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Introduction Skills maintenance checks are necessary to: ensure ongoing competency of members in their area of training and activities maintain the standards of knowledge and expertise of surf life savers satisfy legal and statutory requirements maintain and reinforce our service commitment to the bathing and beach going community A member’s proficiency is valid until the 31st December each year unless stated otherwise in Surfguard or via Circular (e.g. Apply (Senior) first Aid has a three year proficiency requirement). This Circular should be read in conjunction with Policy 5.4, where it is stated:

“1.1 Members who are not proficient as at December 31st are not permitted to patrol, or compete in any SLSA competition, until they have obtained the required proficiency.” This means that any member who is not proficient by the 31st December, or has not completed appropriate awards shall not be allowed to: Perform patrols Operate rescue craft or Compete in surf life saving competitions Skills maintenance checks may be conducted after 31st December under the requirements/approval of the local State/Branch. Any member completing their proficiency after 31st January each season shall be eligible to patrol but shall not be permitted to participate in any SLSA Championship competition until 1 May later in that year, (see SLSA Policy 5.4 for further details on competitor proficiency/patrol requirements). When a skills maintenance check is successfully completed (or a member gains a relevant award after 30th June, in a particular year) the proficiency or qualification is current until 31st December in the following season. The requirements in this circular detail the minimum national requirements as ratified by the Lifesaving Standing Committee. Additional requirements may be included by the State/Territory Director of Lifesaving. In-Depth Proficiencies If a member remains non-proficient in any award for a period of 3 continuous years or more, then they are required to either sit an in-depth proficiency, a full assessment, or be retrained in order to be considered proficient in the award. In these situations the Trainer or Assessor must conduct a gap analysis to determine any differences from the required competencies for the current award and those that existed at the time the member was last proficient. If the gap analysis determines there is a gap in skill and/or knowledge, the candidate may be required to undertake training and assessment in the gap(s) identified. For example – a member may have obtained their Bronze Medallion when use of an Automatic External Defibrillator was not taught in the Bronze Medallion, therefore the member would have to be trained and assessed in this skill and knowledge. How many times does a competency need to be demonstrated in any one 12 month period? Each component of required skills maintenance need only be demonstrated once in any one (12 month) season. For example, this means that a member who has successfully completed the CPR component of their ARTC need not repeat the skills maintenance check for that part of the Bronze Medallion/Cert II proficiency.

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The principle outlined above also applies to fitness testing. In other words, a fitness test for a higher award, such as the Gold Medallion, will be evidence that a member has passed the fitness component of the Bronze Medallion/Cert II (Run/Swim/Run) proficiency. Note that it is expected that all patrolling members maintain their minimum fitness levels for the awards that they wish to remain proficient in and a member may be requested at anytime during the season to complete an additional skills maintenance check by the Club, or authorised SLS Official. Each State/Territory will be responsible for describing the appointment of Assessors for skills maintenance checks. A member who fails a skills maintenance check at anytime during the season is deemed to be non-proficient until such time as another skills maintenance check is completed successfully. Further, this member cannot participate in patrol activities or compete at carnivals until the skills maintenance check has been completed successfully. All the best for a safe upcoming season. John Restuccia Dean Dudley Director of Lifesaving Director of Education Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Life Saving NSW

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THE AWARD SKILLS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 2013/14 SEASON ARE: AQUATIC RESCUE AWARDS

Surf Rescue Certificate 1. Run Swim Run (timed):

100m Run / 100m Swim / 100m Run in 5 minutes or less. 2. Resuscitation (CPR):

A patient assessment on a live patient and demonstration of lateral position. CPR, 1 and 2 person (adult/child and infant) on a manikin.

3. Signals – 10 correct:

Demonstrate 10 correct signals as determined by the Assessor conducting the proficiency. The new ‘Code X’ and ‘All Clear/OK’ signal that were introduced in the 2012/13 maintenance should be included.

4. Rescue (1 of either Board or Tube): Demonstrate a rescue, using either a rescue tube or a rescue board, according to SLSA

operating procedures in the current Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual. The rescue must include the following:

Negotiating the surf zone Securing the patient Returning to shore with the patient Calling for assistance

Members may choose their preferred rescue method. If tube rescue is selected fins should be used where available

Bronze Medallion 1. Run Swim Run (timed):

200m Run / 200m Swim / 200m Run to be completed in 8 minutes or less. 2. Resuscitation (CPR) with oxygen and defibrillation.

A patient assessment on a live patient and demonstration of lateral position. 1 person CPR (adult/child and infant) on a manikin. Team CPR including use of resuscitation mask with oxygen supplement and AED.

3. Signals – 10 correct.

Demonstrate 10 correct signals as determined by the Assessor conducting the proficiency. The new ‘Code X’ and ‘All Clear/OK’ signal that were introduced in the 2012/13 maintenance should be included.

4. Rescue (1 of either Board or Tube):

Demonstrate a rescue, using either a rescue tube or a rescue board, according to SLSA operating procedures in the current Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual. The rescue must include the following:

Negotiating the surf zone Securing the patient Returning to shore with the patient Calling for assistance

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Members may choose their preferred rescue method. If tube rescue is selected fins should be used where available.

