Lifesaving Agenda
Spring 2011
Issue 6
Red and yellow
cap here to stay
Revised standard
for beach safety
signs and flags
Patrol uniforms
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
1
Contents
4
6
8
9
12
15
16
18
Lifesaving Operations News
Lifesaving Gear and Equipment
Lifeguarding as a career
Member Education
Information Technology
Public Education Campaigns
Research and Surf Life Saving
International Lifesaving
Welcome
Welcome to a new season and to the sixth edition of the
Lifesaving Standing Committee’s (LSC) ’Lifesaving Agenda’.
The ‘Lifesaving Agenda’ is an annual newsletter aimed
at keeping you up to date with all new requirements and
initiatives for the coming season and the projects that
the LSC is currently working on. We hope it provides
you with all the essential information required to
see you through another successful lifesaving season
and to prepare you for what’s on the horizon.
Many of the items provide a brief overview of initiatives
and requirements as well as letting you know where you
can find supporting documents on various websites.
On behalf of the LSC and other operational committees,
we wish you all the very best for the season and
hope that it is a safe and enjoyable one for all
Australians and visitors who use our beaches.
Peter George AM
Chief Operating Officer,
SLSA
2
This Agenda is for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lifesaving Directors
Director of Lifesaving and Club Captains
Director of Education and Chief Instructors
Club Administrators
IRB Captains
Assessors and Training Officer
Gear and Equipment Officers
Health and Safety Officers
Patrol Captains
Lifeguards
Mark Fife
National Director of Lifesaving,
SLSA
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
3
Patrol Uniforms
Lifesaving Operations News
2011/12 Distribution
Surf Emergency
Response System
Revised Standard for Beach
Safety Signs and Flags
Surf Life Saving continues to evolve and enhance its
reputation in the Emergency Management and Response
sector. Surf Life Saving has proved its ability and purpose
beyond the beach, through assisting individuals in need
or responding to large scale disasters as experienced
during the last calendar year around the country.
The revised Australian/New Zealand Standard 2416 Water
safety signs and beach safety flags was released on the
12th November, 2010. This standard now supersedes
A/NZS 2416:2002 and is an adoption with national
modifications of ISO 20712-2:2007, Water safety signs
and beach safety flags, Part 2: Specifications for beach
safety flags—Colour, shape, meaning and performance.
The Surf Emergency Response System continues to expand
across the nation through the dedication of Duty Officers
providing ‘around the clock’ assistance and the continued
implementation of Emergency Response Groups within
services. Established emergency services have praised the
effectiveness of the surf emergency response system SLS
has in place and our sincere appreciation goes out to all
volunteers and others who continue to contribute to this.
With the assistance of SLS major partners DHL, Telstra
and Westpac, SLSA will be able to supply a patrol
uniform allocation for new Bronze Medallion and Surf
Rescue Certificate patrolling members this season.
For full details on this season’s club allocations and
distribution timeframes, please refer to SLSA Circular
08/11-12 and 16/11-12.
Help us design the patrol uniform for future years
The full patrol uniform design is currently being
reviewed for future years. For your opportunity to
feedback and help improve the design of the patrol
uniform, listen out for opportunities to feedback
through your SLS State/Territory office.
The main changes for services include:
• A new acceptable version of the previously discontinued strong currents warning symbol as a valid alternative to
the swimming not advised symbol.
SLSA Wide Brimmed Hats and
Peaked Caps
Now compulsory patrol uniform
SLSA Policy Statement
– 1.1 Water Safety
The national Lifesaving Standing Committee, together
with the Sport Standing Committee and Development
Standing Committee, has recently reviewed and updated
SLSA Policy 1.1 Junior Activities and Water Safety.
The updated policy has been re-named 1.1 Water Safety and
can be read in full in SLSA Circular 12/2011-12. A ‘frequently
asked questions’ section has been included in this circular
to assist clubs and services with the implementation of
the new policy standards and operating procedures.
A/NZS 2416:2010
Sign No. WSW015
Warning;
Strong currents
•
A/NZS 2416:2010
Sign No. ZZW3
The replacement of the blue flag with the black and white
quartered flag to indicate a surfboard and other water craft zone or boundary and the inclusion of a beach flag augmentation in appendix ZZ2.
The policy has been updated to satisfy the
following requirements:
The updated water safety policy is in place from
the start of the 2011/12 lifesaving season in your
applicable State/Territory (first patrolling date).
