FOREWARD

No one is a born surf lifesaver. Surf lifesaving is a learned skill. It takes a committed individual to undertake the theoretical and practical study needed to gain the basic award of the Bronze Medallion. But the rewards of this investment are truly worthwhile – knowing that you have the expertise to help others and maybe save a life!

Alan Whelpton (AM) Past President, Surf Life Saving Australia

Our Vision

To be recognised and respected for meeting our participation and patrol targets, for providing public safety, community involvement and leadership, youth development, family friendly environment and fostering a competitive, yet enjoyable atmosphere.

Our Measure of Success

• Preservation of life
• Community service
• Team playing/camaraderie
• Looking to the future and planning ahead
• Emphasizing discipline and good conduct at all times
• Is financially sound and professionally managed

A Brief History of Surf Lifesaving Australia

Surf bathing became popular around 1902 but as popularity increased the inherent dangers of the surf became more apparent and experienced surfers were frequently called upon to help rescue the unsuspecting public. So began the first lifesaving groups. As a result the NSW Surf Bathing Association was formed on 18th October 1907 and in 1991 it was renamed to become Surf Life Saving Australia. Surf Life Saving Australia has evolved into an organisation known throughout the world for its voluntary humanitarian service.

VIGILANCE AND SERVICE

MEMBERSHIP

Lifesaving membership includes affiliation with both Surf Life Saving Queensland and Surf Life Saving Australia. 

Your membership can be initiated or renewed through Members Portal: https://members.sls.com.au/ 

If you are a returning member, select “Renew” in the Members Portal to facilitate your renewal. You can pay your membership fees through Members Portal as well.

Step by step instructions, can be provided if you are struggling to access the online option. 
The lifesaving membership term runs from July 1 until June 30 each year.

Categories

Most newcomers commence their membership as an Associate (such as parents of junior members) or a Probationary member who becomes an “active” when they have completed the appropriate training. The term “active” generally refers to all those who have attained an SLSA award and participate in patrol duties.

Our patrolling members already give up a lot of time for their local community, so we have set our member fees at $25. 

Season Fees

Please log into SLSA Members Portal and pay your fees directly when you renew your membership or join. 

This follows through to family memberships if a parent or child gains his/her BM or SRC and commits to patrolling at least once a month.

Transfers

If you are a member of another Club and transferring into Eimeo, you will need to log onto Members Portal and request a transfer to Eimeo. Our Club Administrator will then have access to this request. 

NB: Active Reserve and Long Service status is not automatically transferred and must be applied for in writing. Please address your correspondence to the Lifesaving Committee.

FACILITIES

Active members have a variety of facilities available to them:

• Showers and change room (sometimes shared use)
• Kitchen (limited) - please keep it clean and respect the equipment
• Patrolling Members Facebook Group
• Bi-monthly newsletter via email (contact admin to confirm your details)
• Boards and surf skis - please confirm which ones you can use with the Board and Ski Captains (this is only for Bronze holders)
• Participation in surf sports carnivals and training with qualified coaches
• Reciprocal rights with other clubs
• Membership to the Supporters Club
• Life Saving Club areas (including the gear shed) are for active members only.

Club Hours

Administration is open Monday to Friday (excluding Wednesdays), 9am-2.30pm, & Sunday mornings during Season.

TRAINING COURSES

There are a number of training courses and awards available to our members. Prior to being able to participate in training you will need to be a financial member, have a Bluecard if over 18 and meet some pre-requisites (see below).

Bronze Medallion

Prerequisites - Must be minimum of 15 years of age and must be able to swim 400m freestyle in a pool in under 9 minutes.  You will need to complete your swim prior to commencing the course please contact the CTO to organise.

 In the Bronze course you will be trained in the following:

• Surf Awareness
• Surf skills
• Resuscitation CPR
• Board rescue
• Tube rescue
• Radio operations
• General fitness
• Basic First Aid
• Carries and supports
• Patrols

Bronze courses are run throughout the patrolling season.  Please contact our Administration for course dates.  This is a very practical course and candidates are expected to attend and actively participate in every session.  Each session targets a different area of training and missing sessions will cause delays for the whole squad.  Consequently, candidates who miss more than two sessions may not be permitted to continue.

Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)

The surf rescue certificate is the minimum requirement for patrol duties. It is also required for water safety duties for junior activities (Nippers).

Prerequisites - Must be 13 years of age and must be able to swim 200m freestyle in a pool in less than 5 minutes.

In the SRC course you will be trained in the following:

• Surf awareness
• Surf skills
• Emergency care
• Resuscitation
• Tube & Board rescues
• Patrols

 SRC courses are run throughout the patrolling season.  Please contact our Administration for course dates.  This is a very practical course and candidates are expected to attend and actively participate in every session.  Each session targets a different area of training and missing sessions will cause delays for the whole squad.  Consequently, candidates who miss more than two sessions may not be permitted to continue.

Other Awards

There are many other awards available that allow you to patrol the beach in varying capacities, such as Beach Management,  First Aid, Power Craft Awards and Training Officer & Assessor Certificates.

