Australian Lifeguard Magazine - Issue 4 by Matthew Myers

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Australian Lifeguard Magazine

ISSUE 4 Spring 2010 Feature:

Lifeguards, Surfers and ‘Watermen’ RECOGNISING LIFEGUARDING EXCELLENCE IN 2010 –

Lleam Rees & Sonny Tisdell Feature:

Females in Lifeguarding The IT effect

2x World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore shares her beach experiences

WIN A NINTENDO Wii! See page 5 for details Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 1

2 路 Lifeguard 路 Issue 4 Spring 2010

contents Editorial

Your lifeguard network

2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Recognising lifeguarding excellence in 2010

A lifetime of saving lives

Feature: Females in lifeguarding

Rip current public safety education campaign

Feature: Lifeguards, surfers and watermen

Blast from the past

Rob Brander: Science of the surf

The old salty dog: Lifeguarding – A job for life, now! 24 Geographic information systems

The Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines – 2nd Edition

Risk assessment of the bogey hole

Research as the foundation for evidence based decisions

Reducing drowning toll top priority at Australian Water Safety Conference

Supporting the front line: Duty officers

Interview: Talking public safety

Rock fishing drownings sparks call for increased education

The IT effect

Answering the call from the Top End

Catching up with: Rodney Clayfield-Hoskin

Calendar

Australian Lifeguard Magazine Issue 4, Spring 2010 Publisher Surf Life Saving Australia Locked Bag 2, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 (02) 9300 4000 Editor Andre Slade Contributors Bree Corbett, Norm Farmer, Scott Wood, Andy Hutchinson, The Coffs Coast Independent, Cronulla Magazine (St George and Sutherland Shire Leader), Gavin Wilkinson, Ed Jaggard Photo credits Harvie Allison - www.harvpix.com, Andre Slade, John Veage, TVU, SLSA Design Marlin Communications Advertising Andre Slade admin@lifeguards.com.au, (02) 9300 4083 Cover photo Multi-coloured uniforms highlight the a multiagency approach in Sydney – but does it just cause confusion in the public’s eyes? Lifeguards (L to R) from Sutherland Shire, Randwick, Surf Lifesaver, Waverley, Australian Lifeguard Service. Photo: Glenn Duffus

Contribute to the magazine The Australian Lifeguard Magazine welcomes your contributions; in fact we want to hear from you! If you would like to contribute an article, send a letter to the editor or supply a photo (or anything else you can think of) please contact the Editor:

The Editor Australian Lifeguard Magazine Locked Bag 2, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 admin@lifeguards.com.au (02) 9300 4083 Please ensure photos are of a high quality and file size. All care will be taken, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for material submitted, the accuracy of information in the text, illustrations or advertisements contained therein. The contents of Australian Lifeguard Magazine is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Articles reflect the personal opinion of the authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher. © Copyright 2010 Surf Life Saving Australia

LIFEGUARD is proud to be printed on eco-certified paper from sustainable forests.

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 3

editorial Welcome to spring, welcome to the start of the traditional lifeguard season and welcome to the first edition of the Australian Lifeguard Magazine, which was previously known as the Lifeguard Newsletter (this is Issue #4). Surf Life Saving is proud to publish this magazine as it continues to connect lifeguards all along the coastline of Australia and I certainly enjoy bringing it together. In this Issue – again the largest yet, 36 pages of lifeguarding and twice the size of the last Issue! – There is so much to celebrate about lifeguarding and much to think about. We have lifeguards being rewarded by their peers for a job well done, and lifeguards that have committed their careers and lives to lifeguarding. I’ve enjoyed writing the two features on ‘Lifeguards, surfers and watermen’, and also ‘Females in lifeguarding’, I’m sure I’ve only broken the surface of these topics, so it’d be great to hear from you if you have something further to contribute. We’re also privileged to have world surfing champion Stephanie Gillmore in this issue. I caught up with Stephanie at the launch of the 2010 National Coastal Safety Report in her role as Surf Life Saving ambassador – it’s great to have surfing and lifesaving sharing the same passion for saving lives. Check out what she

had to say on a number of articles throughout the magazine. Lifeguard uniform colours also continues to confuse me, and if I’m confused then surely the public is as well. The cover photo, while being nice and colourful, highlights just a few of the many variations of uniforms around Australia – isn’t it about time we all wore the international and Australian colours of red and yellow? Starting in this issue I’m going to start putting a few thoughts of mine out there in a section I’m calling ‘That’s how I see it…’. I think lifeguarding is a great industry, but I think we can improve, and to prove it I’m going to get you thinking just a little (or a lot for some) outside the ‘lifeguard bubble’. I hope you enjoy this Issue of the Australian Lifeguard Magazine as much as I did putting it together.

Andre

Me, myself and I

They’re your customers! Are you the kind of person who thinks your only job as a lifeguard is ‘to make sure no one drowns on my beach’? If you are then I’d say you’re not thinking about your customers. Just remember that the public beach-goers are your customers, it’s all about them. Maybe you could think about your job being ‘to provide the best experience for the public so they can have as much fun as possible at my beach’. Different, I know, but it shouldn’t end there, now start making sure your customers enjoy every moment of their day at the beach. I propose a new job title, out with ‘Lifeguard’ and in with ‘Beach Fun Ambassador’. 4 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

Sometimes I wonder who the most important people on the beach are to a lifeguard. Do this for me, take a look at all your lifeguard gear and equipment. You may not notice, but what I’m about to talk about is staring straight back at you. We’re great at telling people we’re lifeguards, it’s all about the lifeguard – you can see it written on every piece of real estate we have. So what? You say, that’s who we are isn’t it? Well that’s for sure, we definitely shout it from the roof tops. But who else would have rescue boards set up on the beach? Who else is driving RWC’s or ATV’s around the beach? Who else is wearing a uniform? We can’t write the word LIFEGUARD big enough, or SURF RESCUE – I’m surprised we haven’t started writing our own names on the equipment, we’ve become that vain. Why don’t we start using this space as an opportunity to educate our customers? Instead of that rescue board being on the beach all day telling people it belongs to the lifeguard, why don’t we put a message on it – ‘Swim between the red & yellow flags’ – and while we’re at it, let’s put a message on the back of our shirts – ‘Keep your child in arms reach’, you can see where I’m going with this.

CAN HELP YOU KEEP OUR BEACHES SAFE. Polaris RANGER – Also available with SIX WHEEL DRIVE for ultimate towing and flotation on soft sand.

NOTHING RIDES LIKE A Surf Club Enquiries - 0409 411 510 or corporate@polarisindustries.com.au www.polarisindustries.com.au

your lifeguard network For two years the lifeguard network has been building into the premier network for paid professional lifeguards in Australia. Predominately a communication network, it allows lifeguards from all over Australia, irrelevant of employer, to stay informed on all things lifeguarding. Free membership allows access to the network website with up-to-the-minute news, events and jobs and the Australian Lifeguard Magazine shares information through articles and stories from lifeguard agencies all across Australia.

WIN A NINTENDO Wii!!! – SUBMIT CONTENT FOR MAG

If you haven’t registered online you should head to www.lifeguardnetwork.com.au and get onto it now to enjoy all the free benefits that keep on growing!

Submit a piece of content for the next Issue of the magazine (or lifeguard network online) and go in the draw to win.

Support your network

More info on what you can send is at www.lifeguardnetwork.com.au/Aust_Lifeguard_Mag

The lifeguard network is designed by lifeguards, for lifeguards. To ensure it keeps delivering what lifeguards want, we need to hear from you, especially lifeguards on the water line – that’s you, the ones patrolling the coastline right there on the beach!

Send your contribution to The Editor by no later than Friday, 3 December 2010.

No idea or contribution is a bad one (although it may need some editing…) so feel free to send them in. We’re always looking for new ideas for the network, articles for the magazine and photo’s so send them in.

Send to admin@lifeguards.com.au or see page 2 for more contact details.

We’re also looking for some specialist section writers for the magazine, if you think you can prepare a 500 word article up to 4 times a year on the following topics then get in touch! Health & Lifestyle, Fitness, Nutrition, Sport, Entertainment – email: admin@lifeguards.com.au Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 5

2010 national coastal safety report Every lifeguard in Australia should be familiar with the National Coastal Safety Report – that’s why in this Issue of Australian Lifeguard Magazine we’ve enclosed a copy for you. But why is this information important, how’s it being used and how do lifeguards fit into the picture? We all know that people drown on our beaches, in the ocean and also in many other aquatic environments (rivers, lakes, pools, baths etc) but why did they drown? How did they drown? Where did they drown? What were they doing? Who were they? Where were they from? The answers to these questions can help us develop drowning prevention strategies. The NCSR is all about gathering information to help make evidence-based decisions; not just creating prevention strategies because we think they’re a good idea, but because that’s what the evidence tells us is the best way. This way, over time the industry can analyse trends in data and start to get a picture of the situation and then develop strategies to combat these trends. To give you an idea, recent trends have identified four particular areas that are over-represented in drowning data; Rock Fishermen, Rip Currents, and Tourists & Migrants, and also a number of ‘Black Spot’ locations around the coastline where drownings were above average. The outcome has been three Public Safety Campaigns (Read more: Rock Fishing Safety, p30; International Tourist and Migrants, p29; Rip Currents, p16) and the Black Spot funding initiative (NCSR, p21), which has provided additional resources in these areas to reduce drownings.

Each year when the data is compiled for the NCSR we can start to see if strategies have been successful, we won’t always see immediate results, but hopefully over time we will see a reverse in the initial trend that had been identified. It’s also possible that we’ll uncover other trends that will need to be assessed and actioned. The NCSR also provides an opportunity to showcase some of the initiatives being undertaken along the coast and provide a snapshot of the considerable lifesaving actions being delivered by lifesaving services in the ongoing challenge to keep our beaches safe. The Gold Coast case study (NCSR, p20) highlights a coordinated effort by Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Gold Coast City Council to inject additional resources and initiatives onto Gold Coast beaches which had been identified as a ‘black spot’. An integrated lifesaving approach has seen an increase in service provision in a variety of different ways by both agencies. In a sign that the lifeguard industry is now thinking in a more 6 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

integrated and collective way, statistics provided by local council lifeguard services are now included in this report (for the 2nd year) alongside lifeguard services provided by the Australian Lifeguard Service. Unfortunately the NCSR is missing statistics from four council lifeguard services but it is hoped that these services will come on board in the future to provide a complete picture of activity. Currently the coastal lifesaving activity statistics being collected cover Rescues, Preventatives, First Aids and Resuscitations. There is still work to be done to improve data collection and validation by all agencies, especially in regards to the definitions used by each agency. Ultimately a single standard for definitions and a central collection database would be ideal. Take the time to read the 2010 National Coastal Safety Report, and if you have any ideas for ways in which to target some of the trends let your lifeguard manager know. Find your own personal copy of the NCSR enclosed with this Issue.

stephanie gilmore on... Saving lives on her surfboard Luckily enough, I’ve never been in a position where I’ve had to rescue someone. But surfers are always willing to help anyone in trouble, our boards are a great water safety device and I’ve heard many stories about friends of mine helping swimmers in trouble. Surfers also look out for each while we’re out there, particularly on some of the more dangerous breaks. My most important bit of advice, and one that I always stick to, is to always surf with a friend.

