Introduction
Lifeguards must have knowledge of their role and responsibility, as it is essential to South Bank Parklands operations.
Contents:
- Equipment checking
- Personal protective equipment
- First Aid response
- Knowledge of pools & surrounds
- Lifeguard locations and rotations
- Radio operations
- By-Law and pool rule enforcement
- Lifeguard reporting
- Pool Supervision
- Completion of Lifeguard Training
1. Equipment Checking
LGS SB 3.2 Equipment Checking outlines the required equipment that must be checked at the start of operations. The Lifeguard in-charge (LG9) is accountable for the daily checking of equipment as part of their reporting requirements outlined in LGS SB 4.1 however, may delegate tasks to other lifeguards provided they report thoroughly to the LG9. Storage, placement, and restocking of equipment are covered in depth in LGS SB 3.2, 3.3, and 3.6 respectively.
Medical Equipment
- 1x Yellow Pelican case combination First Aid, Defib, & Oxygen resuscitation equipment.
- 2x Red soft pack combination First Aid, Defib, & Oxygen resuscitation equipment.
- First Aid room equipment consisting of:
- 1x First Aid drawer
- 1x AED
- 1x Oxygen bottle with regulator and resuscitation equipment
- Number of spare Oxygen cylinders
| NOTE: Oxygen tubing becomes easily kinked when heated as a result of equipment being left in the sun. Please attempt to place medical gear in the shade and properly coil the oxygen tubing to ensure it is not kinked when completing checks. |
Handheld Radios & Accessories
- 10x Motorola DP 4400
- 1x multi-charger
- 10x Paqua waterproof cases
- 1x Motorola APX6000 Government Wireless network (GWN)
- 1x APX6000 charger
Ensure that all radios are fully charged, operational, the Paqua cases are serviceable, and that the GWN radio is located in the First Aid room.
Rescue Equipment
- 1x Soft Rescue Board
- 1x Board stand
- 5x Rescue tubes (2x Main tower, 1x North tower, 1x South tower, 1x buggy)
- 3x Spinal boards (1x Main tower, 1x North tower, 1x South tower)
- 12x Safety cones
Pool related Equipment
- 4x Pool Scoops (1x Main Tower, 1x South Tower, 1x Aquativity, 1x Boat Pool).
- 5x Lifeguard towers
- 1x Lifeguard mobile chair
- 1x Portable Umbrella for the Aquativity lifeguard tower.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
Lifeguards are provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate potential risks of injury or illness effectively. These essential items include non-latex gloves, safety glasses, masks, and, when necessary, Covid-19 PPE packs encompassing gloves, face masks, and apron. All PPE equipment is stored in a specifically designated first aid room, while lifeguards also carry additional supplies within their readily accessible bum bags to ensure immediate availability when needed. When attending any First Aid, Lifeguards are always required to use gloves.
All lifeguards are to wear PPE appropriate to the hazards of the task being performed at the time.
PPE may include but is not limited to the following items:
- Hat
- Long sleeve shirt
- Safety eye wear
- Face mask
- Gloves
- Apron
- Sunscreen
3. Appropriate First Aid Response
Lifeguards are to be positioned around the pool area at South Bank, with rotations happening according to LGS SB 5.4 and LGS SB 5.5. If a first aid is called through to the lifeguards, the roving/ rotating lifeguard will be the first lifeguard to take the lead with rotations pausing until that lifeguard is back on deck or until the lunch break lifeguard is back. If a second lifeguard is needed, the lifeguard on their break may be called back.
When receiving a call over the radio from other staff (Security, Cleaners, Maintenance, Horticulture, or Events staff), Lifeguards are to obtain details over the radio before delegating responsibility in order to determine the current situation and whether the incident is life-threatening.
A detailed procedure for, LGS SB 5.22 First Aid Response, LGS SB 5.23 First Aid Response self harm and LGS SB 5.24 First Aid Response to Incidents Outside of Operating Areas are outlined within each LOP document.
4. Knowledge of Pools and Surrounds
The South Bank Parklands, a 42-hectare precinct situated in the suburbs of South Brisbane, occupies a prime location on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, directly opposite Brisbane City. Developed on the former site of Brisbane’s World Expo 88, the parklands were officially opened to the public on 20 June 1992. The precinct is bounded by the Victoria Bridge to the north and the Goodwill Bridge and Maritime Museum to the south.
The parklands feature a harmonious blend of rainforest, water elements, open grassy spaces, and plazas. Notable attractions include the riverfront promenade, Streets Beach, the Grand Arbour, the Piazza, the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, the Wheel of Brisbane, and a variety of restaurants, shops, and fountains.
South Bank also serves as a key cultural hub, housing prominent institutions such as the Queensland Conservatorium, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Griffith University, the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the Queensland Museum, ABC news offices, and the Queensland Convention Centre.