Please talk our Chief Training Officer if you would like more information regarding training.

PATROL OBLIGATION

Patrolling the beach is the underpinning priority for members in any Surf Life Saving Club. Patrols have priority over and above all other club activities including surf sports events. All active bronze medallion holders and SRC’s must fulfill their patrolling duties as per the patrol roster. If you cannot attend a rostered patrol you must find a substitute (someone who is willing to swap a shift with you) and contact your Patrol Captain.

Patrol Roster

Eimeo SLSC has a number of patrol groups made up of volunteer lifesavers who patrol the beaches of Eimeo from the start of the September school holidays until the beginning of May. Three patrols work each weekend - Saturday afternoon shift and Sunday morning and afternoon shifts.

Each patrol group works on a rotating shift roster.

A roster is issued via email at the start of the season and updated regularly. A copy can also be found on the club website. New members are assigned to a patrol team upon transfer or completion of their course. Any concerns regarding the roster should be addressed to the Club Captain via administration.

Patrol Hours

Patrol set up takes about 15 minutes so you will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the actual start time. Our patrols are:

• Saturday 1pm to 5pm
• Sunday 9am to 5pm: 9am to 1pm |1pm to 5pm

During the summer school holiday period patrol hours are longer:

• Saturday 1pm to 6pm
• Sunday 9am to 6pm: 9am to 1.30pm |1.30pm to 6pm

Attendance Log

Your attendance on patrol must be recorded on LIMSOC by your Patrol Captain. When they log on for a patrol they record your attendance. You are also required to sign into the Lifesaving Patrol Attendance Logbook.

Do not sign for another person – this is legally classed as fraud and will not be tolerated by the club. Substitutes should sign for themselves and indicate who they are subbing for. There are codes on the bottom of the page in the attendance log that make it easy for you to enter the correct details. Please read the logbook carefully and write legibly. This logbook is a legal document.

The Lifesaving Patrol Attendance Log is also used to determine missed hours and qualifying hours for competition. You will find the Attendance Log in the First Aid room or check hours on LIMSOC.

If you have any issues with accessing LIMSOC this must be reported immediately via email to the Club Administrator. 

Active Members

• Must attend full rostered patrols or arrange a substitute in liaison with your Patrol Captain.
• Patrol Captain will liaise with patrol group to ensure minimum patrol requirements are met.

Active/Reserve Members

• Must complete a minimum of 25 hours, arriving at start of patrol and staying until finish including set up and packing up times.
• Patrol obligations must be completed by 1st January of the current season to be able to compete.
• Defaults same as Active Members.
• Patrols must be completed prior to any competition.
• If any Active/Reserve fails to complete patrol obligations during any one season, a recommendation will be made to the Management Committee to cancel their Active Reserve status.

Finding a Substitute

Your substitute should hold similar awards to ensure your patrol is not left short of skilled lifesavers. If you have trouble finding a substitute, contact your Patrol Captain with enough advance time for them to help you locate someone. If you are unable to attend a patrol at the last moment you must advise the Patrol Captain.

Uniform

Club swimwear, patrol shorts and patrol shirt are to be worn during patrol. The patrol noddy cap must be worn and secured on the head at all times.

Generic caps are not part of the uniform. If you prefer a cap you will be provided with a surf rescue cap or hat. The uniform projects an image of professionalism and one the public looks to for assistance. It must be neat, clean and highly visible. Old or damaged uniform items should be given to administration so a replacement can be issued. 

Patrol Duties - Prevention, Recognition, Rescue, Recovery

The Patrol Captain (PC) is in charge of all beach operations, their instructions should be followed promptly. Whilst on patrol let your PC know if you need to leave the beach and ask permission if you wish to go for a swim or take a rescue board out, to hone your skills, so your PC knows where to find you and workloads can be redistributed. Plan a mock rescue, the public love to watch. Surveillance of the water and beach is mandatory at all times.

Water’s edge: While there is anyone in the water between the flags a patrol member must be on the water’s edge with a tube. If you are at the water’s edge it is recommended that you wear a bum bag. A bum bag contains: pocket mask; sun block; pad and pen; whistle; and gloves.

Tower: No reading of newspapers, magazines, etc while in the towers. 

Patrol Tent/Arena: The arena is usually set up between the flagged areas with first aid kit, oxygen, defibrillator, water, ice, sunblock, binoculars, radio, etc.

SSV: The SSV can only be driven by a licensed driver who has completed an SSV induction and should only be used for patrol purposes. The speed limit is 5km per hour between the flags and 10km per hour in unpopulated areas. All beach goers have right of way. No more than 6 people are permitted in the SSV except in emergency circumstances and only with extreme care. Seatbelts are mandatory at all times in the SSV.

IRB: The IRB can only be driven by a qualified driver and the crew should also be qualified. Joy riding is not permitted. IRB training on patrol is permitted, but only under the guidance of a qualified trainer and provided your PC approves. Patrol members using the IRB must keep an eye on all swimmers and stay in radio contact.