2009/10 National Snapshot OVERALL · 82 coastal drowning deaths · Below the five year average of 88

Demographic · 66 (80%) were males · 17 (21%) victims were aged between 40-49 years, the most common age-group · 26 (32%) victims were of a foreign nationality · 5 (6%) victims were international tourists

Activity · 26 (32%) coastal drowning deaths attributed to swimming/wading · 19 (23%) rock fishing related coastal drowning deaths · 20 (24%) coastal drowning deaths attributed to rip currents · 15 shark related incidents, 10 of which resulted in injury, with zero deaths

Lifesaving activity · · · ·

97 resuscitations 21,622 rescues 117,549 first aids 1,325,638 preventative actions

Lifeguard 路 Issue 4 Spring 2010 路 7

recognising lifeguarding excellence in 2010 Two of Australia’s best lifeguards; Sonny Tisdell and Lleam Rees have been recognised by their respective associations as Lifeguard of the Year. By SLSA and The Coffs Coast Independent The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS), who employ over 800 lifeguards to provide lifeguard services to local government and land managers, and the Australia Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) whose lifeguard membership is drawn from a number of in-house local council services, have recognised their finest. Back in April, popular Coffs Harbour senior lifeguard Sonny Tisdell was named 2010 APOLA Lifeguard of the Year 2010 by his peers at the annual APOLA Conference in Kiama. “The prestige and meaning of this award for both Sonny and Coffs Harbour cannot be underestimated,” Coffs Harbour Mayor, Keith Rhoades, said at the time. “Tourism is the lifeblood of our region and being able to give visitors confidence in the safety of our beaches is an important aspect in attracting people here.” Sonny, who has worked for Coffs Harbour City Council for 13 years, echoed the mayor’s sentiments.

“I don’t like being put into the spotlight, I’d rather stay in the background. But I realise that this award is a good thing for the city and surf lifesaving locally,” the life-long Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club member said. In August more than 250 guests were on hand to honour Surf Life Saving’s best and bravest at the 2010 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence, held at the Sydney Convention 8 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

and Exhibition Centre. Lifesavers, lifeguards and dignitaries from around the nation gathered to see Lleam Rees from the Australian Lifeguard Service (Qld) take out the DHL Lifeguard of the Year award. Rees, a relative newcomer to the professional lifeguard scene, has been a lifeguard for 5 years and senior lifeguard at Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point since 2009. Rees was recognised for the integral role he has taken in developing and maintaining inter-agency relationships with local ambulance, policy and other emergency services in the Rainbow Beach area. A very active lifeguard, Rees places high priority on public interaction through proactive lifeguarding and is a favourite with locals. Rees, also a member of the Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club, was overwhelmed at the recognition for his efforts. “I still can’t believe I’ve won, said Rees “To me what I do is just what I do, I didn’t think for a second it would be worthy of this.” ALS (Qld), Chief Lifeguard, Greg Cahill, said that Rees was nominated for the award for his community approach and his willingness to help out whenever he was needed. “Lleam was always available to the community, not just while the flags were up. Everyone in the community knows Lleam is available to assist if something happens outside beach operating hours.” said Cahill. Surf Life Saving Australia, Lifeguard Manager, Andre Slade reiterated Cahill’s words.

Right: Sonny Tisdell “The prestige and meaning of this award for both Sonny and Coffs Harbour cannot be underestimated,”– Coffs Harbour Mayor, Keith Rhoades Bottom: Lleam Rees “Everyone in the community knows Lleam is available to assist if something happens outside beach operating hours.” – ALS (Qld) Chief Lifeguard, Greg Cahill

“Lleam epitomises the professionalism and commitment needed by Australian Lifeguard Service employees to ensure high quality lifeguard services are delivered to local government and land managers,” said Slade A large part of Sonny’s award reflects his work in developing council’s award-winning Ocean Safety Surfer Award (OSSA) beach safety program. “Sonny’s tireless work in promoting and running council’s water safety education programs, his proactive approach on the beach with regards to general lifeguard duties, plus his training and mentoring skills – with not just the trainees, but all staff – are all nothing short of remarkable,” said Chris Foley, council’s manager of health, who oversees the lifeguard service. ALS Lifeguard of the Year nominees were: Lleam Rees, ALS (Qld); Jarrad Cain, ALS (NSW); Nic Lewis, ALS (SA); Trevor Strydom, ALS (WA); Cameron Griffin, ALS (NT). APOLA Lifeguard of the Year nominee names were unavailable. Two very worthy recipients of Lifeguard of the Year, but why does the industry have two awards that still don’t represent all of the lifeguards in Australia? What do you think – should the industry work towards a single Lifeguard of the Year award? Have your say in the lifeguard forum on the network website.

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 9

a lifetime of saving oh yes, bob would do it again! When Bob Larkin signed on as a council lifeguard 38 years ago, he was issued with a whistle, a T-shirt and a reel line and belt. By Cronulla Magazine (St George and Sutherland Shire Leader) Why he got a reel line and belt, which required three men to operate, no one can explain, especially as Bob patrolled alone in those days. But lifeguard work, like everything else in our world, has moved on and council lifeguards now have access to jet bikes, jet-skis, two-way radios, defibrillators (today’s beachgoers are more likely to die of a heart attack than drown) and helicopters. Sutherland Shire Council employs 12 full-time lifeguards, plus seasonal and casuals, but when Bob came on board there were only four – one for each beach. This at a time when beaches attracted more visitors on weekends than they currently do.

There’s been a lot of good days at the beach for a guy who learned to swim, not at the beach, but in the Macquarie River at Bathurst, where he grew up. The Larkin family moved to the shire when Bob was 14 and he promptly joined the Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, earning his bronze medallion in 1971. Bob started with the council as a carpenter but jumped at the chance to be a lifeguard when a position came up later. Bob is Sutherland Shire Council’s – and possibly NSW’s – longest-ever serving lifeguard and he has no regrets about the career choice he made all those years ago.

“If I had my life over I would do it again,” he said. “I get great satisfaction out of knowing I have saved thousands of lives. It’s a part of my life that means a lot to me.” Bob said he worked with a strong crew of experienced lifeguards who knew the beach and knew their jobs. “A good lifeguard doesn’t have to do rescues because if the beach is dangerous you close it,” he said. Beach manager Brad Whittaker said Bob Larkin was an outstanding athlete, and this had contributed to his success as a lifeguard.

Top: Bob Larkin on the beach where he has spent his lifeguard career. Bottom: Bottom row, 2nd from right. Bob with the Shire’s champion lifeguard team.

10 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

“Bob has always been an athlete and was at the forefront of aquathons. He also ran in the inaugural Sutherland to Surf (in 1971), placing second in the first two years of the race. “He has received numerous bravery awards in the line of duty with the most famous associated with the Kouris shipwreck at Wanda Beach in 1998 when he and lifeguards Graham McMillan and Mark Dewhurst risked their lives to attach tow lines from the Kouris to an ocean-going tug.”

ng lives sun sets on larry’s lifeguarding career He may have been gazing out over one of Wollongong’s many post-card-perfect surf spots, but Larry Jennett’s first patrol as a Wollongong City Council Lifeguard was certainly no day at the beach. “It was a whole new experience, and a little bit daunting,” the former mining engineer says. by Gavin Wilkinson

he feels has furthered his leadership abilities and knowledge of surf safety. He also describes many of the men and women he has worked with during this time as ‘nothing short of heroes’. “As a Lifeguard, you get to work with a great group of people, and you are a positive representative of the city,” he says.

“Personally, I have learned a lot of new rescue techniques, and the importance of preventative, rather than responsive, action. Hopefully, I have been able to pass on some of my own knowledge and experience too.”

“As a surf lifesaver you get used to working in a team, but as a qualified Lifeguard, you have much more individual responsibility. It was a busy day, so I was definitely kept on my toes and had to be really proactive.” After five years of working for the Council, as well as almost half a century of surf lifesaving with Wollongong City Surf Club, the 61-year old is now taking down the flags on his career as a Lifeguard.

It seems surf safety is somewhat of a Jennett family legacy now. Larry’s son Tim is currently a Leading Hand Ocean Lifeguard at the Council, while daughter Kate was formerly the Council’s learn-to-swim coordinator, and other son Michael worked internationally as a Lifeguard. “I would recommend a job [as a Lifeguard] to anyone who loves the water,” Larry replies when asked about his influence on the Jennett children’s surf safety careers.

Although Larry still loved the job, he says the decision to retire first came about after he was involved in a particularly difficult rescue late last year. Nevertheless, Larry says that he has ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ his five years as a Council Lifeguard; a job

“It is a great job, and I hope some of the younger people see it as a good career with many opportunities, and not just a short-term thing.”

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 11

FEATURE

females in lifeguarding

Take a look at the lifeguard roster of professional lifeguard services in Australia and you’ll notice a distinct lack of female names. Lifeguarding still remains a male dominated profession over 30 years after surf lifesaving officially welcomed the first female into their organisation (1980) and consequently the industry. In this article Andre Slade investigates the pathway women have taken within surf lifesaving and looks at the current female lifeguard situation.

a lot harder, the men preferred women stuck to their current supporting roles, first aid and at a stretch paying out and reeling in the line. One of the biggest concerns of the men in letting woman into their ranks was that it would disrupt what was regarded as the organisation’s best asset – ‘mateship’, therefore transforming the character of lifesaving. But the women were not taking a backward step, and club by club they began to demand an equal role. SLSA debated the issue of active female members in the second half of the 1970s against a background of declining memberships, a women’s movement more conscious of gender relations, and parliamentary debates over gender discrimination. Finally, in 1980 SLSA allowed clubs to admit women as active members.

Since the early days of surf lifesaving, woman played a very auxiliary role in the organisation – baking cakes, providing dinner and ‘supporting the men’ – but through the late 1920s the agitation for woman to become surf lifesavers grew, met on occasion with resounding words of rejection from the then SLSA president Charles Patterson:

But even then there was contention between female competitors on the direction female sport was heading. Kim Tunnell (Manly) opposed the ski being included in ironwoman events: “we’ll lose our credibility. We’ve achieved a profile equal to that of the men but introducing the ski into the ironwoman event is a step backwards. Women are just not as strong as men…[and] if we go out there people will laugh at us”. Replying to Tunnell, Denby Stokes (Kawana Waters) reminded detractors that even the men had to “start somewhere”, although they were “never under the close scrutiny of the public and the media. Persistence and determination have shone through and the women have displayed competency and skill in any surf conditions”.