5. Radio

At least three questions on the use of radio must be asked of each candidate. This may include: Pre operation checks Knowledge of local operating channels and uses Call signs Rescue procedures

Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue There is currently no skills maintenance requirement for this award. However, award holders will be expected to remain current through update sessions or search and rescue exercises offered locally.

Gold Medallion The Gold Medallion is only to be assessed by an Assessor appointed on an annual basis by the Branch/State Director of Lifesaving (or equivalent). Assessors who are appointed must be noted in the Branch minutes annually. A member must be proficient in ALL of the following awards:

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate Apply (Senior) First Aid Spinal Management

If any of these award proficiencies lapse during the season, even after successful completion of the Gold Medallion, then the member will become non-proficient in the Gold Medallion. The skills maintenance check for the gold Medallion for the 2013/14 season will be: 1. Pool Swim

The member must complete an 800 metre swim in 14 minutes or less in a swimming pool of not less than 25 metres. The pool swim must be completed before any other component of a Gold Medallion proficiency.

2. Mission Test

The distance will be 400m swim, 800m run, 400m board paddle, and 800m run The time will be 25 minutes or less The run distance to be taken from waist deep water, e.g. the run is from a flag, around a marker

and to waist deep water, the aquatic components are from waist deep water around two swimming buoys and back to waist deep water

Aquatic course must be around two swimming buoys 3. Rescue

Demonstrate a board and tube rescue according to SLSA operating procedures in the current Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual.

Tube Rescue: Complete a tube rescue of a patient 100 metres out to sea and return. It is recommended that members wear swim fins during the tube rescue.

Board Rescue: Complete a board rescue of a patient 200 metres out to see and return.

4. Complex Rescue Scenario (may be included as part of the rescue section above) Demonstrate a complex rescue scenario as set by the Assessor according to the SLSA

operational procedures in the current Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual.

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The rescue must consist of the following events being assessed: Negotiating the surf zone Securing the patient/s Returning to shore without losing the patient/s Calling for assistance Performing emergency care as required by the patient/s

EMERGENCY CARE AWARDS  Awards involving resuscitation are to be assessed annually. Once proficiency is achieved, resuscitation in other award proficiencies is not required.

Resuscitation Certificate Award holders must successfully complete a skills maintenance check, showing their competence in:

Patient assessment on a living person and a demonstration of the lateral position DRSABC, 1 & 2 person CPR techniques (adult/child and infant) on a manikin including the use of a

resuscitation mask

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate (ARTC) 1. Resuscitation*

Patient assessment on a living person and a demonstration of the lateral position 1 person CPR (adult, child or infant) on a manikin. Team CPR including the use of resuscitation mask with oxygen supplement and AED.

2. Oxy Viva Operation

Use of air bag resuscitator on conscious/unconscious patient(s) during resuscitation scenario. 3. Oropharyngeal Airways

Correct measurement and insertion of an Oropharyngeal Airway (on a manikin where possible). Demonstrate an understanding of when and why an airway is introduced into resuscitation.

4. Suction

The use of hand held suction apparatus for the removal of fluids from the mouth. * Remember: If a member has already completed a skills maintenance that required resuscitation to be assessed i.e. Bronze Medallion, they are considered to be proficient in that section of the award.

Spinal Management Certificate 1. Demonstrating placing a patient on a spinal board in a surf environment and on land.

2. Application of cervical collar on a patient. This may occur during the above scenarios clearly identifying

how to correctly measure and apply a cervical collar.

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Pain Management Within NSW proficiencies for this award must be completed every two years. Proficiencies for pain management must include: 1. Demonstration of set up and simulated use

2. Knowledge of local security and state documentation requirements

Silver Medallion Advanced First Aid There is no skills maintenance check for this award. However, a member must maintain proficiency in the prerequisite awards of Pain Management, Spinal Management and ARTC to remain current in Silver Medallion Advanced First Aid.

POWERCRAFT AWARDS The Lifesaving Standing Committee has agreed that not all powercraft operators/crew necessarily need to demonstrate skills in a “one off” proficiency check and that many may be seen as proficient via demonstration of competency during normal operational activities. Proficiency of powercraft operators/crew may be able to be assessed in numerous ways such as through the use of log books and club/service powercraft officer recommendation. All members wanting to remain proficient in IRB Crewperson, Silver Medallion (IRB Driver) and/or RWC Operator must demonstrate proficiency in the pre-requisite awards associated with these awards: For IRB Crewperson

Proficient Bronze Medallion

For Silver Medallion (IRB Driver)

Proficient Bronze Medallion Proficient IRB Crewperson Hold a current state/territory boat license (where applicable)

For RWC Operator

Proficient Bronze Medallion Hold a current state/territory boat/pwc license (where applicable) Additional State/Territory pre-requisites as required

IRB Crew 1. Questions on safety and the SLSA Powercraft Code of Conduct. 2. Demonstrate effective and safe crewing practice and ability including:

Parallel running Figures eight Response to signals Negotiate the surf as required Demonstrate the ability to conduct a patient rescue Demonstrate ability to carry out a patient lift, exit, carry and lay

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Silver Medallion (IRB Driver) and RWC Operator IRB/RWC Drivers must successfully demonstrate their competence in current IRB/RWC driving techniques such as: 1. Knowledge on safety and the SLSA Powercraft Code of Conduct. 2. Demonstrated ability to apply safe driving practice and the ability including but not limited to:

Parallel running Figures eight Response to signals Negotiate the surf as required

3. Other driving skills and rescue techniques

Demonstrate the ability to conduct a patient rescue Demonstrate the ability to carry out a patient lift, exit, carry and lay

RWC operators they must also be able to reboard the craft from deep water.