4
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
Again this season, allocations of wide brimmed hats are
being provided to services with the assistance of SLS
sponsor Woodside. Checkout SLSA Circular 16/11-12
that outlines the process of distribution that will be done
through SLSA online surf shop: www.surfshop.slsa.com.au
SLSA recently conducted a survey to ascertain if the red
and yellow quartered patrol cap should remain an essential
item of the uniform for lifesaving duties and how members
and the public feel about its use on the frontline.
Over 7,000 members completed the survey on-line to
register their opinion. The survey results show most
members felt that the patrol cap was practical for
lifesaving operations and had historical and traditional
significance. 67% of members believed that the current
patrol cap had no impact on recruitment and retention of
members and only 5% believe that the patrol cap should
be removed from the SLSA patrol uniform. The survey
also indicated that there were only minor differences
between the SLS States/Territory and age groupings. See
SLSA Circular 90/10-11 for further details of the survey.
The Lifesaving Standing Committee decided that there
will be no change to the current policy, that is, the red
and yellow quartered patrol cap will remain a compulsory
part of the patrol uniform. In regards to the concerns
of the lack of sun protection, the Lifesaving Standing
Committee has resolved to include the SLSA peak cap/wide
brimmed hat as part of the compulsory patrol uniform.
• The need for an all encompassing water safety policy that considers ALL SLS members and also non members who
participate in SLS activities.
• To provide clubs and services with clear instructions on standard operating procedures, minimum standards and the need to follow a standard risk assessment process.
As per the resolution from the National Lifesaving
Standing Committee, SLSA wide brimmed hats (or the
peaked cap alternative) are now a compulsory item of
the SLSA patrol uniform. This is to ensure that members
have adequate protection from the sun’s harmful
UV rays whilst undertaking duty on the beach.
The Red & Yellow Quartered
Cap here to stay
Examples of beach flag augmentation (as shown in A/NZS 2416:2010.2)
For details around implementation including timeframes
and replacement or supply of revised aquatic safety
signage and beach safety flags, please look out for
a circular from your state centre. All new signs and
flags are also available on the SLSA Online Store in the
‘Signs and Flags’ section: www.surfshop.slsa.com.au
This particular review fulfils one of our key strategic
goals to continuously review and improve health and
safety programs and policies in place for members
and to provide best practice operating procedures.
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
5
National IRB Review
Lifesaving Gear and Equipment
The National Lifesaving Gear and Equipment Committee
is the group responsible for the research and trialling of
new lifesaving equipment. The group liaises closely with
manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that clubs and
services have access to equipment that is safe, of good
quality and performs well in our operating environment.
New Lifesaving Gear
and Equipment
The committee has recently trialled and approved the following
lifesaving equipment for use by SLSA clubs and services:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heartsine Samaritan PAD500P - Defibrillator and trainer
Polaris 400 4x4 – ATV
Kawasaki Mule – ATV
Pro Pell IRB Propeller Guard
HSA RWC Rescue Sled
C4 Waterman Inflatable Rescue Board
C4 Waterman Inflatable RWC Sled
For full product information and contact details on
these suppliers, please see the SLSA approved gear
and equipment list on the SLSA website:
www.sls.com.au/members/lifesaving/gear-equipment
If you have a great idea about lifesaving equipment
or know of a new manufacturer or supplier please
contact your State/Territory office and ask to speak
with their gear and equipment representative.
Removal of Quad Bikes from
all SLS Operations
Surf Life Saving has recently launched a fantastic
new online store. Be one of the first to get your
hands on the great new range of SLS products.
www.slsshop.com.au
6
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
A number of the national IRB review action items will
be implemented this lifesaving season, including:
From the start of the 2011/12 lifesaving season,
the use of quad bikes is no longer permitted for
all SLS operations.
This is in line with the
decision made at the July
2008 Board of Lifesaving
(BOL) meeting. Information
on this decision and the 3
year phase out period was
communicated to clubs and services in the 2008
and 2010 National Lifesaving Agendas.
From the start of the
2011/12 lifesaving
season only sideby-side all terrain
vehicles (ATV) may
be used by clubs and
services. The reasons
for the decision to
only use side-by-side vehicles include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can safely carry more than one person at a time
– typically two but up to three. Has more storage space for essential lifesaving
equipment by way of a utility tray and racking/
roof space.
