LS3.5 LIFESAVING SERVICE SHORTAGE

Section: LS3 Obligations & Standards Page: 1 of 1

Date: 20th September 2016

Purpose

To outline the immediate procedure to mitigate risk when a lifesaving service fails to meet the minimum standards as set in the Lifesaving Service Agreement/Contract.

Policy

In the event that a lifesaving service does not have the minimum number of qualified personnel or equipment to establish a patrol, it is vital that immediate action is taken to:

• Meet minimum standards and establish a patrol;

• Mitigate/manage risk as best able in the interim, in order to protect the bathing public.

Personnel and equipment (including signage) already on-site shall be actively engaged in surveillance, roving patrols, preventative actions and rescues even though minimum standards are not yet met to open a flagged patrol area.

SurfCom shall notify the appropriate Branch Duty Officer/s and local Lifeguard Supervisor/s to assist in coordinating any resources to assist in the short term. Such assistance may include:

• Additional personnel from neighbouring lifesaving services;

• Support Operations positioned in the area (RWC, Duty Officer);

• Lifesaving Service Support/Club Callout Teams being activated.

The Branch Director of Lifesaving or ALS Lifeguard Manager shall be notified.