Specialist Powercraft Awards (JRB/ORB) Skills maintenance for specialist groups shall be determined by the individual group and as approved by the relevant Branch/State Director of Lifesaving. Skills maintenance may be assessed during normal operational activities.

ATV Operators It is no longer a national requirement to undertake annual ATV skills maintenance. Instead all ATV Operators are required to complete an ATV induction. A current state/territory motor vehicle drivers licence must be checked for currency and recorded each year for all ATV Operators. Each service must manage this process annually. A member who loses their State/Territory driver’s license (whether through cancellation or suspension) is considered to be non-proficient in this award. Once the member’s state driver’s license is reinstated, they are then required to re-sit the ATV Operator induction.

BEACH MANAGEMENT AWARDS

Silver Medallion (Patrol Captain) OR Silver Medallion (Basic Beach Management) Proficiency is required in the prerequisites for the awards to remain current. It is recommended that all current Patrol Captain’s undertake the new online course ‘Introduction to Search and Rescue’ as part of their skills maintenance. This short online course has been developed to provide access to theory content of the Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue course that is most relevant to Patrol Captains.

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RADIO AWARDS Radio Operators Certificate For those who hold the stand alone Radio Operators Certificate (i.e. who do not have their BM/CERTII), at least three questions on the use of radio must be asked of each candidate. This may include:

Pre operation checks Knowledge of local operating channels and uses Operating procedures, Call signs Rescue procedures

For those who use this award as part of their operation within a SurfCom, additional assessment may be included at a local level.

TRAINING AND ASSESSING AWARDS Assessor 1. Be currently endorsed as per State requirements. Endorsement is dependent on the Assessor remaining current in the award/s they are assessing AND current in training and assessment.

Training Officer 1. Be currently endorsed as per State requirements. Endorsement is dependent on the Trainer remaining current in the award/s they are training AND current in training and assessment.

Facilitator 1. Be currently endorsed as per State requirements. Endorsement is dependent on the Trainer remaining current in the award/s they are Facilitating AND current in training and assessment.

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U/8 to U/14 Membership Age groups remain a minimum age of 7 years (U/8) up to a maximum age of 13 years (U/14) on a seasonal basis. The age group for the season is determined as at midnight on the 30th September at the commencement of that season (34th Edition, Surf Sports Manual). Listed below are the age groups members will be in for the 2013/14 season if they are born between the following dates. 1st October 1999 to 30th September 2000 U/14 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2001 U/13 1st October 2001 to 30th September 2002 U/12 1st October 2002 to 30th September 2003 U/11 1st October 2003 to 30th September 2004 U/10 1st October 2004 to 30th September 2005 U/9 1st October 2005 to 30th September 2006 U/8 Please note: Proof of age/birth certificate must be shown for all new children joining a Surf Club or for any child that has not produced a birth certificate. Quick Reference Guide – Birthdays and Age Groups

AGE   OCT   NOV   DEC   JAN   FEB   MAR  APR   MAY  JUN   JUL   AUG   SEP  

U6   2007   2007  2007  2008   2008  2008  2008  2008  2008  2008  2008  2008 U7   2006   2006  2006  2007  2007  2007  2007  2007  2007  2007  2007  2007 U8   2005   2005  2005  2006  2006  2006  2006  2006  2006  2006  2006  2006 U9   2004   2004  2004  2005  2005  2005  2005  2005  2005  2005  2005  2005 U10   2003   2003  2003  2004  2004  2004  2004  2004  2004  2004  2004  2004 U11   2002   2002  2002  2003  2003  2003  2003  2003  2003  2003  2003  2003 U12   2001   2001  2001  2002  2002  2002  2002  2002  2002  2002  2002  2002 U13   2000   2000  2000  2001   2001  2001  2001  2001  2001  2001  2001  2001 U14   1999   1999   1999   2000   2000  2000  2000  2000  2000  2000  2000  2000 