Is more stable and less susceptible to a roll-over.
Has improved safety due to a roll cage, safety doors and passenger handles.
Has greater capacity for towing.
Is better able to safely transport an injured patient either seated or on a stretcher.
Clubs and services using quad bikes should be
aware that these vehicles do not meet SLSA
specification and members are not covered
by insurance should an incident occur.
New online store
In March 2011 SLSA distributed the ‘National IRB Agenda’
to all clubs and services. The Agenda includes information,
the outcomes and important action items from the national
IRB review. To access the complete National IRB Agenda
please see the SLSA website.
www.sls.com.au/members/lifesaving/lifesaving-news
For further information, please contact
your SLS State/Territory office.
SLSA and Hawaiian Lifeguards
team up to trial the latest in
surf rescue technology
Over the 2010/2011 summer, Hawaiian lifeguard
legend Archie Kalepa and Hawaiian company C4
Waterman conducted trials with SLSA for their new
inflatable surf rescue products. The innovations
range from rescue boards, RWC sleds and water
surveillance platforms.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Training and education workshops for training officers
and assessors
In-depth IRB proficiencies for IRB drivers and crew
Introduction of the ‘IRB Awareness’ unit for Bronze
Medallion candidates
Removal of the right crew foot strap in IRB hulls
Sealing of all new IRB outboard motors
Use of four blade stainless steel propellers only
Use of standard stainless steel propeller guards only
Improved data collection for power craft injuries
Ongoing action items from the national IRB review that
will be addressed in the next 12 months include:
• Update of the SLSA IRB hull specification
• IRB safety campaign
Trialled and endorsed by Hawaiian Lifeguards
in Maui, the C4 Waterman team has brought
the product down under to see if it stands up to
Australian lifesaving conditions. SLSA club members
and lifeguards at Newport Beach and Maroubra
Beach in NSW and Secret Harbour in WA put the
product to the test.
Following a number of modifications to ensure the
product is best suited to our Australian clubs and
services (including improved handles and a more
pronounced rocker), the C4 Waterman rescue
board and RWC rescue sled were approved for use
by the Lifesaving Gear and Equipment committee.
For full product information and contact details on
these suppliers, please see the SLSA website:
www.sls.com.au/members/lifesaving/
gear-equipment
Lifesaving Equipment
Specifications
The specifications that detail the manufacturing
requirements for lifesaving equipment have recently
been reviewed and updated to ensure that all lifesaving
equipment meets today’s best practice.
For the complete equipment specifications please
see the SLSA website:
www.sls.com.au/members/lifesaving/gear-equipment
Gear Inspections
The Gear Inspection Circular has been released ‘SLSA
Circular 8/2011-12’ and is available on the SLS website
under ‘Admin & Resources’. The circular includes information
on recent changes and updates and please also refer to any
additional circulars which outline any specific state
or territory requirements.
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
7
Lifeguarding as a career
Member Education
2011 Australian Lifeguard Service Ocean
Lifeguard Requirements
Proficiencies
Minimum Qualifications:
The national proficiency circular has been released
with the minimum requirements from the Lifesaving
Standing Committee, see: SLSA Circular 01/2011-12.
As always, returning members need to be proficient
by the 31st December 2011. Please use this circular in
conjunction with any additional state and territory based
supplementary circulars.
1. Generic First Aid
2. Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
3. Spinal Management
4. Pain Management
5. Emergency Management, Drug and Substance Abuse
and Emergency Childbirth.
Silver Medallion Advanced
First Aid trials
The resource has been reviewed by a large number
of people including doctors, midwives, paramedics and
other trainers. The ART section was also trialled by SLSNSW,
and valuable feedback was gained from their trainers.
•
•
•
•
•
PUA21010 Certificate II In Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
aka Bronze Medallion
Senior First Aid
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
Basic Beach Management
Spinal Management
Skills Assessments:
•
•
•
•
•
Turn your Passion into Pay
Complete an 800m swim in 14 minutes or less in
a swimming pool of not less than 25m
Perform complex patient rescue and support aided and unaided by equipment
Complete a 400m swim, 800m run, 400m board paddle and 800m run in 25 minutes
Complete tube rescue of a patient 100m out at sea and return (with flippers optional)
Complete board rescue of patient 200m out at sea
and return
For more information visit:
www.lifeguards.com.au/become_a_lifeguard
The Australian Lifeguard Service is recruiting
Are there members in your club who you think would make
great lifeguards? The Australian Lifeguard Service is always
looking for highly trained and motivated people to become
lifeguards on more than 200 beaches around Australia.