“They have not the strength and stamina to undergo training required to face a rough sea – a necessary qualification for all our members. Physically, women are not built for this class of work, and gear used is injurious to them. Besides which their help is not necessary. There is a quantity of young men, from which to pick the cream...I can see no useful purpose served by women entering the field, except for ambulance and resuscitation work, in which they can be very helpful.” Starting around the time of World War II women started to act against their detractors and alienation from surf lifesaving, setting up their own women only clubs and groups like ‘nipperettes’, made up of the mothers of children who attended nippers. Being able to train and hold a Bronze Medallion was Members of the Neptune Ladies Life Saving Club

On the sporting side, women weren’t originally catered for in competition, and for the first few years after being admitted as members they competed alongside the men. Women’s only events first appeared on the Australian Championships program in 1985.

The surf lifesaving history books don’t mention the earliest female paid professional lifeguard [Ed: If you know anything about the first female paid professional lifeguards please get in touch], but I’m sure whoever she was, she would have earned her spot.

Fast forward to the current lifesaving and lifeguard climate and things are much different. Female membership of surf lifesaving has risen to almost 50% and share equal standing on all accounts. But while the numbers of females in SLS have risen to almost equal with the men, this equal share of membership hasn’t translated to professional lifeguarding, where female’s numbers are significantly down. To give you an idea, the Australian Lifeguard Service alone employs over 800 lifeguards, of which only approximately 25% are females. And the figure would be even more worrying when you looked at the number of females in full-time lifeguard positions. In fact, there are lifeguard services in Australia without a female on the roster at all. Continued on page 14…

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Work in the USA For Up to 12 Months Here is a great opportunity to take your lifeguard and lifesaving skills and put them to use in the USA. CCUSA is a designated US Government J-1 visa sponsor. CCUSA offers a number of amazing programs to the USA and beyond. Work as a Lifeguard at an American Summer Camp for 9 weeks: Each year thousands of Aussies, 18 and older, nonstudents and students alike, apply to CCUSA’s “Camp Counselors USA“ program and head over to spend 9 weeks working in an American Summer Camp. CCUSA has a 100% placement record in placing people at Summer Camps in the USA. Many positions are suited to Australians wishing to work on a camp’s waterfront. Jobs range from lifeguards, swim teachers, windsurfers, sailors, boat drivers and waer skiiers. There are also hundreds of jobs available for Aussies in sports, outdoor adventure, arts/crafts & drama positions. The timing is perfect for many Aussies who want to get out of Australia during our winter and spend June – September working at a Summer Camp.

Jason, a lifeguard from Melbourne, has just finished working at camp in the USA; “It was the most amazing thing I have done. I plan to return in 2011 which means by the end of camp next year I will have had four summers in a row!”

The program includes free food and accommodation, and you earn a salary up to $2240USD for the 9 weeks of work. All holders of a current Surf Bronze Medallion (through to September 2011) earn additional income at camp. Work as a Lifeguard at a beach, pool, water park or lake in the USA: If

you are 19 to 29 years old and a full-time university or tertiary student, or have graduated (completed your last exam) in the past 12 months, then CCUSA’s “Working Holiday USA” program is perfect for you. You can head to the USA and work and travel for up to 12 months earning the same wage as an American. You can work the seasons, so as a lifeguard during the summer at a beach, pool, lake or water park and then go to work at a ski resort, or work in almost any type of job in the USA (see website for details of unavailable jobs) from 2 – 12 months before coming home or continuing your overseas travels. Sara from Sydney just returned to Australia after working for the summer at a private beach in Florida; “The job was great, I made so many friends and just loved my time in the USA. It was very hard to leave and come home”. To find out more information, complete an application form or to find out when the next free information meeting is being held around Australia, visit www.ccusa.com.au or contact CCUSA on 1300 859 040.

AmericA wAnts Aussie LifeguArds And LifesAvers! Work in the USA at a SUMMER CAMP, BEACH, POOL, WATER PARK OR LAKE. CCUSA offers multiple program and visa options from 3 – 12 months for nonstudents and students. CCUSA offers the complete package: visa sponsorship / assistance, insurance, discounted flights and much more.

For more information, free meeting details or to apply, visit www.ccusa.com.au or call 1300 859 040.

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 13

FEATURE

females

in lifeguarding

So why is it that lifeguarding doesn’t have a higher rate of females amongst the ranks? Could it be that lifeguarding is still considered a male-dominated domain? Are the girls intimidated? Or could it just be that females aren’t as interested in becoming lifeguards as much as the boys? For the answers to this I felt it only right to ask someone who is much better placed to comment on this topic than me. I spoke with Fiona Borg, a full-time lifeguard for the Randwick City Council on the promenade at Coogee Beach, one of her favourite spots. AS: Did you feel the road to becoming a lifeguard as a female was any more difficult than your male counterparts? FB: It’s a little harder, you need to be equal if not better than the guys in the ocean to make it. You need to train hard, the guys tend to be quicker swimmers in the ocean or stronger. “She kicks us all in the water mate” – Duncan, the lifeguard on duty with Fi makes a point of talking her up where she is too modest to say it herself. AS: As a female what challenges did you face in becoming a lifeguard? FB: Where do I start… basically just knowing you’re up against guys you knew you had to be good, and raise your levels. Back then I actually decided to go to Newquay, England and get some more experience first. You need to do your homework, you need the knowledge of the beach and great surf skills. I thought the only experience I have here is patrolling for my club, I wanted to get more experience on my resume to come back in a stronger position to apply for a job – and it worked. AS: Do you think female lifeguards are respected by male lifeguards? FB: The guys I work with are great, but I wouldn’t know what it’s like elsewhere. You definitely have to earn it, I guess it’s like any job you go into, especially male dominated jobs, you need to prove yourself. Once you prove yourself the guys are fine, you shouldn’t have to, but that’s the way it is I guess – although it’s definitely changing. AS: What skills do you think females bring to the role of a lifeguard that males don’t? FB: Maybe more motherly instincts, often its more comfortable for females to come to female lifeguards, depending on what type of concern they have or how shy they are. If you’re doing a rescue in the water, and it’s a guy, some of them are like ‘oh wow, it’s a female’ and some are embarrassed. Maybe it’s a softer touch, and compassion. Fi stops the interview to check with Duncan on a swimmer calling out in the distance – it turns out it’s a local calling out to 14 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

some mates. She knows the old-timer, it’s Johnny, he’s a regular, that’s no surprise as she seems to know everyone that walks past us on the promenade. AS: Can you think of an example when you being a female assisted in a situation you were involved in? FB: Well the obvious is when females have been stung or injured in personal areas, it’s definitely comforting for them to have a female to assist. Also we find with Muslim woman particularly, that they prefer a female to attend to them. AS: What advice do you have for females looking to become professional lifeguards? FB: Have a go, definitely have a go. If they need encouraging come and talk to me, we need more girls, even if it’s not many, it’d be good for lifeguarding to have more girls. They’d love it, anyone who loves the ocean would love the job. I’d say make sure you find out a bit of knowledge about the beaches you want to work on. And work on your fitness, get fit and get stronger – make sure you putting the effort into training beforehand. AS: What can the lifeguard industry do to get more females involved? FB: We need to advertise lifeguard jobs more. Maybe a preseason female only training camp where they don’t feel so intimidated in the initial process. Duncan: Maybe we look at keeping 1 or 2 positions open to females only. I know that would be contentious, but if they meet the requirement then I can’t see why not. And so there you have it, a bit of the history of females in lifesaving and the current situation from a female paid professional lifeguard who has made lifeguarding her career. There’s no doubt females are an integral part of our industry and they bring skills to the job that are uniquely their own. As Fiona said, girls should just be ‘having a go’ at becoming a lifeguard and maybe the industry could focus more on providing a pathway to assist more females into lifeguard jobs and hopefully careers.

stephanie gilmore on... Females working as lifeguards I would definitely recommend girls get into lifeguarding as a career. Not only is it a really rewarding career, but it’s a great way to keep active. Plus the beach is such an enjoyable place and a great lifestyle, so to get paid to go there would definitely appeal to anyone out there – I mean who wouldn’t want to hang out at the beach all day! I’d also encourage all the younger girls out there to get into nippers at their local surf clubs – it’s a great way of keeping fit and learning water skills.

Nippers girls at a training session

BIO

Name: Fiona Borg (Fi) Age: 39, married with 2 boys (2 ½ & 4 ½) Current position: Full time Beach Inspector/Lifeguard Service name: Randwick Council Grew up: Maroubra Years as a lifeguard: 16 years as a lifeguard, 10 years full time.

Fiona on... …life before lifeguarding I was in the surf club, since I was a nipper I was down at the club 5 or 6 days a week. I loved it; I did everything and really got into competition. Later on I competed in the first of the professional ironwoman series, which back then was called the Ella Bache series.

…the drawcard to a career in lifeguarding I had seen another girl working on the beach in my area and I thought, if she can do it I can do it. I was spending so much time at the beach and I loved the healthy environment I thought why not make it my job.

…the best part about being a lifeguard Just look at my office! It’s rewarding when people come down to the beach and you can see they’re having as good a day as you. I love it when you can see everyone having fun, the kids playing, the surf’s on and people catching waves – all the fun things you do.

…what she enjoys doing outside of work [She laughs] Coming to the beach, but with my kids. They’re always asking ‘can we come to the beach, can we come to the beach!’

1980 Females became eligible to become full members of SLSAA, including the training and testing for the bronze medallion 1982 Sharon Muddle (Elouera) became the first female to win and Australian Championship Gold Medal as part of her club’s cadet swim team 1984 Elaine Farmer (North Haven) became the first female club president 1986 All surf life saving clubs now welcome female active members 1990 Natalie Hood (Portsea) became the first female to win Australian Surf Lifesaver of the Year title. 1992 Samantha O’Brian (South Maroubra) became the first Australian Open Ironmwoman Champion ????

First female paid lifeguard

1996 Fiona Borg (Randwick Council) becomes a lifeguard

…her job summed up in one sentence Life’s a beach.