U/6 and U/7 Membership U/6 and U/7 members may participate in activities on an educational basis only. Clubs are not compelled to run activities for these age groups. It is entirely up to the individual Club; however, children in these age groups may not compete in any point score/ championship events. A child may join a Club as soon as he/she turns 5 years of age. No Club is to accept membership of a child until they have reached the age of five years to comply with insurance requirements. A child who reaches five years of age after 30th September 2013 may join Nippers at that time; however, this child will be required to stay in the U/6 Nippers age group the following season. It is the clubs responsibility to explain to the parents of each child that if a child reaches the age of five years after 30th September 2013, they may join Nippers for the remainder of the 2013/14 season, however will remain in the U/6 Nipper group in the 2014/15 season. Listed below are the age groups members will be in for the 2013/14 season if they are born between the following dates: 1st October 2006 to 30th September 2007 U/7 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008 U/6

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Junior Evaluations (Proficiencies) The Junior Preliminary Evaluation and the Junior Competition Evaluation may be assessed by a variety of SLS personnel (see table for qualifications). SLSNSW recommends a proficient SLSA Bronze/SRC Assessor is in attendance to supervise the evaluation. This is to ensure safety protocols and correct procedures are followed and to sign off the activity. Junior Preliminary Evaluation Many activities that will be completed by children as part of junior activities will be conducted in the water. To ensure that all children have a suitable swimming ability to allow them to participate in these activities, SLSA has developed a Junior Preliminary Evaluation for each age group. Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation, conducted by the club, prior to any junior activity training or competition being undertaken. It includes a swim and a float which is progressively increased by age group. Normally this would occur at the very first training session but if not this must be completed before any activity is undertaken. The intent of this is to conduct an evaluation of each junior member’s own personal swimming and water survival ability for the information of the member, parent and age manager. Conducting the evaluation This evaluation should be conducted in a safe aquatic environment with a recommended 1:1 water safety ratio (water safety personnel to participant). It is recommended that evaluations be completed in a swimming pool (of no less than 25m length) where possible. A 1:1 water safety ratio is especially important for new members where clubs may not be familiar with the ability of the participant. Following the evaluation Any child that does not meet the required evaluation level will require a higher level of supervision when involved in water based activities at the discretion of the club. It is a requirement that these children remain in shallow water and based on a 1:1 ratio until the child is deemed competent in relation to the preliminary evaluation guidelines. Any child that does complete the preliminary skills evaluation competently can progress to water based junior activities noting 1:5 (water safety personnel to participant) water safety ratio requirements must be provided as per the water safety policy. Using intra-club water activities for skills progression Clubs are encouraged to conduct intra-club swimming and board training and informal competition related events in a progressively challenging but safe environment regarding distances, water safety personnel and in relation to the abilities of their junior members. This intra-club environment is where club’s should really encourage their juniors to challenge their personal skills and abilities and progressively work towards competently completing the official carnival competition distances in swimming, board, multi-discipline and relay related events if they wish to pursue inter-club competition. The intra-club environment is where age managers and water safety personnel are more likely to have a better understanding of each of their own members swimming or board paddling skill level, as opposed to an inter-club competition where water safety personnel may have no idea of who specifically to keep an eye on.

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Junior Competition Evaluation From the age of 8 (Under 9) juniors can begin to compete in intra-club, inter-club, branch, state and national competition. To ensure that all junior members that wish to compete in any inter-club, branch, state and national events/championships have the ability, strength and fitness standard to complete the courses they must be able to complete the junior competition evaluation for their age group. The junior competition evaluation is based on the swim distances as set out in the Surf Sports Manual for that age group and is a minimum standard guideline in the form of an open water swim. Clubs and Branches are able to go over and above the minimum standards set in this document, but are not able to drop below these standards. ANY competitor wishing to compete at carnivals (water or beach events) must have successfully completed the competition evaluation for their age group prior to competing in any event. All Junior Awards are to be recorded on SurfGuard. Recording Junior Evaluations Junior Evaluations can be completed on the Surf Life Saving NSW Proficiency Test Work Card. The card for the 2013/14 season is YELLOW and is enclosed as part of this pack. Please contact your club Chief Training Officer if you do not have a copy of this card. Best practice involves Junior Evaluations being completed by creating spread sheet from Surfguard of current, financial Nipper members. This spread sheet needs to mirror the information requirements on the Yellow cards. This spread sheet must be signed in hard copy to satisfy the SLSNSW junior proficiency requirements.

Surf Education Program / Junior Awards The surf education program is delivered to junior members throughout the season and is designed to engage and educate our young members across all Surf Life Saving activities whilst developing skills and confidence. Every junior member is expected to achieve the relevant Surf Education Award appropriate to their age group. All Junior Awards are to be recorded on SurfGuard. For more information on this process visit: http://www.slsa.com.au/site/_content/resource/00001715-docsource.pdf Completion of the relevant age award is compulsory for those U8-U14 members wishing to compete at Branch and State Championships and must be recorded on SurfGuard by December 31st 2013.

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Branch and State Competition Requirements Every junior member competing in branch and state competition must have achieved;

Preliminary Evaluation Competition Evaluation Appropriate Surf Education award for their age group by December 31st 2013.

