HELICOPTER SAFETY ARENA
Under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, it is a requirement that each club must have a “safety arena” roped off prior to the helicopter approaching to land.
This safety arena must comprise of:
• Seven (7) sturdy poles and rope to cover a diameter of 40 metres square;
• This area must be set up as close to the waters edge as possible with an orange signal flag at either end of the approach path from the sea (flags to assist pilot with wind direction);
• A fully uniformed surf lifesaver must be on guard duty at the front, back and sides of the designated safety arena using minimum four (4) members, one on each corner of the square;
• One of these lifesavers must have a radio in their possession. It must be continuously monitored, in case the helicopter crew requires special arrangements or assistance;
• It is important that as the helicopter approaches, there are no people walking across the front of the arena, and no surfers in the water of the approach path;
• Warn everyone within 500 metres of the safety arena about the power of the downwash, which will cause sand to blow into their eyes temporarily blinding them, and beach umbrellas could blow away and stab nearby beach-goers (duty of care); and
• Rescue boards, skis and even surfboats must not be in the vicinity as the power of the downwash may blow these items around causing serious injury.
As the helicopter approaches the safety arena, the lifesavers on guard duty must face away from the landing zone to keep a vigilant watch on any approaching excited children/adults who may dart past them and be blinded by sand and stagger towards the rotors causing serious injury to themselves.
Any loose items including baseball caps must not be worn near the turning rotors.
Never approach the helicopter unless instructed by the pilot, by way of a “thumbs up” and usually eye to eye contact and a nod of the head.
Never approach from the back of the helicopter (tail rotor spinning at 2090 RPM) as you cannot be sighted.
Always approach from the downhill side and within 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock range of vision of the pilot (never walk down a slope towards the helicopter).
HELICOPTER OPERATIONS OVER WATER
This section is to advise all lifesaving personnel of the safety requirements and procedures whilst the helicopter is performing rescue operations, particularly in the case where a helicopter is performing a rescue in an emergency situation, performing a rescue demonstration or training over water.
General
During rescue, training or public relations operations, the focus of a helicopter crew is on the safe operation of the aircraft and the execution of the task. While every effort is made by the crew to monitor the whole environment, it is vital for other surf lifesaving personal to operate in a safe manner around the aircraft, and not introduce any unexpected issues. In order to establish a safe operational environment, please note the following points:
• When the helicopter is hovering above the water, the pilot’s total concentration is focused on the patient in the water, and maintaining a relative position. The helicopter air crewman will be directing the pilot as required and preparing for deployment of the rescue crew. This means that other rescue craft or personnel entering under the helicopter cannot be easily detected and may present a danger to the operation, or the rescue crew stepping off the aircraft.
• Due to this type of flying operation, the rotor wash over water creates a spray or mist that can become disorientating to any persons entering under the helicopter. Also depending on wave (swell) conditions, the height of the aircraft over the water, particularly the tail rotor, can vary substantially.
• The static line or hoist cable deployed from the aircraft may create a further hazard as there is a possibility that this line may become entangled with any craft or personnel, particularly if the pilot needs to manoeuvre the helicopter unexpectedly.
Therefore, for the safety of all lifesaving personnel, helicopter crew and the general public, at no time are any craft or persons permitted to enter underneath the helicopter.
Water Safety During Helicopter Training Operations
General
Water safety support during training operations is a requirement of our safety management and risk mitigation systems. In order to realise the full potential of any water safety support, and establish a safe operational environment, please note the following points.
General Locations
The helicopter service has areas identified on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts to conduct training operations away from busy populated areas. The service is not restricted to these areas but chooses to use them to minimise impact on the bathing and beach going public during training operations.
4.1.1 Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast the primary aquatic training area is approximately 1.2 kilometres north, of the Southport Seaway, on South Stradbroke Island.
4.1.2 Sunshine Coast
On the Sunshine Coast the primary aquatic training area is 1.5 kilometres south of Kings Beach on the northern end of Bribie Island. Should you be requested to assist with water safety, the duty crew will attempt to update you with any location requirements prior to the flight or while airborne. If the aircraft commences operations away from where you believe training is to take place, proceed at best possible safe speed to the area the aircraft is operating in, and take up the standby location as detailed below.
Gold Coast Training Area
Sunshine Coast Training Area
Water Safety Considerations
As part of normal operations, the helicopter crew attempts to identify a suitable location to undertake training or demonstrations. Due to the nature of our environment there are a number of hazards that may pose an issue for the helicopter crew, patients, and general public.
4.1.3 Water Depth
One of the major issues associated with the helicopter rescue procedure is the depth of water that the crewperson jumps into from the aircraft. Although the crew continually assess the depth during the sequence, it can be difficult to judge.
Water safety personal are asked to:
• If dropping a patient in the water, assess the depth at the training area, aiming for a depth in excess of three meters; and
• Continually assess the depth of the water in the training area and if you have a concern contact the aircraft via radio, or use the standard distress signal to invoke a stop to the training sequence.
4.1.4 Debris/Marine Life
Please conduct a survey of the training area prior to commencement of the activity to determine if there are any objects or marine life that may pose a threat to the crew or patients. The helicopter crew will also assess an area to identify any risks.
Water safety personal are asked to:
- Assess the area and advise the helicopter crew of any concerns via radio prior to commencing the activity; and
- Continually assess the training area and if you have a concern contact the aircraft via radio, or use the standard distress signal to invoke a stop to the training sequence.
4.1.5 General Public
Safety personal are requested to:
- Advise members of the public to stand clear of the training area; and
*Where appropriate identify and clear a path from the initial training location to the beach and emergency arena if used.
Standby Location
Water safety craft or personnel providing support to the helicopter operation are requested, after deployment of the patient by water craft or aircraft, to re-locate to an area 50-100 metres away from the aircraft and in a position between the 9:30 and 11:00 o’clock position relative to the aircraft’s nose (12 o’clock).
This location affords the water safety provider a safe distance from the operation, but close enough to render assistance if it is requested. Additionally, it provides the pilot and aircrew with visual reference to the water safety craft, so that all aircraft manoeuvring can be conducted safely.
Should the aircraft move towards the water safety personnel:
• Initially, hold your position and allow the aircraft crew time to correct the situation; and
• If the aircraft moves to within a distance you consider unsafe, move away from the aircraft in a direction 90 degrees different to the direction of travel of the aircraft (note the aircraft may not be travelling forward), aiming for a location in the view of the air crewman and pilot.
Visual Monitoring
Water safety personnel are requested to maintain visual contact with the aircraft and the patient/rescuer at all times. This allows the water safety personnel to respond to situations in a timely manner or take evasive action should the aircraft suffer a major malfunction or manoeuvre to close.
Assistance Required
If assistance is required:
• Direct communication will be initiated by the aircraft via radio;
• In the event that radio communication is ineffective, the aircrew or crew in the water will use the standard distress signal; and
• The helicopter will move away from the scene, and establish a hover or orbit the area. Only after the aircraft has moved to a safe distance, may craft or personnel enter the scene to render assistance.
Conclusion
The helicopter service requests that area captains, club captains and lifeguard supervisors advise all personnel of the above safety requirements and include these procedures in their respective standard operating procedures and training inductions.
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