23.7. LGS NBR 007 Leaving Bathing Reserve or Area in a Emergency

Purpose

The following procedure outlines how to respond to an emergency in another area.

Procedure

Multiple Lifeguards on duty -

• Communicate and decide in your team that the bathing public’s safety will not be compromised by one Lifeguard leaving the bathing area to attend the emergency.
• If call did not come from Surfcom, contact Surfcom and inform them off the situation (they can call emergency services for the lifeguards on duty and contact Lifeguard Supervisor)
• Safely proceed to the incident with appropriate rescue equipment and communications.
• The remaining Lifeguard should monitor from the base or tower. This person should notify the nearest site in case further back up or other resources are required.
• Notify other emergency services through Surfcom or the Lifeguard Supervisor as required.
• Return to your regular beach as soon as possible.
  

If situation involves a major incident ensure an incident report log is requested via Surfcom and is completed.

One Lifeguard on duty –

• Advise the nearest Lifeguard location that you have an incident that requires you leaving you’re bathing area.
• If call did not come from Surfcom, contact Surfcom and inform them off the situation (they can call emergency services for the lifeguards on duty and contact Lifeguard Supervisor)
• If available and required ask for back up from the nearest location. During reporting remember to communicate: People, Position, Problem and Progress.
• Advise the public by the public address system that you will be leaving the area and the flags will be removed and unattended by a Lifeguard. No flags = No Swim.
• Remove the Red and Yellow flags and the conditions flag.
• Safely proceed to the incident with appropriate rescue equipment and communications
• Notify other emergency services or the Lifeguard Supervisor as required.
• Return to your regular beach as soon as possible.
• If situation involves a major incident ensure incident report log is requested via Surfcom and is completed.