Junior Activities members (i.e. members comprising Under 14 and below), are not required to perform patrol hours to compete in Junior Activities competitions (i.e. Under 14 and below age categories). However, if eligible members wish to compete in Under 15 competition, they must fulfil their patrol hour obligations as set out in SLSA Policy 5.4. http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=adminresources&id=44 Water Safety Requirements SLSA Policy 1.1 sets out the risk management procedures and minimum requirements for the provision of water safety for surf lifesaving aquatic activities. This needs to be read in conjunction with the SLSA Water Safety Procedures 1.1. Please ensure that your club is aware of the SLSA Water Safety Policy and Procedures, and to access a copy of this policy please refer to the SLSA website http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=adminresources&id=44 http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=adminresources&id=883

High Visibility Vests For all junior activities and member training, it is recommended that aquatic activity participants in SLS water events be clearly identified with a standardised high visibility vest as a means of easy identification. The purpose of using high visibility safety garments is to increase the ability to identify/locate participants above the water by water safety personnel during daylight hours. Please refer to Water Safety Procedures 1.1 Section 2.3.1 and 2.3.3 for more detailed information. http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=adminresources&id=883

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SLSNSW JUNIOR EVALUATIONS AND EDUCATION GUIDELINES

Preliminary Evaluation Competition Evaluation

Surf Education Awards

Under 6

Nil (shallow water activities only)

Nil (no competition)

Surf Play 1

Under 7

Nil (shallow water activities only)

Nil (no competition)

Surf Play 2

Under 8

25 metre swim (any stroke)

1 minute survival float

Nil (no water competition, except for wade which

takes place in waist deep water)

Surf Aware 1

Under 9

25 metre swim (any stroke)

1 minute survival float

Minimum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Aware 2

Under 10

25 metre swim (freestyle)

1 1/2 minutes survival float

Minimum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Safe 1

Under 11

50 metre swim (freestyle)

2 minutes survival float

Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Safe 2

Under 12

100 metre swim (freestyle)

2 minutes survival float

Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Smart 1

Under 13

150 metre swim (freestyle)

3 minutes survival float

Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Smart 2

Under 14

200 metre swim (freestyle, in less than 5

minutes) 3 minutes survival float

Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Surf Rescue Certificate

Note; SLS Assessor

(SRC/Bronze) required for this award

Assessors

Accredited SLS Coach Accredited SLS Official

SLS Training Officer (SRC/Bronze) SLS Assessor (SRC/Bronze)

Notes

Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation, conducted by the

club, prior to any activity training or competition being

undertaken.

The competition evaluation must be achieved

before being eligible to compete in any interclub competition

Every junior member is expected to achieve the relevant Surf Education Award appropriate to

their age group.

Completion of the age award by 31st December 2013 is compulsory for

those U8-U14 members wishing to compete at

Branch and State Championships

Competition Requirements

Achievement of the Junior Preliminary Evaluation Achievement of the Junior Competition Evaluation

Branch & State Competition

Requirements

Achievement of the Junior Preliminary Evaluation Achievement of the Junior Competition Evaluation Completion of the relevant Surf Education Award appropriate to their age group by December 31st 2013.

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Who May Compete? Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) competition is for registered, qualified and proficient members of surf lifesaving clubs who have fulfilled their Club, patrol, financial and other membership obligations. All members who wish to compete at any SLSA competition must be registered, proficient and carry out required patrol duties, in accordance with the “Proficiency and Patrol Hour Requirements for Competition Eligibility” detailed in SLSA Policy Statement 5.4. For further information on “Proficiency and Patrol Hour Requirements for Competition Eligibility” please refer to SLSA Policy Statement 5.4 on the SLSA website – www.slsa.asn.au

Patrol Hour Checking Branch Officials may carry out checks on patrol hour obligations on any club within their Branch. Surf Life Saving New South Wales may carry out checks or request a Branch to carry out the check on their behalf. With regard to entries submitted for competition events, it will be the responsibility of the Club Officer completing the declaration on the form to ensure all members nominated are proficient, financial and have completed the patrol obligations required by the club and are entered in SurfGuard. There will be a random check of patrol logs for one club from each branch prior to the State Championships.

Clubs Attending Carnivals Clubs attending a surf sports carnival during the patrol season must: Ensure that there is a rostered patrol on the beach that meets the patrol obligations agreed to in the

Lifesaving Service Agreement; otherwise the club is ineligible to compete. Competitors rostered for patrol duty have a substitution, or are ineligible to compete.

Timetable of When Hours Are to be carried Out Patrol hours and minimum strengths are determined annually in consultation with the NSW Director of Lifesaving, Branch Director of Lifesaving and the Club. Lifesaving Services are expected to patrol on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays as per the Lifesaving Service Agreement.

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SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures - Lifesaving Services The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for Lifesaving Services is a comprehensive reference document that outlines key lifesaving policy, procedures and guidelines for all SLSNSW Clubs/Services. Club Captains, Patrol Captains, Support Operation Members and Lifeguards need to ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the contents that are relevant to their operations and are following these procedures at all times. All Lifesaving Services need to ensure that they are referencing the most up to date version of the SOP’s and a hard copy should be made available to all patrol members. To align with the recently updated SOP’s a new version of the ‘Lifesaving Operations Procedures Guide’ will become available. The Lifesaving SOP’s are available at http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/lifesaving

Patrol Operations Manuals (POM) All clubs/services shall have a Patrol Operations Manual. These local-specific documents are developed by clubs for their location and area/s of responsibility. They outline the best-practice way a specific beach is patrolled, common hazards and risks and how the club manages these when on patrol and during callouts. The Patrol Operations Manual is key for all club patrolling operations, emergency response (callout) teams and member training/inductions.