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 15

rip current public safety education campaign

Rip Currents Campaign HIGHLY COMMENDED Cross Jurisdictional Category

In December 2009 Surf Life Saving set out on an ambitious task to educate Australians about the biggest beach killer in the country, rip currents. Between 20042008 a tragic 174 people lost their lives while swimming at Australian beaches – 85 were confirmed as a result of a swimmer being caught in a rip current. By Lauren Ryan With only four percent of Australia’s 11,748 beaches patrolled, being able to identify a rip current and how to survive being caught in a rip current particularly when help isn’t immediately available, is critical to reducing fatalities on beaches. The first phase of a three year campaign was launched last summer and included the launch of a new dedicated rip current website www.ripcurrents.com.au, advertising across mainstream media, release of a television commercial, outdoor advertising and more. This public awareness campaign looked to bolster existing rip education efforts by Surf Life Saving and the industry through targeting high risk groups – in this case males aged 1834, providing target groups with the knowledge of how to save themselves, and making rip safety a priority for the media and all Australians. The public education safety campaign received strong post evaluation results in the first year including: • 54 percent unaided awareness about rip currents across all age groups • Males aged 18-34 [the primary target market for the campaign] recorded the highest recall when asked if they had seen or heard of the rip currents campaign • 69 percent of people surveyed remembered the right course of action to take if they were caught in a rip. Surf Life Saving is currently reviewing the campaign and consulting further with industry stakeholders to look at refinements to the campaign in time for the 2010-2011 summer.

16 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

While there has been some debate around the campaign tagline ‘to escape a rip swim parallel to the beach’, one thing has not been refuted and that is the real need for rip education and safety in Australia. Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) received overwhelming support and recognition at the recent International Rips Symposium in Florida, for the commitment in rip current education and overall work towards reducing rip related rescues and drownings. There are many things still unknown about rip currents and as part of the commitment to ongoing rip education in Australia, SLSA together with the University of New South Wales will shortly commence two research projects that will look to: 1. Measure rip current flow and swimmer behaviour in Australian rip currents using GPS 2. Demographics, surf knowledge and behavioural response of people rescued from rip currents This type of research in Australia is the first of its kind and not only will the results give valuable insight into rip currents but will also assist in refining rip current public safety education campaigns moving forward. Phase two of the rip current public safety campaign will be released ahead of next summer.

2nd International Rip Current Symposium Hosted by Surf Life Saving Australia Australia (Venue TBC) 30-31 October 2012

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Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 17

FEATURE

lifeguards, surfers and Watermen By Andre Slade

Hours earlier I had arrived at Honolulu Airport, Hawaii, and been picked up by Jim Howe, Operations Chief for the Ocean Safety Division, City and County of Honolulu. Jim is a 30+ year veteran of lifeguarding, and is now an old friend; well at least that’s how he makes you feel in the true Hawaiian sense of Aloha.

Aloha:

1. Love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity. 2. Greeting, salutation, regards. Now, after a few laps of the lagoon at Magic Island to refresh, we had begun to talk about surfing and lifeguarding. The previous year at a conference on the Gold Coast I had made a statement to Jim that really threw him; I suggested that the number of lifeguards (being volunteer and paid) in Australia that were also surfers would be very low, I think I picked out a figure like 5%, possibly higher for paid lifeguards. I have been particularly interested in this area and believe there is a strong relationship between high quality lifeguards and the type of ocean skills that surfers possessed. 18 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

I explained how lifesaving in Australia was predominately influenced by the volunteer surf lifesaving system in which membership was very open and inclusive (Note: in the US there is no volunteer lifesaving, so this concept is very strange to them). I also pointed out that the history of surfing and lifesaving was smattered with ‘indifference’ between lifesavers and surfers. Initially surfers and surf lifesavers were all part of the same movement being lifesaving. But post war and into the 1950’s when surfing was starting to become popular and began creating its own counter culture, the philosophy of many surfers was at odds with the regimented service driven values of the lifesaving movement at the time. So rather than giving up their leisure time to patrol the beaches, surfers preferred to ride their own boards in their own time. At the time this caused a distinct split between the members and many surfers left the lifesaving movement. Jim Howe enjoying his local beach, Kailua, Oahu.

This relationship became even more fractured when councils introduced rules that meant that surfers were required to register their boards and pay for a license if they wanted to surf, and it was the lifesavers who were asked to enforce these rules. Not many surfers liked these rules and as you can imagine there was the occasional confrontation, especially when a lifesaver attempted to confiscate a surfers board. This is what started a long held animosity between surfers and lifesavers, but luckily these days those attitudes are changing. For Jim, that percentage of 5% was mindboggling. Anything short of 100% was hard to fathom, after all it went against everything that the Hawaiian ocean culture stands for. If they weren’t surfers, that meant they more than likely weren’t ‘watermen’ either, and that was an essential factor in becoming a quality lifeguard. A ‘waterman’ is a term given to a true master of the ocean. This person is one with the ocean, understanding all the elements that create and control this environment. They respect the ocean enough to not fear it but at the same time to know the limits. A master of many ocean endeavours, this person would be adept in swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, kayaking, sailing, diving etc. The ocean is their spiritual home, their life and their soul. Hawaii is regarded as the home of ‘watermen’, it can all be traced back to a Hawaiian legend, the man unopposed as the king of the ocean, and who is recognised by many as the greatest aquatic sportsman the world has ever known – Duke Kahanamoku.

talking about lifeguard training: the skills and knowledge of a ‘waterman’ cannot be trained, it’s something that can only be gained by spending time in the ocean. Understanding the ocean goes beyond what you can see and touch, you need to live it and breathe it. Perhaps this is why there is a close connection between surfers and watermen, although to be the former doesn’t guarantee you respect as the later. But what is true, is that surfers spend a lot of time in the ocean, they make it their business to understand the ocean environment, particularly their local break. Ask a committed surfer on any given day what the conditions are going to be like tomorrow, or even a week from now and there’s every chance you’ll get a response in a lot more detail than your weather man gives you on your nightly news. Sit in the surf and you’ll hear surfers talking about the way the conditions are changing and the effect they’ll have on their break. Recently I overheard two young grommets, about 12, talking about how the rip and subsequent sand bar we were sitting next to was going to give them a perfect little barrel as the tide went out (only for their size mind you!). Surfers just know their environment. The fact surfers make great lifeguards is not lost on the lifeguard industry. Many lifeguard services have been recruiting lifeguards directly from the surfer stocks for many years now, and many are making their way through the volunteer system as well. When I was researching this article I had a chat to a well known Waverley Council lifeguard, Rod ‘Kerr Box’ Kerr, a former professional surfer who’s surfed alongside Kelly Slater. Rod was in no doubt that surfers made

Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968) grew up in Honolulu with the Pacific Ocean as his backyard, learning to swim and surf at a young age. By his early twenties, Duke’s lightning-fast swimming won him a place on the 1912 United States Olympic team and a gold medal in the 100-metre freestyle race. Although a swimming champion, Duke’s passion was surfing. He travelled the world, introducing surfboarding to Australia and the east and west coasts of the United States. Considered the father of modern surfing, Duke spread his love of the ocean and Hawai’i wherever he went. Throughout his life Duke Kahanamoku was beloved for his modesty, sportsmanship, and amazing skill in the water. Today he remains a legendary waterman and an inspiration to all to live life with aloha. Later in the day we ended up at the offices of the Ocean Safety Division. As we sat in Jim’s office to continue the conversation it was very apparent that Duke’s legacy continues to influence the culture of the Hawaiian lifeguards, as a picture of Duke is located in a commanding spot on the wall in Jim’s office. There were other great men that paved the way for the modern watermen, notably George Freeth before, and Eddie Aikau after Duke, to only name two very influential watermen. In present day Hawaii, Archie Kalepa, Lifeguard Supervisor of Ocean Safety Operations, Maui, optimises the waterman. Archie is an experienced and well respected lifeguard, internationally regarded big wave surfer (he’s ridden a 60 foot beast!) and SUP trailblazer, and was instrumental in pioneering the jetski as a rescue tool, among his many other gifted ocean talents. Archie can name Eddie Aikau as a mentor and an inspiration for his development into the influential waterman he is today. For Archie, and as Jim would also describe it, being a lifeguard meant also being a waterman. Ocean knowledge and ocean confidence were two of the preliminary factors for which there was no respite. As Jim went on to say when we were

Left: Duke Kahanamoku Right: Archie Kalepa taking on a monster wave. great lifeguards, and he was encouraging of more surfers to join the profession. But he did mention that the culture of surfers was a lot different to that of the modern lifeguard who has come from a surf lifesaving background. On Rod’s suggestion I watched the surfing movie ‘Bombora’ The History of Australian Surfing.

Bombora synopsis:

A definitive history of surfing in Australia as told by our surfing champions, writers, pioneers, entrepreneurs, mavericks, legends, drop-outs and drop-ins. In the movie Gordon Woods, a surfboard designer sums up the difference in culture between surfers and surf lifesavers back in the day: ‘We were boardriders; when there was surf we wanted to be on the board and that’s all. We were somewhat ostracised from the main body of the surf club … they’d regard us somewhat as a lot of bums!’ Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 19

FEATURE

These days the surfing culture has matured, there are still those strong elements of freedom and innovation but now it also has a truly professional side to it. As an industry surfing continues to revolutionise and develop itself without having to conform to rules, perhaps still unlike the system it broke away from all those years ago.

Slowly but surely the divide between surfing and lifesaving is shortening. Many surf clubs along the coast, such as Kirra on the Gold Coast, are joining with boardriding clubs to share facilities and promote closer relations in the hope both parties can benefit. In Western Australia, Surf Life Saving Western Australia has joined with local boardriders along the coast to have them operate the local area jetski support services. In the first of its kind, these support services are run by the surfers and community separate of the lifesaving clubs under the guidance of SLSWA. In another first of its kind SLS Tasmania has joined with the local big wave tow-in surfers to share emergency response knowledge. And the list is growing of examples such as these.

A pro surfer is surrounded by fans from North Bondi SLSC.

It resulted in a job as a lifeguard that summer and to what he would describe as the best job in the world for a surfer. He spent that summer, and many after, with his surfboard on top of his tower every day he worked. He surfed before, during and after his shifts. It wasn’t just about the surfing, it was his way of keeping fit, of being in the ocean environment more and it being his lifestyle – just what you’d expect from a waterman. And now in a management role, Jim continues to ensure that the same goes for current and future lifeguards. Like those in the lifeguard industry are realising more and more these days, and as Jim and those that have come before him have understood for many years, surfers and waterman are the lifeblood of the very environment in which we provide lifesaving services – it makes perfect sense to harness their knowledge and skills for the benefit of all.

In the end it all comes down to having the highest quality lifesaving services along the coast of Australia being delivered by the highest quality people – lifeguards not necessarily by name, but by attitude, knowledge and skills. It means an industry that places significant focus on increasing the ocean skills and knowledge of its lifeguards. It means creating, sourcing and nurturing ‘watermen’ (non-gender specific) and providing pathways for those outside the system to become lifeguards or a part of a lifesaving service. It’s going to continue to need a shift in the culture of thinking amongst many industry stakeholders from the largest to the smallest, much of the thinking of the past will need to be left in the past and a more open minded approach left to shape the lifesaving landscape of the future. I haven’t forgotten Jim Howe in this article. Back when we first started talking about surfers and lifeguards he told me a story about his first days as a lifeguard. In short, he turned up to his first lifeguard tryout in California as the only surfer in the squad. Initially looked at with little respect from the predominately swimmer based recruits, Jim proceeded to show them up with his surfboard paddling skills, making it out through the heavy surf when many of them couldn’t swim out.

