SECTION NO: POM 0013 SURF CRAFT MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

SURF LIFE SAVING CRAFT TRAINING

LS 11 KITE BOARDING MANAGEMENT POLICY

PURPOSE
Management of surf craft (including body boards) and prevention of surf craft infringement into designated swimming areas represents a major public safety issue on patrolled beaches. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to assist lifesaving services to:

• Improve safety and enjoyment of swimmers and surf craft riders;
• Reduce the risk of injury; and
• Reduce the chances of litigation.
  

DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this document “surf craft” means any of the following:

• A surf ski;
• A surf board;
• A sail board;
• A surf boat;
• A kite surfer;
• A hyrdrofoil board;
• A body board; or
• Another device (non-motorised) for use on or in water to carry a person or thing across or through water or for recreational use in water.
  

CONTROL PROGRAM
A comprehensive management program should include the following components, which may be applied to suit local conditions:

• Education;
• Signage/notification;
• Application of regulation/warning procedures; and
• Penalties
  

EDUCATION
A comprehensive education program provides a basis for a long-term control program so that individuals can competently utilise their surf craft and enjoy the aquatic environment without endangering themselves and others. The Queensland Health Beach Safe Program is recommended as a suitable education program. Education programs should include (but not be limited to):

• Personal safety;
• Surf awareness;
• Surfing etiquette;
• Beach management practices (i.e., signage zoning etc.); and
• Environmental issues. 
• Hydro Foiling
  

Clear, accurate signage is an important part of the overall control program, as part of ongoing education guidelines and as part of good beach management practice. Good signage will indicate to individuals and groups the appropriate locations for utilising their surf craft and may serve as a warning to those who may infringe either accidentally or purposefully upon safe swimming areas.

Refer to section 10 – Patrol Equipment ensure IRB is on the appropriate side for the sweep

Model Option 1 – Patrol Set up

Model Option 2 – Surf Craft Prohibited Where No Powercraft Present

Establishment of distinct separate zones is identified as a significant hazard where a conflict between different beach users could occur.

Application of Regulations/Warning Procedures
The application of local laws is the responsibility of a designated “authorised person” (as defined in relevant local law – normally the patrol captain).

Determination as to the requirement to separate surf craft (including body boards) into separate zones is based on determination of a significant risk to the community, which is based on:

• The number of patrons;
• The area available;
• The type of equipment (i.e. hard hull, sharp edges, etc.);
• The skill level exhibited by patrons; and
• Surf conditions.
  

The basic procedure for the application of regulations follows the same basic format:

1. Communicate: Identify yourself and authority
2. Inform/educate: Provide information
3. Advise: Identify preferred course of action
4. Issue warning(s): Warn patron of possible consequences
5. Apply penalty: Apply penalty within authority

Warning Procedures

A preventative approach should be taken by patrol personnel. Wherever possible, information should be provided to swimmers and surf craft users before they enter the water.

The two most common warning procedures are via a public address system or by personal approach either by a lifesaver entering the water or approaching a surf craft user when they return to the beach. At all times the lifesaver should be aiming to maintain the integrity of the safe swimming area without becoming involved in any physical or major verbal confrontation.

Public Address System

Warning procedures via a public address (PA) system can follow the following steps:
A. General PA warning i.e. -
“May I have your attention please? For public safety I remind you that surfboard riders shall remain outside the black and white quartered flags and swimmers shall remain between the red and yellow flags. Thank you for your cooperation”.

B. Specific PA warning i.e. -
“May I have your attention please? To the board rider in the yellow wet shirt, please remain outside the black and white quartered flags. Thank you for your cooperation”.

C. Infringement warning i.e. -
“May I have your attention please? Council local laws only permit surfers to use their surfboards outside the black and white quartered flags. Please remain outside the black and white quartered flags. Thank you”.

D. Final warning i.e. -
“May I have your attention please? Council local laws only permit surfers to use their surfboards outside the black and white quartered flags. Any further infringement may cause your surf craft to be confiscated. Please remove your surf craft from this area. Thank you”.

Personal Approach
An approach by a lifesaver may be either in water or on the beach and may include the following components (both parts may be given at the same time):

• A general warning and explanation of rules and rationale; and
• Specific infringement and final warning.
  

Record details relating to actions taken (in the patrol log and/or other service documentation), including numbers, warnings, preventative actions, etc.

Penalty
If local law guidelines allow for impoundment of surf craft, this is the final step in any surf craft control program.

Where a decision has been made to impound an item, it is best conducted with another person on site i.e., patrol member, council officer, police officer (police can take action under the Queensland Criminal Code). If this is not possible then ensure the procedure is conducted in front of witnesses.

As a general rule the following procedures may be applied:

• Inform the individual that their surf craft is to be impounded;
• If in water ask the individual to return to the beach;
• If possible obtain the name of the individual(s);
• When taking personal property, a receipt should be issued and should include such information as: – Day/date/time of impoundment – Location impounded from – Position, name and signature of the officer impounding the surf craft – Description of item (which should include the general condition and any damage) – The period for which the item is to be detained and the date/time and location item may be recovered from – Any other information as may be relevant or required by local practices
  

WARNING: Lifesavers should not become involved in a physical conflict. If in doubt contact the appropriate authority i.e., police, security service, etc.