Lifesaving Service Agreements All clubs/services shall have a SLSNSW endorsed lifesaving service agreement. They set minimum patrol dates/times/service strengths for each club/service (determined and agreed to by club/branch/state). Lifesaving Service Agreements shall form the basis of annual patrol roster planning and performance assessments. Lifesaving Service Agreements align with core areas of the SOPs.

SLSNSW Minimum Patrol Requirements 2013/2014 A volunteer SLS patrol must consist of the following minimum personnel: 3 x Volunteer Bronze Medallion qualified patrol members The following proficient qualifications/awards must be held by the collective patrol members on any patrol day: 1 x Current ARTC 1 x Current IRB Driver 1 x Current IRB Crew 1 x Basic Beach Management Note: These awards may be shared between the three patrolling members on patrol. The minimum patrol requirements will need to be followed when configuring patrol rosters for the

2013/14 season. Clubs/Branches may set further requirements on top of the SLSNSW minimum patrol requirements.

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SLS Patrol Uniform Patrolling lifesavers should be professional and neat in appearance, as to present the best possible image to the community and be easily identifiable as an on-duty lifesaver. It is the responsibility of the Club Captain and Patrol Captains to ensure that their patrol members are in correct uniform at all times whilst on patrol. The mandatory SLSA patrol uniform comprises of a: Yellow long sleeved patrol shirt Red patrol shorts Red and yellow quartered patrol cap Red patrol peaked-cap or wide-brim hat

Note: Rash-shirts. It is highly recommended that lifesavers wear a SLSA Yellow Rash-shirt when driving/crewing the IRB and/or when wearing a wetsuit (over the top of the wetsuit). When in the IRB, patrol shirts or jackets are not to be worn under any circumstances, unless wearing a lifejacket.

Note: Patrol Jackets: If wearing a jacket on patrol, a red/yellow jacket which meets SLSA brand guidelines shall be worn.

The full uniform policy and details can be viewed at www.sls.com.au and within the SOP’s at

http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/lifesaving

“Clubs will again be kindly supplied with a Patrol Uniform Allocation directly through SLSA. The free allocation of patrol shirts and shorts can be retrieved via the SLSA online surf shop. Clubs will be advised directly by SLSA with more information.”

ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CLUBS AND BRANCHES TO BE COMPLIANT FOR THE 2013/2014 SEASON All Clubs and Branches are required to submit the following information by 5:00pm on the due dates in order to be compliant and to be eligible to access grants and to share in fundraising distributions. 1. Send a signed affiliation form to SLSNSW by 27 September 2013 2. Enter the required contact details for the organisation and office holders in SurfGuard Please notify

SLSNSW when this has been done by emailing aweir@surflifesaving.com.au by 27 September 2013 3. Have had a 2013/2014 season ‘Gear and Equipment Inspection’ conducted and equipment information

updated on SurfGuard. Please notify SLSNSW when this has been done by emailing rpidgeon@surflifesaving.com.au by 18 September 2013.

4. Input Club/Service patrol dates and hours into SurfGuard ‘Service Profile’ as per agreed Lifesaving

Service Agreement details. Please notify SLSNSW when this has been done by emailing shudson@surflifesaving.com.au by 1 September 2013

5. Send a hard copy of your annual report to SLSNSW by 31 October 2013 6. Send a hard copy of the full set of audited financial statements to SLSNSW by 31 October 2013 7. Branches to deliver at least 4 patrol audits per club by the end of the patrol season and provide

summary results to SLSNSW by email rpidgeon@surflifesaving.com.au by the following schedule:

a) Progress Report 1 (29 November 2013) b) Progress Report 2 (28 February 2014) c) Final Report (30 May 2014)

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Annual Gear and Equipment Inspections As a minimum, Clubs and Services are required to annually inspect and update the following lifesaving equipment on SurfGuard: Beach Vehicles/ATV’s, Rescue Boards, Defibrillators, First Aid Equipment, IRB’s, IRB Motors, Oxygen Kits, Radio’s, Rescue Tubes and Spinal Equipment. Branch Gear Inspectors will mark all approved lifesaving equipment with a SLSNSW gear inspections sticker each year. Equipment that is not ‘passed by’ the Gear Inspectors is to be recorded and must not be used by members on patrol until the equipment has been passed. For more information refer to SLSNSW Circulars http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/circulars-and-memos

Surf Rescue Vessel Registrations Under NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) regulations it is illegal to operate an unregistered vessel. SLSNSW holds a special exemption which allows Clubs/Branches to register their vessels internally (with SLSNSW) – saving considerable workload on members. Because of the ongoing great work by Clubs/Branches maintaining effective records of vessels on SurfGuard, and the great work being done by Branches each year to check these within Gear and Equipment Inspections, Clubs/Branches will no longer need to complete a vessel registration form for every vessel annually. What needs to be done? Existing vessels – Complete an Annual Gear and Equipment Inspection of the vessel. Club to log

details on SurfGuard. Existing vessels which are not on SurfGuard - Complete the ‘SLSNSW Vessel Registration

Application Form’ (http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/lifesaving) and return to SLSNSW. Clubs are required to update information in SurfGuard.