20 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

SLSAA officials admiring Lorne club members’ surfboards, 1952

stephanie gilmore

World Surfing Champion and Beach Safety Ambassador LIFEGUARD was excited to hear 2x World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore is now an ambassador for beach safety in Australia. LIFEGUARD caught up with Stephanie at the launch of the 2010 NCSR at the Sydney International Airport. This is what she had to say about her involvement in lifesaving, surfing and what it means to be a waterman. I’ve been involved in Surf Life Saving since I was a kid. I started doing nippers at Kingscliff SLSC when I was 8, and absolutely loved it! Our whole family was involved and it was from here that I began surfing. Growing up near the beach and being exposed to the ocean from a young age meant that I’ve always had a good understanding of the ocean. My dad was a really keen surfer and taught us early on to respect the ocean, and I think that’s something I’ve always remembered – the ocean can be a powerful thing, so having that respect is vital. Another thing dad taught us and what I learnt as a nipper, was how to identify and assess surf conditions, to understand tidal movements and rips. This has always been really important for me particularly as I visit so many different beaches around the world. And an important aspect of being a good waterman is to know your limits. I always keep this in mind and never go out in conditions that I personally don’t think are safe. And this goes back to being able to identify conditions and the things dad taught me growing up. I know of heaps of surfers who are professional lifeguards– a few of my good friends who are unreal surfers are currently working on Gold Coast beaches and they love it. I think most surfers would make really good lifeguards and surf lifesavers – we all have a really good knowledge of the ocean and beach conditions and I think that familiarity would be really beneficial when performing rescues.

Andre sat down with Chris Symington, Sport Development Manager at Surfing Australia, and long time active member of Anglesea SLSC in Victoria, to discuss surfing and lifeguarding, past, present and future. After a quick tour of Surfing Australia’s Coolangatta based office, where each employee has a large picture of their home break on the wall (note to self, this is very cool) Chris and I sat out on the deck overlooking the beach watching the waves roll in and beach-goers roll by. I was intrigued to know what the surfing community, particularly at the top admin level, thought about lifeguards and surfing from the past, the present and the future. So I asked him it all: Andre: So Chris, is the history of the relationship between lifesavers and surfers fairly well known amongst surfers? And how would you sum up the history on the spot? Chris: I think those surfers that love surfing and surfing culture and have watched DVD’s like Bombora (The History of Australian Surfing – everyone should watch this by the way) or hung out with the old guys would have a good idea, but I’m not sure about the young grommets. If I had to give a history lesson now, I’d explain it something like this: [Note from the author, Chris went on in far too much detail about the history, so instead of putting it here, I’ve used it in my article Lifeguards, Surfers and ‘Watermen’. Thanks Chris, you’ve proved you know your stuff!] A: Spring forward to the present, in the USA; the majority of lifeguards are surfers, while in Australia they aren’t so prominent. Why do you think we don’t have the same numbers of surfers in Australia becoming lifeguards? CS: It probably depends on the location and how the lifeguard services are delivered in those particular areas but I think the

main reason that there are fewer surfers working as lifeguards as opposed to the USA is because the majority of lifeguards feed through from the traditional surf club system. So they usually start out as ‘clubbies’, do their volunteer patrols and then move their way up to a paid lifeguard position. Whereas overseas the lifeguard system is not linked to volunteer lifesaving. As a result I think there are many surfers that may want to be lifeguards but are not necessarily interested in becoming a volunteer lifesaver first. A: So in that case, what needs to be done to make lifeguarding jobs more attractive to surfers? CS: I think there needs to be a clear educational pathway set down for them outside of the traditional volunteer structure, just by sheer weight of numbers there will still be lifeguards coming through the surf lifesaving system, but if you can provide training and direct entry into professional work for surfers then it would go a long way to capturing this market as well. A: I reckon surfers have a ‘6th sense’ when it comes to understanding the ocean environment, why do you think this is? CS: Surfers make it their business to know what is happening in the ocean day in day out because it is their playground and they want to maximize their enjoyment whilst surfing. So they are very aware of their surroundings at all times, especially their home breaks which they have studied and learnt to read over many years. Good surfers are also able to assess conditions quickly and use what is presented to them to their advantage, whether that be rips, swell direction or tidal movements. I wouldn’t call it a ‘6th sense’ but really just an increased awareness of their surroundings in the water. A: It’s often mentioned in lifesaving circles that surfers conduct many rescues that go unrecorded; does the surfing industry recognise these? Is there an opportunity in this area for both surfing and lifesaving? CS: The surfing industry is acutely aware [authors note: Chris actually talks like this – if you’ve having trouble understanding Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 21

him then consult a dictionary] of the fact that surfers conduct a large number of rescues either on unpatrolled beaches or outside of patrolling hours. Unfortunately at the moment these rescues have no way of being recorded so the evidence is more anecdotal at this stage. It would be great for surfing and lifesaving to work together to record these types of statistics and decide on some strategies to assist surfers who find themselves in these types of situations. A: What do you think the surfing industry could learn from lifeguarding, and vice versa? CS: Clearly the educational structures that lifeguarding have in place and their close links with surf lifesaving are a bonus. But at the same time this system does not necessarily fit with the surfing culture, so I think the ability to be flexible and recognize that people may have a variety of different reasons for becoming a lifeguard may be one way lifeguarding could learn from the surfing industry. A: It’s no secret that lifeguards think they’re pretty awesome, do surfers look at lifeguards (paid) the same as lifesavers (volunteer)? CS: You don’t hold back do you, you’re a brave man! But to answer the questions, most surfers are educated enough to know the difference between the two but I think at the end of the day they are both there to do the same job, so they are generally viewed in the same way.

science of the surf LIFEGUARD is excited to have Dr Rob Brander, a.k.a. Dr Rip, onboard to provide a regular column on what he’s knows best – coastal geomorphology – it’s the environment lifeguards work in every day and should know like the back of their hand. This Issue it’s about wave sets, a surfers dream. Wave Sets: Join the Group As a kid growing up in the Great White North (Canada), I learned everything about the ocean from my parents during our annual vacation to Cape Cod on the east coast of the US. They would tell me about collapsing sand bars and the undertow that would suck me under and a whole bunch of other things that were totally incorrect, but the thing that intrigued me the most was that apparently ‘every seventh wave was a big wave’. I used to test this theory by counting waves while lying on my lilo and just as I was beginning to realize I’d been duped again in another Santa Claus-like scam, a bunch of big waves would appear out of nowhere and completely swamp me. So the idea that every 7th wave is a big one isn’t true, but like many old sayings, there is definitely an element of truth to it and that element is called a wave set.

22 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

A: What is it going to take for surfing and lifeguarding to be closer aligned? And where should we go from here? CS: As I mentioned earlier, if an educational pathway outside of the traditional surf lifesaving structure could be established to train surfers to become lifeguards I am sure there would be many out there who would jump at the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the ocean in their paid job. If this could be developed through the various Lifesaving Academy’s that are operating around the country I would see that as a step in the right direction. A: My mate the ‘Old Salty Dog’ posed a question in his rant in the last Issue of LIFEGUARD, asking who makes a better lifeguard, lifesavers or surfers? What do you think? CS: It sounds like the Old Salty Dog is posing the big questions! Maybe he should help with the answers! I think there are a lot of excellent lifeguards out there, both lifesavers and surfers, so you couldn’t make a blanket statement. But I think through sheer amount of time in the water surfers have an excellent knowledge of the ocean. A: That’s an answer I would have expected from you Chris, and with that we’ll leave it there, thanks for your thoughts, you’re a wise man. Now, it’s about coffee time isn’t it? Followed by a few waves, I hear the point at Burleigh Heads is going off… CS: No problem mate, I’ve got a spare board in my office. Let’s go and have that ‘off-site meeting’ in Burleigh Heads…

A wave set is a group of 3 to 10 large waves that seemingly appears out of nowhere and disappears just as quickly. Not only does the number and height of waves in each set vary, so does the length of time between sets. Sometimes it’s 5 minutes, sometimes it’s 25. So what’s going on? Well, when waves are formed by wind, they tend to gather together in posses called wave trains that start moving together. Now, the ocean is pretty big and there’s a lot of different wave trains coming from all sorts of directions that have different wavelengths (distance between wave crests) and as they collide into each other they sort of merge together forming a new wave train. If the wave crests coincide, the new crest is bigger. If the troughs coincide the new trough is deeper. This is called constructive interference because the crests and troughs have added together. However, if the crests and troughs of the two waves overlap, the whole thing gets cancelled out due to subtraction and the result is a flat spot in the wave. This is called destructive interference. Once the waves get locked in with each other, they travel as a new train that will have some sections of constructive interference (the large waves of the wave set) and some sections of destructive interference (the lulls between sets). This may be a simplified explanation, but the truth is that the formation of sets is pretty random and hard to predict. Generally the further waves travel and the longer period they have, the more pronounced the sets are. Wave sets are pretty important because when they break, they cause rip currents to suddenly accelerate, sweeping unsuspecting swimmers quickly offshore, and can easily wash fisherman off of rocks. They also provide the biggest and best surfing waves. We’ve all seen surfers or been ourselves hanging out well offshore of where the waves are breaking, calmly gazing at the horizon for ages. And it’s all about waiting for the next set and the wave of the day. It’s definitely worth it.

the old salty dog arses off in a suit and tie just so they can retire to do what we do every day, and that is to hang out at the beach’, as he wrestled a nice size sandy Flattie into the bag. Then he said, ‘Now that we have sorted that issue, can you pass me some bait – and be bloody grateful that you have a full-time job here!’ He was right. Less than 10 years ago, ocean lifeguarding as a career option was not, well, an option. This was mainly because the number of fulltime positions and beaches that were open year-round were minimal. If a professional ocean lifeguard wanted to work through the year, a large majority opted for lifeguard positions in Japan, the USA and the UK. Australian ocean lifeguards are extremely well-respected and generally find employment quite easily.