If you know of a club member that fits this description,
why don’t you tap them on the shoulder this summer
and suggest they become a lifeguard. Tell them to
visit: www.lifeguards.com.au to find more information.
They can also view lifeguard jobs from all over
Australia and apply for them online. Turn your passion
into pay with the Australian Lifeguard Service.
8
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
After the production of the First Aid Manual (2nd edition)
in 2009, the National Education Committee decided that
a manual was needed for Advanced First Aid, to meet
the requirements of the unit of competency HLTFA402B
Apply advanced first aid. Surf Life Saving South Australia
volunteered to manage the project, and a team from
around the country was established comprising of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Silver Medallion Advanced First Aid
Advanced resuscitation techniques
Spinal management
Subscribe today:
www.sls.com.au/
australianlifeguardmagazine
First Aid online
Interest in the innovative First Aid online learning
resource has been steadily growing since its
release two years ago. Over the past twelve
months our online host, InterAction, has very
kindly taken on the task of completely reviewing
and upgrading the resource at their own expense.
The content has been thoroughly redesigned,
with new interactive activities, voice-over and
video. The content has been reviewed by SLS first
aid experts across the country, and is expected to
be available by early September 2011.
Marcia Fife, SLSQ
Judy Spicer, SLSNSW
Anne-Marie Widermanski, SLSWA
Gareth Morgan, SLSSA
Shane Daw, SLSSA
Joy Fisher, SLSSA
Commencing their work in February 2010, the team took
their direction from the unit of competency and the
desire to meet both member and community needs. It
soon became obvious that the requirements of the course
included content already being delivered to members
in other awards – notably Spinal Management, Pain
Management, and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques – plus
some additional, advanced skills. This allowed an innovative
program to be developed, based on a modular approach
that included the existing awards plus the new skills:
Who makes a great lifeguard? The ALS is looking for more
than just qualifications, skills and fitness when recruiting
new lifeguards. A lifeguard needs to have a superior
understanding of the beach and ocean environment
and be one step ahead of the public in prevention – call
it a 6th sense, it is the most important aspect of being
a lifeguard. It may surprise you that the fittest and
strongest competitor may not make the best lifeguard.
A career as a lifeguard is extremely rewarding, and
seasonal lifeguarding is the perfect way to spend the
summer months – who else has an office at the beach!
The team considered crucial assessment issues, and
has developed an extensive suite of training resources,
including a new manual which has 5 chapters:
Pain management
The resource is now ready to be rolled out on a trial basis.
It includes:
•
•
•
•
•
Advanced first aid training manual
Delivery and assessment guide, including lesson plans
Powerpoint presentations
Participant workbook
Assessment instruments
Potential advanced first aid trainers from around the country
gathered for three days during August to work through the
resources at SLSNSW. We are expecting some constructive
suggestions to come out of the workshop, which potentially
will mean another round of changes.
The suite of resources will be in trial until May 2012, after
which it will be reviewed for use for both members and
commercial clients.
Advanced first aid
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
9
Other Award Reviews
At the direction of the Lifesaving Standing Committee,
a working group has been examining options for a new
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue award, designed to create
an aquatic rescue stream between the existing Bronze and
Gold medallions. There are a number of options possible,
and the group is working through these with the view to
have a proposal before the Lifesaving Education Committee
and the Lifesaving Standing Committee by May 2012.
Also under the microscope at the moment is the Basic Beach
Management and Beach Management stream of awards.
The take-up of the existing awards has not been as strong as
expected, prompting a review and rethink. One of the goals of
the review is to see if it is possible to align these awards with
the entry requirements for career Lifeguards, providing SLS
volunteer members with a potential avenue into a paid career.
If you have any feedback on any of our resources, please
contact us so that we can include it in future reviews.
Your input is valuable to continuous improvement.
Changes to CPR Protocols
In December 2010, the Australian Resuscitation
Council made minor changes to the recommended
procedures for CPR. As a result, SLSA has modified
its CPR protocols slightly to reflect the new
recommendations. The main differences are:
•
An ‘S’ (Send for help) has been added to the
acronym DRSABCD. Note that we have previously
stated that we should send for help after ‘R’ checking for response, (if there was no response) but this was not highlighted in the acronym. There is therefore no change to the process other than to seperate out this important step.