New vessels – Complete the ‘SLSNSW Vessel Registration Application Form’

(http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/lifesaving) and return to SLSNSW. SLSNSW will issue a vessel registration number (SR number). Clubs are required to update information in SurfGuard.

Vessels being sold or disposed of - Complete the ‘Transfer of Vessel Registration Form’

(http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/lifesaving) and return to SLSNSW. Remove SR numbers and SLS signage before selling or disposing of vessel. Clubs are required to update information in SurfGuard.

For more information please contact Rob Pidgeon (rpidgeon@surflifesaving.com.au)

Surf Emergency Response System (Callouts) The SLS Emergency Response System was introduced by SLSNSW in January 2008 to improve the response of surf rescue resources to emergency incidents along the NSW coastline. This system enables the on-duty State Duty Officer to be contacted 24/7 on one contact number. All Clubs, Branches, Support Operations and Lifeguard Services affiliated with or employed by SLSNSW fall under the SLSNSW Emergency Response System. This system is critical in reducing the drowning rate along the NSW coastline.

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Club/ Service Equipment Preparedness Clubs and services should ensure that core items of emergency response equipment are set up and ready to respond 24/7, including; IRB (fully set up with a full tank of fuel), ATV, radios, oxygen equipment, defibrillator, rescue tubes, and rescue boards. Club/Service Callout Teams Each Club/Service should also identify and form a team of qualified members who may be available to respond (if available) to incidents at their beach outside of patrol hours and/or in support of an on-duty patrol. This team should be made up of appropriately experienced and qualified personnel who are versed in the relevant SLSNSW procedures and any/all branch/club specific plans/procedures. These details should be provided to your branch annually and when/if any changes are made, so that Branch Duty officers/Emergency Coordinators are able to rapidly task appropriate resources during an emergency. Clubs/Branches shall also load these contacts onto SurfGuard as a ‘group’.

Night Operations A search and rescue response that occurs after sunset and before sunrise can be referred to as ‘night operations’. The expansion of the Emergency Response System has prompted SLSNSW to develop procedures and guidelines that will minimise the risk to our members when responding at night. ‘Night Operations’ can be broken down into ‘water based operations (with IRBs)’ and /or ‘land based operations’. Any Club in New South Wales can participate in night IRB operations if the following is adhered to: Club/Service is Branch/State endorsed for night operations. The Club/Service holds the minimum required equipment. Appropriate members are available and trained in ‘Night IRB Operations’. Clubs interested in becoming night operations capable should contact their Branch Director of Lifesaving and training can be organised.

‘Guide to Dealing with Breaches of Lifesaving Standards’ The ‘Guide to Dealing with Breaches of Minimum Lifesaving Standards’ is a document which outlines the process/pathway for clubs/services to resolving breaches of minimum lifesaving standards in a consistent and supportive way. A copy can accessed at www.surflifesaving.com.au/lifesaving-resources/w1/i1005782/

Incident Report Logs All clubs/services need to ensure that Incident Report Logs are being used as per the Standard Operating Procedures. Incident Report Logs are to be entered into SurfGuard no later than two weeks from the date of entry.

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Gear and Equipment Updates Beach Flags and Signage Updates The 2010 release of the new Australian Standard 2416:2010 Water Safety Signs and Beach Safety Flags has resulted in the following changes to the flags and signs used at the beach; Black-white quartered flags have replaced blue board-riding buffer (boundary) flags. Feathered patrol flags are now included in the standard and should be used by all lifesaving patrols in

NSW. As per SLSNSW SOP’s the ‘swimming not advised’ symbol is the preferred sign for use on patrol to

demarcate hazardous areas (rips) and if the patrolled are is closed (beach closed).

Through natural attrition this sign should replace other ‘strong current’ hazard signs or ‘beach closed’ probationary signs.

Through natural attrition other existing ‘power-craft’ or ‘training’ signs should be replaced with the new ‘Rescue Craft Access Area’ signs (x2). 

