5.3. Opening and Closing Patrol Areas

Opening Patrol Areas

Lifeguards responsible for opening ocean or non-ocean areas will be required to be on patrol and commence observation duties at the allotted opening time.
The opening time of the ocean or non-ocean areas will be the starting time of the lifeguard. Lifeguards shall be required to have their patrol area immediately
set up after the risk assessments / stinger drags have been completed.

Lifeguards are required to determine the safety of the selected patrol areas and the most appropriate method and efficient deployment of equipment and personnel
in addition to any specific actions that may have to be taken to ensure public safety.

The patrol area must be located in the safest area for swimming and should be opened as wide as possible where conditions and resources allow.
Patrol flags and rescue equipment shall be positioned as close to the water’s edge as possible. The flags and patrol equipment must be moved with the rise and fall
of the tide to keep them at the water’s edge.

Patrol Deployment

In areas where patrols are deployed the following factors should be considered:

General

• Size/distance of area to be patrolled
• Number of patrons
• Skill level(s) of patrons
• Type of activities
• Recreational equipment in use (slides, toys, inflatable’s, etc.)
• Potentials hazards (i.e. rocks, sudden drop off, etc.)
• The number of lifeguards on duty
• The type and amount of equipment available
• Other tasks required of the lifeguard(s)
• Facilities available to the lifeguard(s)
• Safety and emergency support services
• Communications systems (access to support/emergency services)
  

Site

• Site type
• Prevailing conditions
  

Under circumstances where multiple lifeguards are deployed to service as area, one lifeguard should be identified as the senior (responsible) person in order
to establish a command and control structure.
Once the patrol area is set up, lifeguards shall erect council ordinance signage for that respective area where required i.e. no dogs permitted, dogs on leash etc.

Closing Patrol Areas

Lifeguards responsible for Closing Ocean or non-ocean areas will be required to be on patrol and continuing observation duties until the allotted closing time.
Lifeguards shall be allowed to pack up their patrol area 15 minutes prior to the end of closing time. Once the ocean or non-ocean area has been packed up,
this will be the finishing time of the lifeguard.

Lifeguards are required to assess the conditions that are present at the time and determine is closing the aquatic area is an appropriate option.
The aim of this guideline is to assist the lifeguards in determining the most appropriate action to be taken continue to provide the safest environment for
members of the public.

If a lifeguard determines their patrol area is to be closed a minimum of one lifeguard shall remain on duty to perform surveillance patrol.
Lifeguards should consider closing the patrol area at any time there is an unacceptable risk to the public or the lifeguard of injury, illness, substantial distress
or at any time that the lifeguards is over committed and/ or is unable to effectively perform water safety tasks.

The following are specific conditions under which patrol area closure may be closure may be considered (this list should not be considered to be exclusive):

Should the prevailing conditions warrant the closing of a patrol area, the local laws or regulations of the relevant authority where applicable, are to be applied. The lifeguard(s) should conduct the operation in a firm but courteous manner in a way that will not unduly alarm the public.

When closing the patrol area lifeguards must inform the public in the following manner:

• Advise aquatic users via Public Announcement systems or loud hailer
• Posting “SWIMMING PROHIBITED” signs at identified access points
• Post “BEACH CLOSURE – SURF DANGEROUS” / “SWIMMING PROHIBITED” and/or specific warning (information) signs, e.g. stingers, pollution, shark, crocodile, etc.
• Maintain normal surveillance, preventative actions and public advise activities during patrol hours.
  

An appropriate record should be made in LIMSOC and daily diary outlining the reasons for the closure.

Generally, the patrol area will remain closed until such time as the identified hazard is controlled or no longer presents a risk.

Recommended closure periods include:

• Crocodile – 4 hours after last sighting and after consultation with Lifeguard Supervisor
• Shark – Minimum 60 minutes from last confirmed sighting (or completed of search)
• Chemical Hazards – after confirmation from appropriate authorities that the area is safe
• Dangerous Tropical Jellyfish – Until the following day and following two clear drags.
  (For site specific information on closure periods refer to the Local Operations Manual)
  

Once it is determined that it is safe to reopen the patrol are then normal patrol procedures should be re-established. It is important to continue to inform the public of your activities.

Upon the decision to close a patrol area:

1. The red and yellow flags shall be removed / taken down.
2. The red flag and emergency evacuation flag (is applicable) shall be erected
3. Where the swimming area would be, a “SWIMMING PROHIBITED”: sign/s with a red flag and relevant hazard sign shall be erected if safe to do so
4. Report the closure to the “State Communication Centre” via LIMSOC or your Lifeguard Supervisor detailing the reason for closure.
5. SWIMMING PROHIBITED: approved best practice signage with red flag and hazard sign should be erected at major access points where practical and appropriate to advise the public of closed beach.
6. Conditions Boards shall be changed to outline the Beach is CLOSED for swimming and state the reason for the closure
7. When patrol area is closed, a minimum of one lifeguard shall remain on duty to perform surveillance patrol. Patrol the area, to ensure swimmers do not enter the water and to be ready in case of emergency during normal patrol hours. (see LOPS for more information).