LOW PATRONAGE PATROL

*LOW PATRONAGE PATROL

A Low Patronage Patrol covers designated patrol areas for a Life Saving Club, as specified in the club’s agreed Patrol Service Agreements. The patrol aims to meet minimum requirements for personnel and equipment outlined in the Patrol Operations Manual.

Composition of Low Patronage Patrol:

• A Low Patronage Patrol shall consist of at least two core members who are financially current and proficient in the following minimum qualifications:
• 2 x Bronze Medallion qualified members or One Gold Medallion Holder (one member must be over 18 years old).
• First Aid
• One IRBD and one IRBC or RWC Operator (with relevant operational craft).
  

Desirable Qualifications:

• Silver Medallion Beach Management or Silver Medallion Patrol Captain.
• Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
• Side by Side Operator Certificate.
  Note: Desirable qualifications may be collectively held by the 2 x Bronze Medallion holders/1 x Gold Medallion Holder).
  

Criteria for Low Patronage Patrol:

• Notification must meet one of the following criteria:
• No factors leading to increased population (e.g., school holidays, public holiday, long weekend, major events, summer).
• Beaches closed during widespread severe weather or times of natural disasters (per policy LS09).
• Extreme Tides 2hrs each side of the change only
• Critical Marine Stinger Risk, North of Bustard heads only.
• Pollution (Oil, Debris, water quality, etc)
• No changes to beach conditions that increase the site’s normal risk profile.
  

If a club wishes to apply for a Low Patronage Patrol, please follow the below procedure:
1. Club receives weekend whether brief from the SOCC.
2. Club uses all relevant information to form a decision is the beach could have low patronage on a certain day of their volunteer patrol service factoring in the above criteria.
3. If the club is satisfied that they meet the above criteria the club must complete the relevant Branches Low Patronage Patrol Notification Form (listed below). This must be submitted strictly by 11.59pm on the Thursday before the weekend patrol or two business days before a public holiday.
4. Once submitted the notification form will be reviewed by the Branch DOLS and relevant Lifesaving Coordinator or Regional Manager, with final approval being given by the SLO and Lifesaving Services Manager by 10am Friday.
5. Club will receive notification of approval or denial by 10am the Friday before patrols are to commence. If successful, the club must adhere to the composition of the low patronage patrol as outlined in the scope. If unsuccessful, or no response is received from SLSQ, a standard Full Patrol will apply as per the club’s patrol service contract.

Notes:
1. Strict adherence to deadlines and procedures is essential to ensure timely notification of reduced patrolling levels.
2. All references to qualifications, criteria, and deadlines are subject to periodic review and updates as necessary.

Please use the below links to access your relevant Low Patronage Patrol Nomination Form.
PDB LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK
SCB LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK
SSCB LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK
WBC LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK
NBB LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK
NQB LOW PATRONAGE PATROL NOMINATION LINK

To access the LS022 Low Patronage Patrol Procedure, please click on the link HERE