•
The term ‘Signs Of Life’ is no longer used as it was
felt that there was a lack of understanding about
what this meant. The signs to looks for before
commencing CPR have been changed to
‘responsiveness’ and ‘breathing’ i.e. if not responsive and not breathing commence CPR.
• There has been a change in the protocol for the sudden, adult cardiac arrest:
• In cases of sudden cardiac arrest where the victim has not
been immersed in water; commence CPR with 30
compressions before 2 rescue breaths are delivered.
• For all drowned victims we still deliver 2 breaths before
starting the CPR cycle (30:2).
Impact on SLS training
SLS members will be assessed resuscitating a drowned
casualty, with the expectation that two rescue breaths will
be performed before compressions. However, candidates
will not be marked wrong for performing rescue breaths
after compressions. The critical elements are two effective
breaths being delivered and compressions being delivered
effectively and at the correct rate in a 30:2 ratio.
New copies of the 33rd edition of the Public Safety
and Aquatic Rescue (Bronze) manual contain an insert
that outlines these changes and includes the following
CPR poster. Members can also download this insert
from the SLSA website. Further details can also be
found in Circular 62: 2010/11 Changes to CPR following
Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines Changes.
Defibrillation
Defibrillation on children aged between 1yr and 8 yrs old
has been endorsed by the ARC and SLSA. If the Automatic
External Defibrillator (AED) has a pediatric setting this
should be used. If not, an adult AED may be used so long
as the defibrillator pads are not touching each other. This
may require one pad to be placed on the centre of the
chest and the other one on the left posterior lateral chest
(area between the left armpit and shoulder blade).
If a patient has an implanted pacemaker, electrode pads
should be positioned at least 8cm away from it. This has
changed from the previous recommended distance of 2.5 cm.
Contact Emergency Services
SLS services should always use Surfcom during regular hours
of operation. However, outside of hours and for the public, the
use of the 112 emergency number is no longer promoted. In all
circumstances when calling emergency services – whether from
a landline or a mobile phone – you should dial Triple-Zero (000).
Danger
Check for Danger
Response
Check for Response by talk and touch.
Send
If unresponsive, Send for help by calling Triple Zero (000).
Airway
Open Airway and ensure it is clear.
Breathing
Check Breathing.
CPR (30:2)*
Start CPR*
Give 30 Chest Compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
*For drowning
Compressions should be at a rate of 100-120 per minute in the centre of the chest and
For Infants
Ensure your members
are protecting their skin
on patrol this summer!
The entire range of Surf
Life Saving Sunscreen is
available at discounted
prices for all Surf Life
Saving State Offices,
Branches and Clubs.
Visit www.surfshop.com.au/fundraising
to place an order today.
prompts.
• A health care professional arrives and takes over CPR
• A health care professional directs that CPR be ceased
To get involved and learn to save a life, enrol at sls.com.au or call 1300 766 257
10
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
11
SurfCom Management System
www.surfcom.org.au
Information Technology
The new season is upon us and Surf Life Saving Australia
continues to promote a number of useful websites and
online applications, designed to ease the burden on
club administrators and officers. By making full use of
these websites, club officials can spend more time on
the beach and less time entering data into Surfguard.
It is beneficial to clubs to promote the use of Lifesaving
Online and the Payment Gateway amongst your members,
as it will save your administration officers valuable time
and reduce the amount of paperwork that is required
with membership renewals and payments. A number of
informative pamphlets can be downloaded from:
www.sls.com.au under Admin & Resources/
Information Technology.
My IT To-Do List
There are a number of tasks that need to be completed
before the patrolling season starts:
•
Lifesaving Online
The most useful website (by empowering members
to access their own information) is Lifesaving Online
(www.lifesavingonline.com.au – shown above). This
online self-service membership portal enables any club
member (excluding members in Queensland where
Surfmate is used) to perform a variety of tasks that
would otherwise involve a lot of paperwork. Lifesaving
Online can be used by any club member; there is no
requirement for a club or support organisation to sign
up in order for their membership to use the service.
