Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this manual and are defined as below:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AED | Automated External Defibrillator |
| ALSQ | Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland. The Lifeguard Service arm of SLSQ |
| ART | Advanced Resuscitation Techniques |
| SSV | Side by Side Vehicle |
| Bathing Area | Patrol area as marked out by the Lifeguard on duty |
| Bathing Reserve | If the local government proposes to regulate the use of a bathing reserve under this local law, the local government must erect and maintain signs, in prominent positions on or adjacent to the foreshore, to indicate the existence of the bathing reserve. Signs must be erected at the lateral boundaries of the bathing reserve indicating the position of the boundaries. The signs must face both seawards and shorewards |
| Branch | A Surf Life Saving Queensland Branch Inc. that overseas SLSC’s in its area |
| Council | A Local Government pursuant to the Local Government Act 1993 |
| EEA | Employee Enterprise Agreement. The employment conditions that apply specifically to ALSQ Lifeguards |
| FA | Apply First Aid |
| IRL | Incident Report Log |
| Lifeguard | A person employed to patrol a bathing area, who has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform lifesaving duties and first aid as required |
| Lifesaver | Member of SLSA whom voluntarily participates in lifesaving duties for their affiliated SLSC |
| LGOM | Lifeguard Operations Manual |
| LIMSOC | Lifesaving Incident Management System |
| LOPS | Local Operations Manuals. These are site/region specific manuals for the Lifeguard Service |
| Major Incident | A Major Incident for reporting purposes may constitute one or more of the following: Major rescue involving one or multiple persons or near drowning of persons, major first aid involving hospitalization or any secondary treatment or any death by any cause, major accident or injury to an employee in the workplace, any incident that could attract media attention or major infringement of Council Local Law |
| ORB | Offshore Rescue Boat |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment |
| Proficient | A lifeguard that has completed a satisfactory proficiency test by the due date required in each particular qualification or award requirement for the position. Lifeguards may be qualified under the rules of the SLSA |
| Public Address | Announcement to the public by use of a loud hailer of PA system |
| RWC | Rescue Water Craft |
| SLSC | Surf Life Saving Club. A local body affiliated with SLSQ |
| SLSQ | Surf Life Saving Queensland. A peak body accredited and recognised by the Department of Emergency Services Queensland |
| Surfcom | SLSQ’s radio communication system that provides communication services between different locations/services, logs services operating in the area and tasks services as required |
| Surveillance | Close observation of a person or group or to keep watch |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) | Is an unmanned aircraft also referred to as drones |
Updating this Manual
Recommended changes should be forwarded to the Lifeguard Supervisor, who may be able to address any modifications on a local scale. This can also come through the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).
If it is a modification that will affect the entire state ALSQ Lifeguard Service, it must be sent to SLSQ for consideration, and if approved, for endorsement.
SLSQ are viewed internationally as an innovative organisation, which are consistently and pro-actively looking for ways to improve the way lifesaving is conducted –
ultimately aiming for Zero Preventable Deaths in Queensland public waters.
The views and needs of our professionals are thoroughly considered when developing the Lifeguard Operations Manual.
Changes to this manual will normally be made as part of the annual review, however they may also be needed in the following situations: -
- Where a new National policy is introduced;
- Where an accident/incident occurs that proves a current practice is unsafe and requires changing urgently;
- Where a change in legislation means current practice needs altering immediately.
In these three examples, appropriate updates will be sent out to all holders of the Lifeguard Operations Manuals who will be responsible for ensuring all staff are made aware of changes.
REQUEST FOR CHANGE BY INDIVIDUALS
Anyone who has recommendations/suggestions for changes at an individual level should follow these steps: -
All cases
- Check the SLSQ website (www.lifesaving.com.au) for the latest policies, procedures and forms as you may find the answer there.
Individual/Region
- Discuss with your Lifeguard Supervisor to take the idea to the Lifeguard Advisory Panel.
- Send through to the Lifeguard Representative for the Joint Consultative Committee.
HOW ALSQ WILL UPDATE THE MANUAL
Any endorsed changes by ALSQ will follow this sequence of events:
- Carry out Risk Assessment
- Change identified (new policy, accident/incident and/or legislation, annual review)
- Formulate draft
- Circulate draft copy to Lifeguard Advisory Panel with deadline for comments/endorsement
- Comments are received back if necessary (change may be refused at this stage)
- Amendments made if necessary in consultation with the Lifeguard Advisory Panel
- Approval by the Lifeguard Advisory Panel
- Communication, Training and Implementation (immediately or in annual review)
Process for updating policies / procedures
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