27.10. LGS SEQ 010 Radios

Purpose

Radios are an important resource for lifeguards to use, the below procedure outlines how to use and operate the radios.

Procedure

The Lifeguard Service relies on radio communications daily during standard operations. It is important that transmissions are kept to a minimum and to allow access for emergent situations. The last duty for the day will be to close down communications. Unauthorized or misuse of the radio network by staff will not be tolerated.

The following points should be noted:

• All radios must be in an operational Aquapack at all times when used on duty.
• Prior to transmitting, listen out for other radio calls that you may interfere with. Other transmissions should never be over transmitted.
• Hold the PTT button for one second prior to talking. This will help stop the initial part of your transmission being chopped off.
• The content of message should be determined prior to transmission to minimize air time.
• Speak clearly and use a normal speaking voice.
• Do not shout or accentuate words.
• Avoid long pauses and avoid sounds such as ‘UM’ ‘ER’ ‘YEAH’ ‘NUH’.
• Do not use obscene, profane or improper language under any circumstances.
• Avoid emotion and excessive expression in transmission.
• Direct the message to the call sign of the unit being called.
• During emergencies keep the air clear unless you are involved.
• Obtain an acknowledgment from the station being called that the message was received and understood.
• Use the standard phonetic alphabet as required.
  

Remember that all your radio transmissions can be heard and may be monitored by other agencies including the media. The Lifeguard service is a professional service so demonstrate this daily by ensuring all transmissions are appropriate.

Radio Terminology:

Radios immersed in water:

• Immediately turn off and remove the battery.
• Rinse radio in fresh water.
• Air dry the radio in dry environment in the shade.
• Report radio status to radio command and Lifeguard Supervisor.
  

Charging of radios:

• Turn radio off.
• Place in correct charger.
• Ensure charging light illuminates.
• When green light illuminates remove radio from charger as soon as possible.
  

Radio Maintenance:
All Radios should be maintained regularly,

• Removed from the Aqua Radio bag daily or if any moisture is appearing
• This should include washing the radio in fresh water.
• Removing the battery and antenna to clean sand and other foreign matters from terminals and connections.
• Radios should be clean and dry before placing them into the charging unit.
• If radios are damaged in anyway, they should be taken from service and sent for repair ASAP.
  

Radio Conference Groups and Area Wide Grouping –

During Lifeguard Operations, the following conference groups will be established at Surfcom.

Conference and fixed link channels allow the formation of an area wide network to keep all services informed of operational status to allow for pre-empting and proactive assistance.

The conference group may potentially be removed as required during a localised SAR (where no backup or simplex channel is sufficient or available) or during a network fault causing interference to normal operations. Fixed links are not controllable by Surfcom.

A transmission on any channel in the conference group will be broadcast to all other channels in the group.

RADIO TECHNIQUES

• It is vital that a short pause (1 – 2 seconds) is maintained after pressing and holding the PTT before speaking
• This will eliminate missed or unreadable beginnings of transmissions.
• All operators should ensure the channel is clear (wait up to 30 seconds) before transmitting to ensure they do not interfere with existing transmissions that are in a pause.
• In high wind areas, attempt to shield the microphone from the wind to avoid whistling and gushing sounds.
• All transmissions via repeaters and some Simplex channels are automatically voice recorded. Correct radio procedure should be maintained at all times

Contact details:
State Operations Communications Centre (SOCC) 07 5631 7400