Across Queensland, lifesavers and lifeguards on the beach are supported by Surf Life Saving Queensland Operations Support. These services are critical to our operation, patrolling dangerous and unpatrolled areas. Operations support craft are there to monitor and encourage the bathing public to swim at safe areas.
Importantly, Surf Life Saving Operations Support services have become a crucial development in surf rescue. The specialist skills set and rapid motorised response units, which are on call 24 hours a day, provide another layer of support in keeping our beaches and aquatic environment safe.
Rescue water craft (RWC) are an invaluable part of our operation, patrolling long stretches of coastline and are a backup service for clubs. They operate in a white-water environment and are fast, maneuverable and a vital part of Operation Support
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service provides an airborne component to Operations Support. Currently consisting of two twin engine aircraft (H135 P2 and a BO105 CBS-5) their primary role is to patrol beaches in Queensland’s South-East corner. Both these machines carry a range of equipment including First Aid and Resuscitation Equipment, life raft and signaling equipment, Radio Direction Finder (for EPIRB homing), Stretcher and Hoist. With a highly trained crew and a significant range and endurance this unit provides a critical service to our organization and the wider community as a whole.
On land, Surf Life Saving Queensland duty officers assist in the coordination of major incidents. They liaise with external agencies such as police, water police, QFES and QAS. Duty officers may also provide the media with key information in relation to SLS events.
SLSQ’s State Operations and Communications Centre (SOCC) is a dedicated beach surveillance and communications network, coordinating the frontline operations of all surf lifesaving services across Queensland. On weekends it is supported by the Sunshine Coast SurfCom. Both communication centres provide a central point of contact to all patrol services and operational support services, providing up to date information and tracking lifesaving services. Operators also liaise with external emergency services when required.
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