patrol responsibilities
Each patrol member is responsible for the following;
- Practice the basic principles of prevention, early recognition, rescues while on patrol
- Ensuring name, start time and finish time is logged on the Patrol Captains Report form
- Ensure that swimmers are advised at all times to swim between the red and yellow patrol flags
- Where hazards exist, swimmers that enter the water outside the flagged area are warned of these dangers and hazards and advised to swim between the red and yellow patrol flags
- Be polite and courteous when engaging in dialogue with members of the public
- All patrolling members will ensure that they wear the SLSNZ approved lifeguard uniform at all times on patrol
- Not leave the patrol unless authorised by the Patrol Captain
- Always carry a rescue tube and swim fins when on patrol at the waters edge
- Advise the Patrol Captain if ill, injured, fatigued or you can not complete the lifeguard duties as delegated
- Advise members of the public that the patrol is closing either (a) conditions dictate closing of the beach or (b) at the end of the patrol day
- Patrol members shall ensure the beach is in a safe condition prior to setting up the patrol. In addition to a safe swimming area, members should pay attention to the removal or minimising of hazards such as broken glass bottle, needles, branches, floating debris, animals, holes etc
- A patrol member shall be stationed in an elevated position at all times during the patrol when swimmers are in the water. When a beach user enters the water, one set of life guard eyes must remain on the patrolled area at all times and a lifeguard with tube and fins must be stationed at the waters edge. Never leave the flagged area without observation
- Patrol flags and equipment must be positioned as close to the waters edge as possible and will be moved with the tide during the patrol
- All patrol members shall ensure that if there is a swimmer in water between the flags , at least one lifeguard is to be patrolling the waters edge between the flags
- All members are to promote an image of professionalism, vigilance, service and endurance at all times
- Patrol members will keep the tower, club house and gear shed clean at all times
- All members will take responsibility for reporting accurate information through diligent completion of patrol and incident forms.
It is the responsibility of the individual patroller to find a replacement to cover their patrol if they are unable to attend due to other commitments. These replacements need to hold the same qualifications e.g. IRB crewperson. The patrol roster has all patrollers contact details in it to assist in this. You then must notify your patrol captain with the name of your replacement.