Patrol Audit Program Branches shall establish and implement a Branch administered Patrol Audit Program as per the requirements of the SLSNSW SOPs (V3). Branches to deliver the requirements of the program (4 Audits per Club) by the due dates in order to be compliant for the 2013-14 Season. For more information refer to SLSNSW Circulars: http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/circulars-and-memos

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Radio Equipment Minimum Specifications and Requirements When purchasing new handheld radios they must be SLSA/SLSNSW Approved types and meet the following minimum requirements: Spectrum: UHF Radio Type: Base-set/Mobile-set or Portable/hand-held Radio Mode: Conventional / PMR Frequency Range: UHF 450-520MHz (UW) Power Output: 4 Watt (Portable/handheld) 25 Watt (base-set/mobile-set) Channel Spacing: 12.5 kHz (Narrow) Channels: 50 + (Minimum) 100 + (Recommended) Channel Selection: Push button with LCD (>50 channels) Signalling: 5 tone (CCIR) Selcall ANI Capable CTCSS encode/decode (sub-tone)

capable Compliance: C Tick approval required Voting: Capable Scan: Capable Background Scan: Capable TX Timeout: Capable TX Reclaim: Capable TX Lockout Capable Environmental: IP57 minimum (water ingress + dust resistant) Numeric Keypad: Optional – Duty Officer Radios only Battery: 8+ hour shift life 2000+ mAh Li-Ion or NiMH Charger: Smart Accessories: Optional external speaker microphone (IP rated) Parts and Service: National sales and service (5 years) Permanently marked with club/service name (engraved/other)

Beach Safe Website www.beachsafe.org.au is the standardised public education portal for all surf life saving in Australia. All clubs/services and branches are asked to: Ensure links to access Beach Safe from their websites Direct all media and promotional enquiries/releases to Beach Safe for further information. Reference and align any/all safety information/resources to those in the beach safe website, including

fact-sheets, rips, rock-fishing, patrolled beach locations/times. Note: Based on lifeguard contracts and Lifesaving Service Agreements, all service patrol times are inputted annually into Beach Safe by SLSNSW.

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Radio Channel Allocations (branch and club)

Channel # Activity Display Details

Channel 1 Helicopter 1HELI Simplex Helicopter and emergency working channel (on site)

Channel 2 Patrol 2PATRL Simplex channel for patrol duties

Channel 3 Repeater (Primary) 3Repeater Name Primary/main repeater channel

Channel 4 Priority Scan 4SCAN Operates as Ch2 (priority), but also scans Ch1/3/5 (receive only)

Channel 5-9 Other Branch Repeaters 5Repeater Name North-South

Channel 10 PA Channel 10PA Only if required (requires SLSNSW approval)

Channel 11 Council Lifeguard Channel 11Council name Only if required – not recommended (requires SLSNSW approval)

Channel 25-26 Training Channels 25TRAIN

Simplex CB training channel

Then ALL-STATE repeaters listed as actual repeater channel numbers Nth-Sth

Channel 41 CUDGEN repeater 41CUDGE

Channel 43 ST HELENA repeater 43STHELE

Channel 45 BALLINA repeater 45BALLIN

Etc etc Etc etc Etc etc

Any radios with only 16 channels should be phased out (natural attrition), but in the short term will be provided a special channel plan that includes only branch repeater channels + other branch repeater to the north and south.

Radio Servicing and Reprogramming As per SOP’s all lifesaving radios are required to be annually serviced/reprogrammed by a SLSNSW endorsed service agent. A full list of endorsed radio supplier/service agents has been provided to each Branch/Club/Service.

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Fuel Tax Credit SLSA has taken advice relating to the Fuel Tax Act 2006 (Commonwealth). Clubs may obtain a tax rebate for fuel used in ATVs, 4WD’s, IRBs and other aquatic rescue boats. The fuel tax credit rate for use in marine transport is currently 38.143 cents per litre. This applies for the fuel used for IRB’s, RWC’s, ORB’s and JRB’s. Clubs and services can also claim 19.0715 cents per litre of fuel used for ATV’s and 4WD vehicles when they are used “off road” (such as on the beach) for surf life saving business activities. Clubs and services should retain their receipts for aquatic powercraft and ATVs/4WDs, register to obtain the fuel tax credit and lodge with their Business Activity Statements accordingly. For information on the Fuel Tax Benefit, including the procedure for obtaining this rebate, refer to SLSA Circular 16/08-09 at www.slsa.com.au

Meritorious Awards/ Rescue of the Month Meritorious Awards are national based awards and are awarded to clubs, services, members and members of the public who perform outstanding deeds of bravery within Surf Life Saving’s operating sphere. Awards are established in two sections, each of which is divided into three grades, listed in descending order of honour as set out below: Individual Award

Silver Medallion Bronze Medallion Certificate of Merit

Group Award

Certificate of Merit with Silver Medallion insert Certificate of Merit with Bronze Medallion insert Certificate of Merit

Branch DOLS are responsible for following up or nominating Lifesavers or members of the public who may be eligible for one of these awards, however, any member can submit a nomination to their club and any club can nominate to the Branch. Rescue of the Month A branch/state level program, which identifies and rewards excellence in lifesaving operations on a monthly basis. 11 branch winners and 1 state winner are selected each month – with worthwhile prizes available. Appropriate nominations may also be eligible for the Meritorious Awards Program. Rescue of the Year This award is announced annually and is judged by the SLSNSW Meritorious Awards Panel from the monthly winners of the SLSNSW Rescue of the Month. The award is presented at the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence held annually in August. The recipient may also be nominated to external awards. Nomination forms are available for all of the above awards from the Surf Life Saving New South Wales Website: http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/recognition/rescue-of-the-month

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