Some of the useful features of the site are:
Update your Club’s Service Profile with beaches Patrolled and Patrol Hours in Surfguard Organisation management (once your Service Agreement has been signed between you and your State body) – this is becoming increasingly important due to links with Beachsafe and SurfCom
• Reshaping the way Units (Support Services/Officers) are managed in the system to reduce confusion and simplify the use of the Service/Officer Tracker
•
Upgrade to include a new mapping system that will allow a SurfCom Operator to instantly view a map that
shows the exact location of each Club/Lifeguard so that they can quickly provide location details to
emergency services without searching through folders, books or internet maps
•
Implementation of GPS Asset Tracking system which allows a vehicle or support service to be tracked by a GPS transmitter, displaying their exact real-time location to the SurfCom Operator within the Management System
• Update your Club’s Lifesaving Gear and Equipment in the
SurfGuard/ Gear and Equipment area and printout a checklist to check your gear and equipment repair status
•
With your Club Registrar / Secretary, encourage your active members to Register for Lifesaving Online and renew membership and update their contact details online – this will save you a large amount of paperwork
• Acquaint yourself with the Communications area of Surfguard so you can email and/or SMS your patrolling members using SurfGuard throughout the season
Along with your training officers, prepare for your annual
proficiency tests using the General Reports / Awards area and the Email / SMS gateway to communicate proficiency information to patrolling members
• Your members can update their own details that will be brought across to Surfguard without you having to enter this data
•
Along with your Club Secretary / Registrar ensure that the
Officers area of SurfGuard / Organisation Management is updated so we can communicate to important Officers directly in your club
• Your members can view their own patrol roster and past patrol hours – saves you having to run reports for them when they want to see this information
• Along with your Club Secretary, check that the “Working with Children” status of your members is up to date according to your state requirements and legislation
• Your members can pay their membership fees online through the SLSA Payment Gateway
The SLSA IT Team have been working relentlessly on the
ICT Project for 3 years now, and there are a number of
new systems that are going to start to become available
between now and June 2012. Here is the first look at
the new Membership Portal that brings all of our SLS
IT Systems and websites into a one-login portal:
• Create / Update your Patrol Teams and Patrol Dates in SurfGuard / Patrol area once you have finalised your new rosters and teams
•
• Your members can renew their memberships online at the start of the season – no more paperwork
As part of the four year ICT Project, the SurfCom
Management System will be undergoing a few
major changes for the new season and in the next
12 months. All of these new features are designed
to fulfil the ICT Project slogan – “Save time, save
lives.” These new changes and additions include:
ICT Project
The portal will not only bring all of our online systems
together in one place, but will also house new functions
like the Forum where members can have discussions with
each other on all things lifesaving, as well as a central library
that holds all electronic documents and files in one place.
The project is forecast to end by June 2012. If you would
like more detailed information on what the ICT Project
means for you, please visit: www.it.sls.com.au
If anyone would like any more information on the progress
of the ICT Project, please visit: www.it.sls.com.au
For assistance in using our IT Systems you can contact the
SLSA IT Helpdesk at: [email protected] or on
1300 724 006.
• Your members can view a list of awards and when they are due for proficiencies so they can plan ahead and ensure they are up to date
12
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
13
Coastal Safety Risk Management
Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines 2nd Edition
SLSA’s New iRisk iPhone App
Following a lengthy consultation and review process
the 2nd edition of the Australian Coastal Public Safety
Guidelines are in their final stages of development. Thank
you to all those that 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.
This year, SLSA has developed a Risk Assessment
iPhone App named “Event iRisk” for use across all SLS
sporting events. The app allows event staff to conduct
assessments of the risks and hazards that may affect the
event/competition participants and spectators, allowing
them to easily make decisions and recommend controls
to lower the risks posed to the people involved.
Once online we will notify relevant stakeholders, especially
those who have contributed to the consultation phase.
If you have any specific stakeholders that you would like to
notify contact Adam Weir at: [email protected] and he will
ensure that they are included in the notification process.
Here are a few screenshots from the app:
Public Education Campaigns
Rip Current Awareness Day
- Summer 2011
To raise public awareness and educate beachgoers about
rip currents, Surf Life Saving and the University of New
South Wales will again hold a Rip Current Awareness Day.