It’s also a wild time!

lifeguarding – a job for life – now! The Old Salty Dog takes us all back to the ‘old school’ this Issue – covering both lifeguarding and age old wisdom. He’s also been spending a bit of time in the UK recently, which could explain why this Issue’s rant has an English slant to it as well. Am I dreaming? Is this really happening? I used to love working on the beach in winter. It certainly helped that we faced north-east therefore hiding without shame from the cold south winds that prevailed at that time of year. Yeah the memory was great, zero crowds and plenty of waves. So there we were the Boss and me, sitting on our rescue boards in the rip fishing for Flathead. It was an awesome day weatherwise with the offshore breeze serving up crystal clear water and a cloudless sky. At that particular time of year most of Sydney was rugged up in coats but here we were, in only boardshorts, hat and sunnies. Overlooking our beach was a collection of pretty spectacular homes, and as we sat there our conversation turned to a house in particular that belonged to a friend of ours, a lawyer in the city. Wanted:

n Young fit men and wome in n itio for full-time pos recreational / emergency services industry.

Applicants must love the outdoors, particularly the beach and the ocean and must be comfortable in daily uniform of shorts, shirt, hat and sunglasses. uncil 24 · Lifeguard · IssueCo 4 Spring 2010

‘Be great to have his money’, I said. ‘What for’, said the Boss. ‘I don’t know, just be good to have plenty of money’, I replied. ‘What for’, said the Boss. ‘Bloody hell, I don’t know, just because’, I said, as I tweaked my line. The Boss looks up and says, ‘When are you going to realise that there are two ways to get rich, you either get given money or you work extremely hard. Most rich people spend their entire life working their

The mere thought of saving a pommy from drowning may seem quite ludicrous – but a lifeguard, at times, has a duty to be a lifeguard. Saying this, we used to give the English every available opportunity to save themselves before bailing them out. Whilst a seasonal job in other countries is not generally as hectic rescue-wise as a number of Australian beaches – you can be guaranteed that rain, hail, blizzard, tsunami or volcanic eruption an English family on summer holidays will be at the beach every day. I had a guy approach me once – I knew from 50 metres away that he was going to be a beauty. He was charging towards me, and as he got closer I could make out his huge British bulldog tattoo covering his throat and down over his chest and shoulder blade – a bit like it had been draped over him. He comes up and says, ‘Aw right, were do the non-swimmers go on this beach’. I thought I didn’t hear him correctly so I said, ‘What was that mate?’ He then says, again, ‘Aw right, were do the non-swimmers go on this beach?’ ‘Just stay between the flags mate and you’ll be right,’ I said grinning. The guy looks a bit puzzled, and says ‘But I just heard an announcement that said all swimmers must stay between the red and yellow flags, and none of my family can swim so where do we go?’ And it had two kids with it! Until recently, the endless summer was really the only option for the majority of lifeguards wanting year-round employment. Now with services like the RNLI and the ALS extending their reach, and local councils increasing their service provision, the sheer volume of professional lifeguards required is providing a platform for more senior fulltime management positions. The RNLI, in particular, is covering more of the UK every year and many Australians are in positions of management. Years ago, we lost many really good lifeguards because the long-term career just wasn’t available but now there are many options, and the industry is crying out for the experienced men and women to stay around and pass on the skills of the industry. So, if Lifeguarding is a job you want for life, go for it. Things have changed for the better. Not just for the lifeguard but more importantly, the industry, and whilst I’m not sure that fishing for Flathead on Council time is exactly ok – we were on rescue boards just outside the flags and no lives were lost!

geographic information systems A Geographic Information System or GIS is any system that captures, stores, analyses, manages, and presents data that are linked to location. The Australian Coastsafe division of SLS has been investigating GIS and its potential for the future within lifesaving. SLS currently captures and stores much location linked data in many different formats for the purpose of conducting coastal public safety risk assessments. Some of this information is then used for basic analysis, such as the identification of high risk locations for drowning, or locating services. At present SLS does not have a standardised method of collection and storage that would allow SLS to use this information comprehensively. In order to address this burgeoning requirement for spatial capability, SLSA commissioned Corporate GIS Consultants to develop a GIS Strategy and Roadmap, which will provide a direction which meets and augments the corporate objectives of SLSA and its stakeholders.

This report will assist SLS in developing a national GIS strategy that will provide guidance for the organisation and industry as we look to make more use of GIS as a powerful planning and analytical tool. One advance in location based data collection has been the implementation of a spatial data collection tool for the purposes of coastal public safety risk assessment. The application streamlines the collection of assessment data in the field, allowing significant time savings when it comes to report production. The system is now operational at a national level and has recently been used in a coastal public safety risk assessment for Leighton Property Pty Limited, halving the normal delivery time. The system is currently in its first version and will be further enhanced over time and is hoped to gain further efficiencies and time savings. More information: Adam Weir, aweir@slsa.asn.au

Do you want to obtain and develop the necessary skills to become a Professional Lifeguard? The Australian Lifesaving Academy NSW offers courses throughout NSW in: • • • • • • •

Certificate II in Public Safety (Bronze Medallion) Apply First Aid Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Spinal Management Basic Beach Management Advanced Emergency Care Gold Medallion

For further information call 1300 766 257 or visit www.surflifesaving.com.au

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 25

risk assessment of the the australian bogey hole coastal public safety guidelines – 2nd edition Ocean baths like the Newcastle ‘Bogey Hole’ The Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines is an industry project led by Surf Life Saving Australia to guide coastal and beach managers and operators in providing a safe aquatic environment for all users. The 1st Edition was a consultative version and was released in 2007. Following a lengthy consultation and review process the 2nd edition of the Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines are in their final stages of development before being released. There have been many lifeguard stakeholders who have provided feedback as part of the review process. SLS will now move onto to the task of collating and publishing this version in an online format. Once online they will notify relevant stakeholders, especially those that have contributed to the consultation phase. If you would like to be notified, contact Adam Weir at aweir@slsa.asn.au and he will ensure that you are included in the notification process.

research as the foundation for evidence based decision

are an iconic feature at many locations along the coast of Australia. For land managers in which these baths reside, ensuring the facility meets the highest risk management standard is extremely important. Australian CoastSafe recently completed a comprehensive coastal public safety risk assessment of Newcastle’s historic ocean bath, The Bogey Hole. Commissioned by the NSW Land and Property Management Authority, the report includes 13 recommendations for the treatment of risks, identified through a rigorous risk management process. The final report highlights the need for improved pool infrastructure, improved integration with existing lifesaving services, a system of safety signage and the development of a public education and safety program. If implemented, the recommendations aim to reduce the risk of incident at this location. The full report, issued in April 2010, can be found on the Land and Property Management Authority’s website - www.lands.nsw.gov.au. Constructed in 1820, The Bogey Hole is reportedly the oldest ocean bath in NSW, and is currently used by the community for various cultural events and activities. Future plans for the construction and use of the pool have not yet been decided. The Australian CoastSafe contact is Adam Weir, aweir@slsa.asn.au or +61 2 9300 4000.

Knowledge is power, and now more than ever, decisions being made around the lifesaving development table are being led by researchers who are providing the evidence base to support these decisions. Whether it’s a new piece of equipment, or the right advice to give the public to survive a rip current, research is playing a much more significant role. SLSA has recently adopted a National Research Agenda which led to the engagement of a National Research Manager to expand and coordinate SLSA research activities. Dr Shauna Sherker was appointed as National Research Manager in February 2010. Dr. Sherker previously worked at Monash University Accident Research Centre and the NSW Injury Risk Management Research Centre at UNSW. She brings a wealth of experience in public health and injury prevention research to underpin the philosophy of evidence based practice. Some of the highlights of the Research Team so far include the formation of a Research Advisory Committee and the introduction of the SLS Research Scheme, which aims to adopt 26 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

ethics and rigour into research project design and also to deliver funding for targeted and priority research projects. Two exciting research projects have commenced in partnership with the University of New South Wales focusing on rip current safety issues. The first will measure rip current flow and swimmer behaviour in rip currents using low-cost GPS. The second study will interview rip current survivors to determine demographics, surf knowledge and behavioural response to rip currents. Further research proposals are underway in the area of surf sport injury prevention, and rock fishing safety. While the research is being led by SLSA, contributions are welcome from all parts of the lifesaving/lifeguard industry. If you have any research ideas that you would like to discuss, please get in touch with Dr. Shauna Sherker at ssherker@slsa.asn.au or on 0411 812 282.

reducing drowning toll top priority at australian water safety conference Leading Australian and international water experts gathered in Sydney on 13-14 May for the 2010 Australian Water Safety Conference to discuss why drowning tolls are again on the rise in Australia. Despite the collaborative efforts of the Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) member organisations, there was a 20 per cent increase in drownings in 2008-09, with the overall figure exceeding 300 for the first time in seven years. This, combined with the recent drowning deaths of nine rock-fishers in Western Australian and New South Wales, has further emphasised the need to reinforce water safety messages and preventative actions throughout Australia. The AWSC strategic plan, released in 2008, targeted a 50 per cent reduction in drowning deaths by 2020 underpinned by a strategy focusing on high risk populations and locations, and adopting a life stage perspective. Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) CEO, Brett Williamson OAM said that while water safety groups are continuing to break

ground in developing and implementing targeted public education resources and intervention programs, people are still choosing to put their lives at risk. “Many of the drowning deaths that occur are preventable, and despite the efforts of AWSC members to improve educational programs and services, we are still seeing people taking unnecessary risks – particularly along the coastline. “The conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss how we can further develop and grow existing campaigns, particularly those targeting high-risk activities like rock fishing,” he said. Mr Williamson believes that continued collaboration between key water safety groups is essential to developing and promoting these water safety initiatives. Attended by over 150 delegates from around Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, the conference heard from lifesaving experts, researchers and scientists on a wide range of water safety issues including beach safety, learn to swim, education and the impact of climactic events. Information presented at the conference will be reviewed by the Australian Water Safety Council and incorporated into the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008-2011.

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Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 27

supporting the frontline All along the coast of Australia are experienced and very knowledgeable volunteer Duty Officers (or similar) offering guidance and support to lifesaving services and providing the link between front line lifesaving personnel and lifesaving support services and emergency services. LIFEGUARD caught up with Michael Hodsdon who’s a Duty Officer in Sydney, supporting services from Bundeena to Burning Palms, to find out more about the role.

Name: Michael Hodsdon Lives: Sutherland, Sydney Surf Club: Garie (Royal National Park) Role Title: Surf Club – Patrol Captain. Duty Officer for Royal National Parks, Sydney How long have you been in lifesaving? 17 odd years How long have you been a Duty Officer? 10 years Do you get paid? No

What is a Duty Officer? During patrol hours a DO is on

call to primarily assist patrol captains and lifeguards. We work with them to offer support during a major incident, or any incident where they might require our assistance, experience and knowledge of support services available. After hours we coordinate incidents with the necessary SLS support services and emergency services. We can guide the emergency services as to what resources we have available, i.e. RWC’s, helicopter, IRB’s, off shore rescue boats, so that we can use the resources in the most efficient way.

When is a DSO called out? We’re on call 24 hours a day,

7 days a week. I can be called out anywhere in Sydney Branch, but usually it’s just within my area.