Set up & Pack up

Patrol gear including boards, tubes and flags are carried to and from the beach. Please be mindful of beachgoers when transporting larger items especially at pack up time when the beach can be crowded. Ask your PC for a job and if you are not sure where things go ask a seasoned member.

Set up check list

• Sign-on correctly into LIMSOC (if your name doesn’t appear please let Administration know via email) and in the Lifesaving Patrol Attendance Logbook
• Absentees and Substitute Patrollers need to be recorded correctly in LIMSOC.
• If there are any issues with LIMSOC you need to promptly report to the Club Administrator via email outlining the issue and attach a screen shot of the issue.
• Check all gear is operational – boards, tubes & fins, flags, water, ice, first aid, oxygen, defib, spinal board, sun block, blackboards, signal flags and radios.
• Sink the flag pyramids all the way into the sand and ensure all arrows are pointing the right way. Black/white flags should be about 30m out from the red and yellow flags. Make sure there is a condition flag in an obvious position and fill in the details required on the blackboard to help keep the public safe. Put boards and tubes at the waters’ edge on either side of the patrol flags.
• The first people to open need to take first aid, oxygen, cold water, binoculars and a radio to the patrol arena. This equipment can be transported using the SSV. A board and tube should be set up nearby, ready to use in a rescue. Display a condition flag and fill in the details on the blackboard.
• Each area should give a status report to the PC about 5 minutes after set up. Advise of any non-functioning equipment and all gear that is operational.
• IRB on the beach – check fuel, radio and fill out the IRB Logbook (found in First Aid room) – mark with 8 witches hats and powercraft launch sign. Remove the IRB trailer from the beach.
• First Aid Room – clean and tidy, oxygen available. Defib operational - know the location of each one.
• SSV – check fuel and all equipment – radio, rescue board, tube, spinal board, first aid, defib and oxygen in soft pack.
• Check spare signage – in SSV or secure trailer e.g.: beach closed, stingers, etc.
• Test emergency evacuation alarm – make sure the public know it is a test only.

Pack up check list

• Remove all equipment from the beach. Everything needs to be brushed down or hosed off before
• It is stored away. Check with a seasoned member if you are not sure where things go.
• Empty rubbish bins.
• Turn off radios, place on charge, hang bags and harnesses to dry, record any damage in the logbook. Your PC should give a status report to Surf Coms when the patrol has logged off (at the correct time) or on LIMSOC.
• Wash down the IRB and leave it ready for an out of hour’s emergency – fuelled ready to go. Complete the IRB logbook.
• Tidy the First Aid room. Make sure everything is in the correct place and lock the doors.
• Thoroughly clean the SSV. Re-fuel. Return oxygen and defib to the First Aid room.
• Check that the member’s area of the club house is left clean and tidy.
• Sign off correctly in LIMSOC and the Lifesaving Patrol Attendance Log. Let your PC know you are leaving.

First Aid Room

The First Aid Room must be kept clean at all times. Everything is neatly labelled so you should have no trouble locating the appropriate item. Please do not open packaging unless you intend to use the product.

Always use gloves and remember sharps, swabs and any waste containing bodily fluids must be disposed of in the appropriate container.

All first aid treatments must be recorded in LIMSOC (electronic statistical reporting) regardless of how minor the treatment.

Used items need to be recorded on the whiteboard for replacement.

Public Relations

Your patrol uniform stands out on the beach making you highly visible and the public will watch your every move. Many will ask a variety of questions: What are the orange buoys out there? Are there any sharks or stingers here? You will be surprised at what they expect you to know. If you don’t know the answers just say so.

One of your key jobs is to help educate people about safety at the beach. If someone is doing something unsafe talk to them politely, explain that what they are doing is not safe and try to educate them in the correct way. Try not to gather in groups of more than 3 people as a group can be intimidating to approach for assistance. 

A lot of club fundraising comes from the general public; they will put their hands in their pockets if they see a job well done. Lifesavers have a high profile and must be seen to be doing the right thing. The public like to see lifesavers training, especially rescues and resuscitation scenarios, this kind of training is highly recommended.

Dealing with Media

Any dealings with the media should be directed to the Patrol Captain. Lifesavers are only to make comment if approval is given by both Eimeo SLSC and SLSQ. Media can be persistent; please be considerate and polite – even if they are hassling you for a comment. Avoid saying “no comment” as this will make them more determined. Simply introduce them to your PC who will then direct them to the appropriate person.
 

MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS

SLSQ, North Barrier Branch and our Club have a range of awards that are available for our Club to recognise the efforts and achievements of our members.  SLSQ, the Branch and our Club encourage everyone to apply for these awards throughout the year to recognise our members. 

 Communication of the awards will be circulated through the Club’s email or monthly newsletter.  If you require further information or the criteria for the awards, please contact our Club Administrator. 

 Below is a list of awards at the various levels: 

• Club Club Person/s of the Year 
• Callan Family Water Safety Trophy 
• Johnny Farming Junior Encouragement Trophy 
• Best Patrol Team Trophy 
• The Galea Trophy for Most Patrol Hours 
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year 
• Senior Sportsperson of the Year