The day was first held on Sunday 6 February 2011 and
coincided with the anniversary of “Black Sunday”, when
on the same day in 1938, 5 people drowned and over 250
people were rescued at Bondi Beach. Rip currents have long
been a hazard on Australian beaches with SLS estimates
that up to 80% of beach rescues relate to rip currents.
• New swell prediction feed and also weather & tide forecasts for the next few days instead of just the
current day
•
On beaches that are patrolled by SLSA services, there is now a statistics tab that will show you the total Rescues, First Aids and Preventions at that beach so far during the current season
•
Facebook links – you can now click a link on each beach to
“Like” the beach on facebook, or click “Send” and you can
post a facebook status with that beach attached e.g. “Having a relaxing day with the kids at Lighthouse Beach” and it will include a link to the Lighthouse Beach record on Beachsafe
To get your club involved in rip current awareness day
contact Anthony Bradstreet at: [email protected]
or visit www.ripcurrents.com.au
SLSA is hosting the Second
International Rip Current
Symposium to be held
in Sydney October 2012.
The event will be bringing
together rip current
experts from around the
world across the areas
of research and beach safety to put research into
practice. The aim: to reduce rip current related
drowning on Australia’s beaches.
Find out more and register your interest at:
www.ripcurrentsymposium.com
Beachsafe
If you are an authorised officer who wishes to use this application at your sporting event, please fill in the new Form 049 from
www.sls.com.au in the Admin & Resources Library / SLSA Forms / Information Technology and send it to: [email protected]
Beachsafe also provides a vast amount of information
for members of the public, aimed at educating them
on how to stay safe at the beach and also how to
provide first aid in the event of an emergency.
Beachsafe (www.beachsafe.org.au) is being constantly
developed and updated to add new functionality and
increase usability and quality of information for the public.
Some of the most recent updates include:
14
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
•
Upgrade all of the maps from Whereis to Google Maps –
much faster and more detailed maps with new location
icons and pointers showing the actual locations of the club/services on the beach
•
Show the weather, tide, temperature and swell info
without having to click the popup icons – also the
information being displayed is now of a much higher
quality and accuracy
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
15
Research and Sur f Life Saving
Research Team Continues
to Grow
Early in 2011 the SLSA research team welcomed Ms
Barbara Brighton as a Research Assistant. Barbara
joins National Research Manager Dr Shauna Sherker
to enhance SLS research capacity. Barbara is based
at the National Office in Rosebery, NSW and can be
reached by email on [email protected]
National Coastal Safety
Report 2011
The SLSA Research Team has been working closely with the
Operations Team to improve the National Coastal Safety
Report (NCSR). Three key sources of information are used to
review every coastal drowning death in Australia, including
SLSA Incident Report Database; National Coroners Incident
Service (NCIS); Media Monitors. A comprehensive review
of NCSR methodology has been conducted to improve this
critical data set into the future. The Research Team extends
its appreciation to all surf lifesavers and lifeguards for
their commitment to providing valuable accurate data and
information in the reports and logs. The analyses will ensure
the training and operations procedures remain relevant and
current. The 2011 NCSR will be available in September 2011.
Summary: For the first time, an understanding of
the action of swimmers caught in rip currents will be
linked through interviews with rip current survivors
and measurements of swimmer response and rip flow.
This project will provide information that will improve
existing rip current education and assist in reducing the
unacceptably high drowning toll on Australian beaches.
Attributing the social contribution of surf life
saving Australia: Valuing the social capital of an
iconic institution, a 12 months collaborative project
between Univerity of Techniology Sydney (UTS)
and SLSA that commenced in early 2011.
National review of rock fishing deaths and
non-fatal injury
Temporal and spatial considerations of aquatic
safety signage
Ms Erin Cassell and Ms Angela Clapperton,
Monash University Accident Research Centre
Mr Rob Andronaco and Dr Bernadette Matthews,
Life Saving Victoria
Summary: To review and report on the epidemiology
of rockfishing death and non-fatal injury in Australia.
The aim is to identify key priorities and inform
strategies for rockfishing injury prevention.
Summary: To gain understanding of the spatial and
temporal considerations of aquatic safety signage in order to
maximise its effectiveness in terms of recognition and recall.
A review of surf sport injury at Surf Life Saving surf
sport competitions and training
Dr Rebecca Mitchell, University of NSW
Summary: To review and report on the epidemiology
of surf sport injury in Australia. This first known
epidemiological review will underpin evidence
based surf sport injury prevention.
