;
• Neglect of duty and being out of the sight of the public;
• Riding of surfboards, personal paddle boards or surf skis during work hours (Lifeguard rescue board exempted);
• Being absent or late for duty including scheduled breaks without appropriate notification to Supervisor;
• Use of text messaging to inform Supervisor of inability to fill rostered shift;
• Leaving your location prior to rostered time;
• Use of text messaging to inform Supervisor of inability to fill rostered shift;
• Leaving your location prior to rostered time;
• Use of bad or insulting language to a member of the public, staff member or your Supervisor;
• Neglecting to correctly setup, maintain, check and store equipment;
• Failure to attend proficiency assessments without prior notice;
• Make false or misleading reports to your Supervisor, employer or the media;
• Failure to make rescues or render first aid in a professional manner;
• Neglecting to treat people courteously and respectfully at all times;
• Must not be distracted from your normal duties by reading newspaper, books etc. (unless authorized) and should be confined to schedule breaks;
• Use of personal mobile / smart phones is not permitted whilst on duty (except in an emergency situation) and should be confined to scheduled breaks;
• The use of personal laptops, televisions, DVD players, notebooks, iPads and any other non-work apparatus that may distract your attention from
  normal duties are not permitted;
• Playing cards or other games likely to interfere with your surveillance and duties;
• Listening to radios, iPods etc. that are likely to interfere with monitoring of emergency phones and rescue radios;
• Allowing non-authorised persons to be in lifeguard tower or lifeguard vehicle other than being treated or for other lifeguard business;
• Abuse of ALSQ service telephone or unacceptable radio transmissions being broadcast;
• Unauthorised use of ALSQ / SLSQ vehicles and equipment;
• Failure to clean, flush and maintain all equipment including fleet, 4×4 vehicles, ATV and Jet Ski and sled on a daily basis;
• Towing Jet Ski on the road with sled attached. Sled is to always be ferried in tray of 4×4 while on roads;
• Smoking whilst on duty;
• Wearing jewellery that may pose a hazard or restricts the lifeguard during a rescue or that presents the image of the lifeguard in an unprofessional manner;
• Failing to advise Supervisor of any change to driver’s license and bluecard status or any other changes that affect your ability to fulfil your duties as a lifeguard;
• Unauthorised comments, opinions or information relayed to the media.

ALSQ Share house Code of Conduct

Use the facilities and equipment for their proper purposes, and care for and maintain such facilities and equipment correctly;

• Out of respect to all staff, neighbors and public etc. 10:00pm is to be considered the designated “lights out” and “music off” to allow all those who choose
  to go to sleep;
• All domestic cleaning duties in relation to all meals including snacks are to be completed immediately at the complete of the meal;
• There are to be no additional guests (staff or non-staff) without the direct permission of the Chief Lifeguard;
• There is to be zero alcohol to be consumed in the house 12 hours prior to the start of the first person’s shift the following day;
• Staff are reminded that as per the Lifeguard Service Alcohol policy: Lifeguards are recommended to abstain from consuming alcohol 12-24 hours prior
  to the start of their shift to ensure a 0% balance at the commencement of their duty;
• Lifeguards are to conduct themselves in a manner that will preserve and protect the standing and reputation of the ALS;
• Lifeguard are to refrain from anything which may abuse, intimidate or harass other.