28 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

What’s the call-out process? We’ll get a call or page from SurfCom or 000 to task us to a particular incident where our services are required. Depending on the job, we’ll start to make sure the support services have been notified and put on standby, and we’ll get in contact with the emergency services. We’ll make our way to the scene and start to work with the incident manager which is usually a patrol captain or lifeguard. Do you think at any time PC’s would feel intimidated by the presence of DO’s? Certainly, some

do. Usually the response we tend to get though, is the ‘thank god you’re here – can you manage the situation’. We’ll always try and reinforce that if they wish to delegate that to us, they need to stay in the loop because ultimately they’re responsible.

So you prefer to be the educator? That’s right, sometimes there are smaller matters that we didn’t need to be called to, but we’ll still go and guide them if that’s what they want – that way the next time they have a similar situation they can deal with it themselves. DO’s have a very good understanding of the SLS organisational policies and what’s required as far as paper work etc so we make sure all the boxes have been ticked. With lifeguard services, it’s more of an awareness thing, we’re likely to know where the SLS support services are at that time and so can advise as to response times etc. When an incident is on a beach that has a lifeguard service, how do DO’s liaise with the lifeguards? We will always

try and work with every stakeholder on the beach where appropriate. We will always try and work together so we can achieve the best outcome possible – after all we’re all after the same successful outcome. We’re not fussed who does the rescue, as long as the rescue does take place with the best outcome. Lifeguards will have their own reporting/investigation system just as we are providing for the SLS services.

What feedback do you get from Clubs? Lifeguard Services? It’s very positive overall, especially from clubs.

Sometimes we’ll find ourselves in a struggle for control of the situation, but usually that’s because of a lack of understanding of our role. All stakeholders need to know we’re not there to take over; we’re just there to assist. From a SLS point of view we need to ensure we’ve completed our duty of care.

interview: talking public safety There is a lot more emphasis being put on public education campaigns these days, it’s tackling the two stages of the drowning chain – Education & Prevention. SLS is driving these campaigns in consultation with the lifesaving industry, with the notion that education and prevention is better than a rescue, they are calling on lifeguards to assist in these activities in whatever capacity possible. Andre Slade from LIFEGUARD spoke to Anthony Bradstreet, Public Safety Education Coordinator, SLSA, for an update on this season’s campaigns, and particularly the new International Tourist and Migrants Campaign to target foreign nationals and tourists to Australian beaches. LIFEGUARD: Hi Ant, you’ve been in your public safety education role with SLS for 5 months now, but before that you worked alongside Craig Riddington at Surf Educate Australia (SEA), you must have a passion for surf education. Anthony Bradstreet: That’s right, I really enjoy teaching people new knowledge and skills, especially when it’s something that can save their lives in an environment I love (the beach). LG: What public safety projects have you got on the go? AB: Mate, there is so much happening! At SLSA we’re trying to focus on specific high risk groups, we need to be smarter about where we target our effort and messages. So we’re working on a number of summer campaigns, with an over-riding public education strategy to align the delivery of surf safety between all agencies. LG: So the main campaigns for this season are? AB: We have three targeted campaigns: Rip Currents, International Tourist and Migrants and Rock Fishing, and we’re continuing our primary campaign of ‘Always swim between the red and yellow flags’. This year the core message will include a sub-message ‘If we can’t see you, we can’t save you’, this message has been particularly strong on the Gold Coast for many years. LG: The Rip Currents and Rock Fishing campaigns we all know a bit about, they were launched last year. How are they going? AB: Obviously the Rip Currents campaign got a lot of media, some controversial, but SLS was very happy with it. It was the first time a campaign of this type was ever tried in international lifesaving – we’ve actually been commended by international lifesaving practitioners for it. Of course there are always learnings to be taken from it, and you will see that come through in phase two of the campaign this year. The Rock Fishing campaign is starting to cut through to the target audience and is also developing as we take learning from it. There are still far too many rock fishers drowning, and the case of five at once was tragic. It’s a very hard audience to target and so it’s always going to be a challenge. LG: Tell me more about the International Tourist and Migrant Campaign (ITMC), what’s this campaign all about? AB: The ITMC campaign is a targeted campaign to who we’ve termed ‘visitors to Australian beaches’. This takes into account international tourists, immigrants and can be applied to domestic tourists as well. The campaign has a core set of messages, and these messages are being conveyed in simple terms for an ease of understanding by non-beachgoers.

LG: You’ve been trialling the resources in Northern Australia summer, what have you learnt from this? AB: Yes we have, after we had developed the campaign and resources in consultation with the lifesaving and tourism industries, we wanted to test the resources out in the real environment. Broome and the Northern Territory were targeted, with councils and surf clubs involved. The feedback has been great, the tourism industry love the resources and the campaign execution seems to have hit the mark. We have found that ownership of distributing the resources is really important, the agency has to really be responsible and passionate about the campaign and its objective. LG: So what’s the gist of the ITMC campaign? AB: Basically, SLS has developed in partnership with Tourism Australia and the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, resources that are simple, visual and incorporate positive messaging to encourage tourists to safely enjoy our beaches. There’s a resource pack that includes videos, brochures, posters, and tent cards translated into 15 languages. We’re also looking to engage several international airlines to screen beach safety resources on all incoming flights to Australia this summer.

stephanie gilmore on... Experiences with international tourists on beaches Living in Coolangatta I see lots of tourists on Australian beaches. I do notice that they’re always a little shocked and unsure about how to approach the waves. You can tell instantly they have no familiarity at all with beaches that have waves. Australian beaches I think the biggest thing about Australia is that our coastline is just so big, which means that all of our beaches have their own unique conditions. Because of this, no two beaches can ever be treated the same. There are also so many long stretches of coastline in remote, untouched locations, which are often unpatrolled and a long way from help. And because all Australian beaches look so inviting, it must be so tempting for any visitor to Australia to want to go for a swim. The new campaign It’s great to have these consistent resources available, they look good and will help our lifeguard and lifesavers spread the message this summer. I urge everyone to support the campaign. LG: How can lifeguard services and lifeguards themselves get involved in the campaign? AB: All resources are available to download on www.beachsafe.org.au (under resources), along with a resource guide to explain what is available and how it can be best used. Services also have the opportunity to include their own logo on the resources and gain recognition as a partner organisation for assisting in distribution. An example of a lifeguard service getting involved is Manly Council. Mark and Lee and the team at Manly Council have been proactive in working with us on this campaign which is going to see resources fully integrated into their public safety education this summer. For more information contact: Anthony abradstreet@slsa.asn.au or (02) 9300 4000

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 29

Left: The spectacle of surf bathing, Manly c. 1904 suggested, couldn’t swim. An excerpt from ‘Between The Flags – One Hundred Summers of Australian Surf Lifesaving’ by Ed Jaggard, 2006, UNSW Press. We pick up this story in the middle of a section on the attitudes to amateurism within the surf lifesaving movement…

blast from the past Someone once said, and it was probably a historian, something along the lines of ‘to know your future you must first know your past’, or something like that. So keeping that in mind, LIFEGUARD is bringing you blast’s from the past, it’s where we’ve come from right out of the history books. This Issue we possibly uncover the very beginnings of the ‘Preventative Action’ from a lifeguard on Manly Beach who, it’s

“Paid lifeguards (also referred to as ‘beach inspectors’) were a case in point. Originally employed on the beaches of Sydney, and similarly employed on other popular beaches throughout the country, these men were classified as professionals from the 1930’s. Many of these paid lifeguards, however, were initially volunteer surf lifesaving members, often employed by the clubs, and were valued by their local communities. One of the early lifeguards at Manly Beach in Sydney was Edward ‘Happy’ Eyre. Apparently not a great swimmer, he used his understanding of the surf to circumvent his own limitations. Eyre predicted when a swimmer would get into trouble and guided them to safety before the unwitting patient even realised the potential for disaster. Preventative actions were widely respected: ‘Eyre’s successors on all the beaches around the coast have developed the same ability to forecast a bather’s likely fortune’.”

rock fishing drownings sparks call for increased education In May 2010 alone, 9 people lost their lives through rock fishing related activities, reconfirming rock fishing’s reputation as one of the most dangerous pastimes in the country and highlighting the need for increased public safety education. People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds continue to be overrepresented in rock fishing drowning deaths which is why Surf Life Saving is urging community groups, to make rock fishing safety a priority and promote a culture of safe fishing. In November 2009 Surf Life Saving joined forces with fishing organisations to launch a new safety program, including multi-lingual educational resources, community workshops and additional ‘angel rings’ (life buoys installed at popular ocean rock fishing spots). SLSA CEO Brett Williamson OAM said while the program has been successful in targeting high risk areas the need to expand this program is on the rise. “Our message to rock fishers is simple - always wear a lifejacket and don’t put your life on the line. “The challenge remains getting that message to the high risk groups, especially people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. “We’ve already seen some strong results since launching the campaign with zero drownings in the Randwick area which was identified as a blackspot following 10 rock fishing related drowning deaths in the past five years. What we need to do now is extend this program to other blackspot areas, and for all lifesaving agencies to continue the good work we’ve started through community workshops and niche multi-cultural media outlets.” he said. 30 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

Resources available through the rock fishing safety program include a multilingual DVD and flyers as well as the launch of a dedicated website www.safefishing.com.au. The rock fishing safety program is an initiative of Surf Life Saving along with the Australian National Sportfishing Association, the Australian Recreational and Sport Fishing Confederation and the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW. It has been funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Ageing with assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. To access the rock fishing safety resources or to find out more about the program contact Surf Life Saving Australia on (02) 9300 4000 or email abradstreet@slsa.asn.au.

2010 drowing deaths – stats update Drowning deaths by month

Drowning deaths by state

MONTH

STATE

July August September October November December January February March April May June GRAND TOTAL

COASTAL DROWNING 7 3 1 5 8 9 14 4 5 7 16 3 82

NSW QLD VIC WA TAS NT SA GRAND TOTAL

COASTAL DROWNING 39 15 13 9 3 1 2 82

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the IT effect You’d have to be living on another planet not to know that information technology is transforming the way we all live our lives. From wiki to iPads, Facebook to Twitter and an app for everything from checking the surf report to frying an egg, information technology is no longer the future, it’s well and truly the now. So how is information technology changing the way lifeguards provide their service and how is it making beaches safer for the public? LIFEGUARD asked resident SLSA IT expert Any Hutchinson for the low-down. Information technology (IT) is “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware” On the face of it salt water and sand aren’t something you’d necessarily combine with information technology and computers. And yet technology is revolutionising the way that lifeguards and lifesavers do their jobs; it’s improving beach safety, it’s rationalising record keeping and it’s transforming communications. From the beginning, the lifesaving movement has embraced this new technology. Initially the early adopters created myriad small systems all working independently of each other. As the technology matured, however, and as it became possible to do so much online, so the systems began to become a more cohesive whole. It’s only now, however, in 2010 that a totally unified system is starting to come to fruition. As part of a total overhaul of all Surf Life Saving (SLS) operated systems, websites such as Beachsafe and Surfcom have begun the process of liberating the data that SLS collects and opening it up to members of the public and to lifeguards and volunteers lifesavers. The aim of this revolution in information technology in SLS is simple - to better harness the organisation’s many assets in order to improve surf safety and save lives. In concrete terms this means opening up the organisations vaults and giving lifesavers, professionals and members of the public access to it. Drawing the strands together is a three year project, but already the benefits of having the entire industry utilising the same systems is falling into place. At a grass-roots level, data is recorded in Surfguard (www.surfguard.slsa.asn.au) and the Incident Recording Database (IRD), at a regional level rescues are coordinated by the Surfcom Management system (www.surfcom.org.au), at a national level beach safety data is recorded in ABSAMP. Combine the output of Surfguard and ABSAMP and you get Beachsafe (www.beachsafe.org.au). 32 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

Smartphone versions of websites and systems will mean information is available on the go.