As Brisbane’s premier cultural and recreational precinct, South Bank Parklands regularly hosts large-scale festivals and events. Attracting approximately 14 million visitors annually, it is recognized as Australia’s most visited landmark. The parklands are managed by the South Bank Corporation, a statutory body established by the Queensland Government in 1989. The Corporation’s mission is to “continue to build on South Bank’s heritage and iconic legacy as the green heart of our great city for people who come to meet, work, play, and invest here.”
Toilets
Visitors can find conveniently located toilet facilities and amenities close to each pool within South Bank Parklands. For the main pools, the female toilets are situated beneath Southbank Social, while the male toilets can be found beneath the Beer Garden. At Aquativity, the toilets are positioned at the southern end, adjacent to the southern weir. Lastly, for the Boat Pool, the toilets are situated at the northern end, discreetly positioned behind the pool’s lifeguard tower, directly opposite the playground area. These facilities ensure easy accessibility and convenience for park visitors and are regularly maintained by South Bank Parklands.
Aquatic Facilities
There are 3 swimming areas within the South Bank Parklands: Streets Beach, Aquativity, and the Boat pool.
- Streets beach (also known as main beach or main pool) comprises a lagoon with a sand beach. The lagoon has the volume of 5 Olympic swimming pools with chlorinated fresh water, recirculated every 6 hours at up to 125 liters per second. The lagoon is surrounded by palm trees and shaded seating areas. The pool has variable depth up to 1.8 meters. It is split into 3 parts by lane ropes with the northern and southern areas having a maximum depth of 1.1 meters.
- Boat Pool is located to the north of Streets beach. It is separated by a weir with seating areas and palm trees. The pool has a uniform depth of 1.1 meters, excluding the entrance ramp. It does not have sand.
- Aquativity is located to the south of Streets beach. It is also separated by a weir with seating and palm trees. It consists of several fountains and other water features for children. It has a variable depth up to 0.8 meters.
Location of the plant room and how to access.
The Plant room is located under Beer Garden Green via a secure door next to the Great Australian Sweets and can only be accessed by Water services. Lifeguarding services don’t have access to that area.
5. Lifeguard locations and rotations
While on duty around the water area, Lifeguards are to position themselves in the most efficient manner. It is the Lifeguard in-charge’s responsibility to ensure that the Lifeguards are in the most efficient position. Lifeguards are to be in the most elevated position possible to ensure adequate scanning of the pool area.
The number of lifeguards on duty and hours of operations vary, with maximum staffing during summertime. Lifeguards have a ratio of 1:100 swimmers for supervision.
Please note that Safety Ambassadors position will be decided by Lifeguard 9’s during duration of shift as per LOP 5.19 Lifeguard Safety Ambassador
Refer to LGS SB 5.4 Lifeguard Positions for further information.
Lifeguards are to rotate as per LGS SB 5.5. Rotations are done to ensure maximal coverage of the pool area and manage fatigue in individual lifeguards. The Lifeguard in-charge is to ensure rotations are occurring as per the aforementioned policy.
6. Radio Operations
All Radio communications and usage is as per the SLSA Training Manual. This is however subject to changes relative to the South Bank Communication System.
Changes and policies can be found at:
- LGS SB 5.7 Radio Communications
- LGS SB 5.8 Emergency Radio Procedures
South Bank Radio Channels
- Channel 1 – Security and Lifeguard Operations
- Channel 2 – CPS Maintenance (Poolies, Horticulture etc)
- Channel 3 – Events
- Channel 4 – ISS Cleaners
- Channel 5 – Parking
- Channel 6 – SLSQ
7. By-Law enforcement & Water Contamination
By-Laws – refer to LGS SB 5.10 Disobeying Parkland Rules.
Within the guidelines of the Council Contract for Lifeguard Services the Lifeguard Contractor is responsible for upholding the rules and regulations as an ‘authorized person’. As an authorized person all Lifeguards are to follow the ‘Verbal Warning Policy’ as set below:
- Primary Warning: In an appropriate manner a verbal warning is to be given to the person notifying them of the rules and regulations.
- Secondary Warning: In an appropriate manner a verbal warning is to be given to the person notifying them of the rules and regulations and that this is their second and final warning and if he/she continues they will receive an exclusion from the ‘Water Areas’. (the Lifeguard is to determine whether this is to be for the duration of the day or a certain time period).
- Inform ‘Control’
- ‘What offender has done’ – “Gentlemen has been throwing sand”. ‘’ Group of people are constantly jumping off back wall’’
- ‘What you have done’ – “I have informed him of the rules and given him his final warning”.
Water Contamination – refer to LGS SB 5.17 Removal of Contaminants from the Water Area.
Lifeguards will respond to any pool contaminants they identify by contacting Security Control and advise the exact location of the contaminant. Immediate communication is critical in the event of a loose stool (diarrhoea).
It is critical all contaminants are removed as quickly as possible therefore Lifeguards are to remove the contamination as quickly as possible with the fine mesh scoops located around pool areas, if water populations permit.
