24.34. LGS RWL 5.14 Emergency Closing of Water Area

Introduction

At any time through the course of duties, Lifeguards may be requested to evacuate and/or close the pool/s or part thereof due to a safety risk to the bathing public. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Fire
• Lightning strike
• Chemical – external or internal
• Syringe/knife/glass in water (suspected)
• Fallen object – tree, light pole
• Foreign object
• Poor water visibility
  

During the event a fire or evacuation alarm is triggered at/around the Riverway Lagoon Precinct Lifeguards are to adopt the position of Area Wardens as outlined below. If an evacuation is required during normal library business hours, Lifeguards as area wardens must confirm the evacuation with the chief warden of the facility. If a fire or evacuation alarm is triggered outside of normal business hours, Lifeguards are to treat the alarm as real and evacuate the facility until given the all clear by an Authorised council representative, emergency services or the Lifeguard Supervisor.

Chief Warden – This position is filled by a Riverway Art Centre Employee during normal operation hours.

Area Wardens

Area 5 – This position will is filled by Riverway 1.

Deputy Area Wardens

Deputy Area 5 Warden 1 – This position will be filled by the one of the Lifeguards positioned at the Upper Lagoon and surrounds at the time of the incident.

Deputy Area 5 Warden 2 – This position will be filled by the one of the Lifeguards positioned at the Lower Lagoons and surrounds at the time of the incident.

During an emergency the Deputy Area Warden shall assume the role of Area Warden if the Area Warden is unavailable and follow the Area Warden’s procedures accordingly.

Riverway 1 is to assume the role of Area 5 Warden, moving to the main lagoon tower to coordinate and follow the Area Warden’s procedures accordingly.

Position Responsibilities

Deputy Area 5 Warden 1 – Warden Upper Pool Area

To evacuate the following areas

• Upper Lagoon Area
• Surrounds
  

Deputy Area 5 Warden 2 – Warden Lower Pool Area

• Lower Lagoon Area
• First Aid Office
• Men and Women’s Toilets
• Surrounds
  

PROCEDURE

FIRE

Upon notification or discovery of a fire or the presence of smoke or any other emergency, staff are to take the following actions:

• Investigate, assess, and advise the Chief Warden if during normal hours of operation.
  • This can be done by using the Warden Intercom.
  • Lifeguards are to treat all alarms as real until given the all clear by an Authorised council representative, emergency services or the Lifeguard Supervisor
• In the case of fire, where possible without impairing personal safety, commence fighting the fire. If in doubt, evacuate the area.
• If outside normal Riverway Arts Centre hours of operation Lifeguard Staff will need to take charge and carry out the following:
  • Evacuate the upper and lower lagoon areas as swiftly and safely as possible through the use of a handheld PA with a 5 second siren blast followed by instructions.
  • The lower lagoon emergency assembly area is located at the eco centre (see fig 1.1).
  • Call emergency services and notify Surfcom
  • The upper lagoon emergency assembly area is located at the carpark opposite the drop off zone (see fig 1.0)
  • The lower lagoon emergency assembly area is located at the eco centre (see fig 1.1).

LIGHTNING STRIKE

• Riverway 1 is to determine whether the pool/s are to be evacuated.
• Riverway 1 is to then contact security and SURFCOM and inform them of the following:
  • Pools are being closed
  • Reason for closure
  • Whether assistance is required to evacuate the pool/s
• Riverway 1 is to then organise:
  • One Lifeguard with loud hailer (unless numbers are under 20) with a 5 second siren blast followed by instructions
  • Lifeguards are to: inform all swimmers (and parents/guardians) of closure (temporary or permanent)
  • Inform that no body parts are to be in the water
  • Continually monitor all areas
  • Be positioned at upper and lower lagoon

CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE IN WATER – INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL

• Riverway 1 is to contact Security, SURFCOM and the pool contractor and inform them of the following:
  • Pools, or part thereof are being closed
  • Reason for closure
  • Whether assistance is required to evacuate the pool/s
• Riverway 1 is to then organise:
  • One Lifeguard to remain at location of chemical
  • One Lifeguard with loud hailer (unless numbers are under 20) with a 5 second siren blast followed by instructions
  • All lifeguards as per ‘minimum lifeguard procedure’
• Lifeguards are to:
  • Inform all swimmers – if affected (and parents/guardians) of closure (temporary or permanent)
  • Continually monitor all areas

SUSPECTED SYRINGE/GLASS/SHARP OBJECT/S

• Lifeguard to notify Riverway 1 that;
  • Object located or
  • Object found
  • Lifeguard to treat patient
• Riverway 1 is to then organise:
  • One Lifeguard to remain where object is suspected/found
  • Removal of the object
• Lifeguards are to:
  • Inform all affected swimmers (and parents/guardians) of closure (temporary or permanent) or moving of swimming area
  • Continually monitor all areas