Managing the team The core database created, operated and managed by SLSA is Surfguard. Since 2005 this database has been deployed to all clubs, support organisations and administrative entities. Lifeguard managers use the system to record the patrol hours of lifeguards, as do lifesavers and paid employees in the SLS industry. Over the years Surfguard has transformed from an online database with a narrow focus into an all-encompassing management system. It enables administrators at any level to record the work of staff, track hours, deploy staff to different organisational entities, record all the training that has been undertaken and provide reporting tools for liberating that data from the database.

Now that Surfguard has matured it is possible to track all aspects of lifesaving at unprecedented levels. Here’s a few examples of what is possible in the latest release of Surfguard: · Create and manage an online inventory of all gear and equipment · Organise lifeguards into patrol teams and record all their hours and logs · Track all employees and keep detailed records on their assessments and award status · Produce detailed lifeguard service reports · SMS anyone on the system using sophisticated reports to fine-tune a contact list · Maintain a list of source companies for training services

first rate source of information. Moving forwards there will be further integration of key systems, databases and applications. Full interoperability between state and regional services should come to fruition enabling things like the transfer of employment records between any affiliated organisation. All of the entities in the lifesaving industry, whether that’s lifesavers, professional lifeguards, council administrators, beach safety officers, duty officers and all the various volunteer roles will be using, updating and contributing to one single data source.

Beachsafe

The Public In the past all the information stored in Surfguard could only be accessed by administrators and official officers, but with the new integration of IT systems the public can now tap into this data source. The first of SLSA’s websites to take advantage of this newly liberated data, is Beachsafe (www.beachsafe.org.au). At this moment in time, Beachsafe is fairly unique in that it taps into several key information sources provided by SLSA. It combines simple safety information aimed at tourists and other visitors to our beaches, with live patrol information pulled from Surfguard, and beach hazard information pulled from ABSAMP. Of course the beauty of this system is that a visitor to the Beachsafe website will just see one central information source. They won’t be aware of the fact that the data they are viewing has been called from so many different sources. SLSA is working hard to move away from the old fragmented systems of the past and to a new unified future. By combining all these different information sources into one easily understood voice, organisations that partner with SLSA can reap very real benefits. For instance, local authorities can advertise the Beachsafe website within their tourist literature knowing that it will always have the most up-to-date information within it. Even the lifeguard on the beach, can give members of the public the address of Beachsafe website and help improve safety on and around the foreshore.

The Future As the overhaul of SLSA’s IT systems continues, there will be further improvements in existing websites and databases and the creation of new ones. The new SLSA websites will for the first time act as a true portal to all things related to lifesaving. It will bring information entered into the system by the grassroots volunteers and combine it with information entered by professional lifeguards within this industry. And on top of that it will merge useful information from external sources such as the bureau of meteorology and in doing so will become a

Beachsafe holds value on many levels for all professionals in the lifesaving industry. This revolutionary multilingual website pulls together up-to-date data from Surfguard and ABSAMP across all 11,834 beaches nationwide. Designed as a safety tool for surf awareness, the site aims to educate and inform visitors to our beaches. The advantages of a site like this to professionals are clear. Firstly it can reduce the pressure on lifeguards by educating members of the public to the dangers present in the coastal zone. If someone is familiar with concepts such as rip currents and tidal movements then they have far less chance of getting into trouble in the water. Another clear advantage of the site is that it is a ‘go to’ resource which lifeguards can promote to ease the pressure on staff. Since Beachsafe pulls in up-to-date patrol information about our beaches, about the conditions on our beaches and about the problems that exist on all beaches the public can go ahead and enjoy the beach environment fore-armed with the latest information. Amongst the innovations present in the Beachsafe website is a special smartphone version for users of iPhone or Android style handsets. This specially created mobile version of the site includes a GPS facility which will read the users current location, inform them of nearby beach locations and educate them in any risks specific to those beaches along with all current patrol information.

How does your service use information technology? Are you still using dinosaur systems? SLSA will be looking to work with all lifeguard services in Australia to maximise the efficiency of information technology. For more information contact Andy Hutchinson at IT Support on (02) 9300 4000

Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010 · 33

Name: Mick Magurren Age: 29, married, no kids Normal job: Lifeguard Supervisor, Peninsula Leisure Centre Woy Woy Casual Beach Lifeguard, Gosford City Council Home beach: Umina Years in lifeguarding: 7 years paid lifeguard, 13 years volunteer lifesaver

LG: You were working for the ALS, what was your role? MM: Senior Lifeguard at the Darwin Wave Pool and Rec Lagoon until the new recruit arrived.

answering the call from the top end When the call came through that the Australian Lifeguard Service in the Northern Territory needed an experienced lifeguard immediately to fill a short term shortage they had, there was one lifeguard who had already packed his bags to help out, even before telling his wife… LIFEGUARD caught up with Mick Magurren from Gosford City Council. LIFEGUARD: So how did the opportunity to lifeguard in NT arise? Mick Magurren: I received an email from our Beaches Superintendent Craig Healy which he forwarded on from the Lifeguard Network. Tony Snelling, CEO SLSNT was looking for an experienced lifeguard to help out with an urgent lifeguard shortage over the next 2-4 weeks. The job would start ASAP, preferably within 4 days, you’d be flown to Darwin return, paid a weekly wage and also be assisted with accommodation. I replied straight away and even rang Tony directly so I didn’t miss out on this opportunity. LG: That’s a fast turnaround! How’d you manage to sort it all out so fast? MM: I received the email on the Thursday and flew out on the following Monday. Firstly I had to ask my wife, her response was “go for it, it’s a great opportunity” then I told her it I was leaving on Monday to which she replied “WHAT!! I thought it was in a couple of weeks!” After that initial shock she was extremely supportive of me taking on this opportunity. My employers Gosford City Council were really supportive also and granted me leave on such short notice. Tony and Julie Snelling were great, they organised everything, an awesome effort considering they were in the remote town of Gove developing an indigenous lifesaving program at the time. LG: What attracted you to want to head up to the NT? MM: I was sick of the cold weather in NSW!!! 34 degrees sounded a lot more inviting. Most of all I thought it would be a great experience to further develop my lifeguarding skills and experience. 34 · Lifeguard · Issue 4 Spring 2010

LG: What was different about lifeguarding in the NT? MM: The weather, it was extremely hot and dry because of the wet season build up. The sun really took it out of you and keeping up your fluids was a must all day. On the beach was also different as they have box jellyfish and crocs not blue bottles and sharks like in NSW. Diving for Cassiopeia (jellyfish) in the rec lagoon was also a totally new experience for me and the full length stinger suit was a total fashion statement!!! The Cassiopeia doesn’t sting you but when disturbed they give you an annoying itch. LG: Were you able to pass on any of your experience while up there? MM: Yeah I smashed their record in the mission challenge!!! Haha. (A swim, run, board, run challenge.) I was able to talk with one of the young beach lifeguards about rips, beach setup, big surf, sandbars and gutters all of which they don’t regularly have to deal with on NT beaches. LG: What did you learn from the experience? MM: I learnt a lot about how the NT lifeguard role differs from ours. As a lifeguard they patrol the beaches, work at the wave pool, work at a rec lagoon, supervise asylum seekers in hotel pools and also run indigenous surf life saving programs in remote locations. It’s such a wide variety of jobs. I take my hat off to the lifeguard staff and managers up in the NT!! LG: Did you manage to get out and see other parts of the NT? MM: I didn’t travel too far as I either walked or ran everywhere but a got to see all the historical sites of Darwin, Mindil Beach Markets, Parap and Casuarina Beach. LG: What was your best experience while in the NT? MM: Just hanging out with the lifeguard crew was awesome they are a great bunch of people. LG: Would you recommend lifeguarding in the NT to other lifeguards? MM: For sure it was a great experience, with endless opportunities. LG: Any shout out’s to the guys in the NT? MM: A massive shout out to all the crew: Superdan, Joash, Dom (King of Africa), Shay, Rach, Grace, Amy, Toby, Sam, Glenno, Hayley, Wil, Tony and Julie, the kiosk girls and last but not least the best security guard in Darwin Ezrone “Mad Dog” Monaghan!!! Sorry if I forgot anyone!!!!

Find out about these types of opportunities as they happen by ensuring you’re a member of the Lifeguard Network, register today.

catching up with…

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Rodney Clayfield-Hoskin, Lifeguard Education Officer, Gold Coast City Council

22-24 OCTOBER 2010

How long have you been in the lifeguard industry? 14 years as a lifeguard including 2 years in lifeguard management. What is the strength of the Gold Coast lifeguard service? Good staff and good communication. Have you implemented any new initiatives lately? We’re increased the number of surf safety talks at schools, international colleges and universities, as well as increasing our reach to international visitors before arriving on the Gold Coast. Have you noticed any new trends in beach visitations? New visitors are coming from India and Africa, we also have had an increase of school groups prior to and after the Christmas school holiday period. What have you identified as your biggest challenge in beach education in the future? Reaching international tourists before they arrive on the Gold Coast and providing them with the relevant surf safety message while they are booking their holiday. Top 3 things the lifeguard industry should focus on over next 3 years: 1. Providing surf safety information to local, national, and international groups 2. Providing excellent community lifeguard services 3. Providing increased training and support to lifeguards.

Bjorgun (Rescue) 2010: International Search and Rescue Conference Grand Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland 10-12 NOVEMBER 2010 19th NSW Coastal Conference Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Batemans Bay, NSW 21-24 NOVEMBER 2010 Risk Management Excellence – Doing Things Smarter: Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA) Annual Conference Sydney Convention Centre 2-4 DECEMBER 2010 Resuscitation 2010 – The Guidelines Conference 2010 Porto, Portugal

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