LGS SB 5.7 Radio Communications

Introduction

South Bank Lifeguards are required to utilise and have understanding of both SLSQ and South Bank radio networks. SLSQ radio communications are as per SLSA Training Manual (PSAR 35th Edition).

Contents:

1. South Bank Parklands Radio Procedures
2. SLSQ GWN Radio Procedures

South Bank Parklands Radio Procedures

There are 6 radio channels available to Lifeguards through their issued South Bank radios.

Radios (Hand Held)

• Hand held radios to be turned on at all times whilst in working hours.

• When removing a radio from the charging dock, ensure you place a radio outside the dock on charge to avoid uncharged radio batteries throughout shifts.

• If a radio is not working satisfactorily or there is damage to the set or aerial, it must be reported to the Lifeguard Supervisor and/or Lifeguard 9 for replacement and/or repair. This can be done by noting in Lifeguard 9 Checklist, Daily Diary or via an email to Lifeguard Supervisor. Remove the radio and tag to help identify it and to stop others from using a non-working radio.

• A radio check should be undertaken at the commencement of each lifeguard’s shift as per LGS SB 3.2 Lifeguard Equipment Checking Procedures.

• Radios must have a water-proof casing when a lifeguard is providing water supervision.

After the day’s use the following procedure should be carried out:

• Radios must be removed from the water-proof bags.

• Remove any sand that may be evident.

• Check battery level.

• If set fails to operate efficiently report to Lifeguard Supervisor or Lifeguard 9.

• Check that set is not left on before storing it overnight as this will ensure long life of battery memory period.

• Place radio in charger and ensure that orange light is on.

Sign On and Off Procedure

Please see LGS SB 5.3 Signing On and Off.

Lifeguard Radio Identification Policy

Lifeguards employed with the South Bank Lifeguard Service are to use the following system which coincides with that of the South Bank Security Services who also work on the primary channel of one (1).

Other Relative Information

• ‘Base’ is controlled by the Security services and goes by the call sign of ‘Control’
• When communicating between parties only 1 Call sign is to be relayed (i.e Lifeguard 1, Lifeguard 2) (Lifeguard 1 trying to contact Lifeguard 2).
• When other contract services are trying to contact the lifeguards, they are to simply ask for ‘Lifeguards’ and the Lifeguards themselves will determine who is to answer i.e. “Control to Lifeguards”.
  

Radio Language in Lieu of SLS operations

To ensure brief and precise communication over the radio, the following common ‘pro – words’ are used to replace sentences.

Radio Language
It is to be known that the following abbreviations are to be used when communicating over the radio. This is to include using the phonetic alphabet when giving names or letters. i.e Alpha is ‘A’.

Phonetic Alphabet