5.10. Training Whilst of Duty

Patrol Area Open

The role of a lifeguard involves maintaining high levels of fitness in order to be prepared to undertake strenuous physical activities at short notice, including running, swimming and water and/or rescue skills, therefore, training should be encouraged when possible, convenient and appropriate.
Due consideration must be given to the operational requirements of the patrol and the image of ALSQ. For this reason, lifeguards wishing to train while on duty must always obtain prior permission from their Lifeguard Supervisor.

Patrol Area Closed

When the sea conditions are extremely hazardous and have been judged unsafe for the public to swim, the beach will be closed however there may be incidents where lifeguards are required to perform rescues etc in these conditions. In order to ensure that lifeguards have the required skills and abilities to work in such environments, lifeguards may wish to conduct activities in hazardous conditions.
*If lifeguards wish to conduct training at patrol areas that have been closed due to hazardous conditions then the procedures outlined in the respective area must be adhered to at all times.
No training is to ever be conducted at patrol areas closed due to Dangerous Marine Creatures (Sharks, Crocodiles, Marine Stingers etc), debris in the water, extreme weather events or electrical storms. *

Lifeguards who wish to carry out training for the purpose of maintaining or improving skills outside of rostered hours must adhere to the following procedure:

1. Inform Lifeguard Supervisor that you wish to conduct training for the purpose of maintaining skills
2. Where applicable advice the State Communication Centre (via LIMSOC) in the region that training is being conducted. If State Communications Centre is not applicable to area, inform your Lifeguard Supervisor.
3. Complete risk assessment form
4. Ensure that correct PPE is worn
5. Prepare appropriate Water Safety’
   1. Ensure that at least one other person knows you are training
   2. If there is more than one lifeguard on duty ensure that at least one lifeguard remains out of the water and remains on radio / phone communications
   3. Maintain eye contact with their patrol base and/or the lifeguards remaining on duty in order to be able to respond to any incident, if required, while they are training
   4. If you are the only lifeguard on duty you are to take your radio in a waterproof bad into the water with you.
   5. Radio State Communication Centre / Lifeguard Supervisor every 10minutes to ensure your safety
   6. If applicable for your location a fully equipped RWC that is not involved in the traning must be in a position that it can respond to the area if needed.
6. Once the training is completed advise State Communication Centre (via LIMSOC) and your Lifeguard Supervisor in the region that training has ceased.
   

When allowed to train, lifeguard should also be aware and adhere to the following procedures: –

• Respect the requirements of members of the public
• Follow all Local Laws set by the Local Authority and/ or landowner
• When training on a rescue board (including paddling practice and catching wabes), SLSQ branded PPE or uniform must be worn and due consideration must be givern to other water users – STANDING UP ON A RESCUE BOARD IS NOT PERMITTED
  • Recreational surfing is not allowed while on duty.
  

Training Outside of Rostered Hours
For the full procedure LGOM 023 Training Outside of Work. Lifeguards who wish to carry out training for the purpose of maintaining or improving skills outside of rostered hours must adhere to the following procedure:

1. Inform Lifeguard Supervisor that you wish to conduct training for the purpose of maintaining skills
2. Where applicable advice the State Communication Centre (via LIMSOC) in the region that training is being conducted. If State Communications Centre is not applicable to area, inform your Lifeguard Supervisor.
3. Complete risk assessment form
4. Ensure you train using the buddy system (in pairs)
5. Ensure that correct PPE is worn
6. Prepare appropriate Water Safety’
   1. Ensure that at least one other person knows you are training
   2. Maintain eye contact with their patrol base and/or the lifeguards remaining on duty in order to be able to respond to any incident, if required while they are training
   3. If applicable for your location a fully equipped RWC that is not involved in the training must be in a position that can respond to the area if needed.
7. Once the training is completed advise State Communication Centre (via LIMSOC) and your Lifeguard Supervisor in the region that training has ceased.