Lifeguards are not responsible for treating the affected area post removal. When contaminant is in middle of pool or not easily accessible to cleaning staff/Water Services – Lifeguards should assist in removing if water populations permit.
Where practical and water populations permit, Lifeguards should ensure others do not come into contact with affected area until water services/cleaning supervisor attends. Lifeguards should place pool scoop head and contaminant in the plastic bag attached to scoop.
Assist with pool closures when required.
Radio codes:
- Code Brown: Faecal Matter
- Code Red: Blood
- Code V: Vomit
- Sharp: Sharps/ Needles
8. Lifeguard Reporting
Lifeguards are to complete reporting during their next break or during a pause in rotations as instructed by the Lifeguard in-charge (LG9). Lifeguards are to complete reporting during their shift hours, within reason.
Complete First aid – as per LGS SB 2.5
Once the First aid has been dealt with and all assets have been stood down, lifeguards are to return to their on-deck duties and fill out the incident reporting forms at the earliest convenience following procedure outlined in LGS SB 2.5 Incident/First Aid Reporting.
Completion of rescues – as per LGS SB 2.6
All water rescues must be reported to ‘control’ immediately after they occur using the radio. ‘Control’ will then organise any further assistance that may be required. For minor rescues or assists the rescue report must be completed on JotForm by the end of the day or shift. For major rescues, the rescue report and IRL must be completed immediately after they have been dealt with.
Preventative actions – as per LGS SB 2.4
Preventative actions are crucial for SLSQ lifeguards at South Bank Parklands as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of visitors. By proactively identifying potential hazards, enforcing rules, and providing timely warnings, lifeguards can mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and promote a safe aquatic environment for all patrons.
All other incident reporting and forms – as per LGS SB 2.5
Incident reports will be summarised in the weekly meeting with the South Bank Operations Coordinator and in the weekly report.
Familiar with all SOP and LOP
All Lifeguarding staff are provided with all SOP and LOP procedures upon commencement of employment. If any changes or additional procedures are added, every Lifeguard is made aware and advised of these during the next meeting.
9. Pool Supervision
Pool supervision – as per LGS SB 5.25
- All Lifeguards must have a current Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion or equivalent
- People with medical conditions are encouraged to inform the Lifeguards prior to entering the water.
- Children 5 years and under must be accompanied into the South Bank pools by an adult that is someone 16 years and older and always supervised at arm’s reach.
- Children 10 years and under must be accompanied into the South Bank pools by an adult that is someone 16 years and older and actively supervised at all times.
- Lifeguards must not be in the water whilst supervising swimmers unless 4 or more Lifeguards are rostered on.
Scanning techniques – as per LGS SB 5.25
This procedure has been put in place to ensure the South Bank Parklands have adequate supervision and that supervision is maintained at all times.
1. Position
It is important to position yourself so you can see majority of the pool and patrons. This is often tricky due to the layout of the facility and obstructions that block your line of sight, so seeing all of the pool and patrons is not always possible all of the time. Moving around the pool and positioning yourself at higher points or closer to higher-risk areas is often required to effectively supervise the facility.
2. Posture
Maintaining a positive and alert posture not only looks professional to patrons but keeps your mind alert and body active. Changing positions every 5 minutes from sitting, standing and roaming will change your view and prevent your mind wandering and becoming unfocused. Not all facilities allow lifeguards to sit, so managing and changing your posture throughout the day will ensure you stay alert and maintain a professional appearance. Moving around will also get your blood pumping faster, increasing oxygen and nutrients to the brain which will help your mind to stay alert!
3. Pattern
It can be hard to keep track of all patrons in busy pools. By scanning in different patterns you can keep your mind alert and maintain a focused scan. Change the way you scan every 5 minutes by using different techniques such as circular, rectangular, up-and-down the lanes or joining the dots to keep yourself focused. Since we usually read from left to right, scanning from right to left can improve your concentration by forcing the eyes to move in a different direction to what they do automatically. Head counting or grouping patrons is another way of keeping track of who is in the pool and what level of swimmers they are.
4. Patrons
Scanning patrons and taking a mental note of the types of patrons you are supervising can keep your mind active and prepare you for the types of emergencies that may occur. Knowing the age groups, swimming abilities, or special needs of your patrons you are supervising will assist your mental preparation in the event of an emergency.
10. Completion of any lifeguard training provided
As per LGS SB 1.8 lifeguards are required to attend the 3-fitness testing and professional development days each year. South Bank Fitness and Skills Testing requirements are well above the Lagoon industry standard, which is completed 3 times a year. Lifeguards are required to maintain their skills and fitness during their employment with SLSQ.
Lifeguards are to refer to the Lifeguard Operations Manual: LGOM 005 Lifeguard Operations for further clarification on the procedures for training whilst on duty.
Lifeguards are to refer to LGOM 020 Fitness Testing for more information on Fitness Testing, Fitness Testing Courses and modifications to the course.
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