4.11 Strategic Movement of SLSQ Resources

VERSION 1.0 – DECEMBER 2023

Purpose: To provide standard protocols for the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom) Operators with the relevant principles and guidelines regarding the strategic movement of SLSQ resources (unit/s).

Scope: This procedure applies to all operators at the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom).

Procedure:
The responsibility of coordinating SLSQ operational resources includes, the redirection and/or reassignment of responding units for the purpose of minimising response times and improving outcomes, and the strategic movement or placement of resources to support and maintain operational coverage.

1. Strategic movement or placement of resources for operational expediency:
   1.1 Strategically moving resources to ensure operational expediency is the second priority of Operators. OCS or Senior Operator is responsible for the strategic movement and placement of resources to support area coverage and minimise response times.
   1.2 The continued monitoring of resource availability and incident workload trends in all areas being coordinated for dispatch.
   1.3 The notification of the Duty Officer/Lifesaving Services Coordinator/Lifeguard Supervisor/Regional Manager should an area be depleted of operational resources, or in situations where the pending workload is exceeding resource availability.
   1.4 The movement of resources from areas that are adequately resourced to areas depleted of operational resources.
   1.5 Monitor and assess requirements for extended area coverage and plan for the rotation of units according to end of shift times.
   At all times, the OCS must be consulted if there are any doubts or issues that arise with regard to the strategic movement or placement of resource types for operational coverage. Consideration must be applied to known and/or predicted workloads, geographical locations and operational staff welfare, as outlined in Operational Plans.

2. Operations Centre Supervisor:
   2.1 The OCS is responsible for providing support and strategic guidance to Operators with the strategic movement and/or placement of SLSQ resource types, ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are followed in each instance. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
   a) Assisting Operators in analysing resource coverage and resource allocation when workloads are high and resource availability is limited.
   b) The continuing assessment and monitoring of resource availability to determine any risks that may impact on response coverage and/or render an area unacceptably low on resource capability.
   c) Liaising and collaborating with the respective Operational Supervisors with regard to any escalation in workload or limitations in resource availability that impact response capability and develop joint strategies to resolve identified issues.