Current Research Projects
Rip currents: an evidence based approach to
managing the greatest beach hazard.
Impact of Extreme Weather
Events and Climate Change
on Surf Life Saving Services
A Road Map for Adaptive Action
Investigators include Prof. Jenny Onyx, Dr Melissa Edwards,
and Dr Shauna Sherker.
Summary: This project will measure the social impact of
a large iconic third sector (nonprofit) organization.
A research team from CCS in collaboration with SLSA
will identify and measure the social contribution that
this organisation makes to its members and to the wider
community. This will occur through the application of
existing social capital measures, and the development of
new, contextually specific social impact factors within the
surf lifesaving community. In particular the study will identify
risk factors that may signal tensions across social and ethnic
divides, and develop strategies for building more cohesive
networks with the organisation and its wider communities.
Report Prepared for SLSA. May 2011
Prepared by: Coastal Zone Management Pty Ltd
Impact of Extreme
Weather Events and
Climate Change
on Surf Life Saving
Services: A Road Map
for Adaptive Action,
report prepared by
Elrick, C., Dalton, L.
and Kay, R.C. for Surf
Life Saving Australia,
May 2011.
This report presents a Climate Change Adaptation
Road Map for SLSA. The objective of the project
was to assess the range of risks climate change
might pose to SLSA, review available strategies
to address the identified risks and develop a
program of works to implement the identified
strategies. The program of works is encapsulated
within the Climate Change Adaptation Road
Map. The Road Map is an important first
step for SLSA in preparing an integrated
response to the impacts of climate change.
Virtual Resource Library
With the move to the new SLSA offices in Rosebery,
we now have the space to catalogue SLSA resources
and establish our own virtual resource library. This
new specialised library will include access to numerous
research reports and publications of interest to SLSA.
Information on access to the library will be made
available through the SLS web site in early 2012.
Recently Published
Got Research News?
Spinal injury management recommendations
update - Australia
Ms Sarah Grace and Dr Bernadette Matthews of Life
Saving Victoria and Dr Nathalie Hood MD, SLSA National
medical Adviser
Summary: To evaluate the evidence for best practice for
pre-hospital spinal cord injury. To make recommendations
to update the ARC Guideline 8.18 and SLSA learner and
trainer manuals for the ‘Spinal Management Certificate’
based on the highest levels of research evidence.
The aim of Research News is to highlight research
activity and to keep members informed of SLSA
research developments. Should you have any
research news that you would like to include in
future newsletters, please contact Dr Shauna
Sherker, SLSA National Research Manager at:
[email protected]
Did you know that you can keep up to date with
Research News on the SLSA website:
www.sls.com.au/what-we-do/research
A 3 year collaborative project between the University of
NSW and SLSA that commenced in July 2011 with funding
from the Australian Research Council Linkage Project.
Investigators include Dr Robert W Brander, A/Prof Ian L
Turner, A/Prof Dale T Dominey-Howes, Prof James Goff, Dr
Wendy S Shaw, Dr Danielle Drozdzewski and Dr Shauna Sherker.
16
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
17
International Lifesaving
Twinning (Sister) Clubs
SLS is currently developing plans to introduce a
formal international surf life saving club Twinning
(Sister Club) program. There are currently a number
of relationships between Australian Clubs and
others overseas, including the following:
SLSA is a founding and full member of ILS with significant
contributions through members of the ILS Board of
the Directors, ILS Asia Pacific Region, Commissions and
Committees, as follows:
ILS Asia Pacific Region
• Executive member – Ron Rankin AM
• Secretary General – Brett Williamson OAM
• Maroochydore SLSC (QLD) and Shimoda SLSC, Japan
ILS Board of Directors
• Surfers Paradise SLSC (QLD) and Kaike SLSC, Japan
•
•
•
•
•
• Cudgen Headland SLSC (NSW) and Phuket
Lifeguard Club, Thailand
• Collaroy SLSC (NSW) and Red Beach SLSC, New Zealand
• Life Saving Victoria and LA County Lifeguards, USA
Other interested Clubs are invited to contact Norm Farmer
on [email protected]
International Life Saving
Federation
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is
the world authority for drowning prevention and
lifesaving sport. ILS leads supports and collaborates
with national and international organisations engaged
in drowning prevention, water safety, water rescue,
lifesaving, lifeguarding and lifesaving sport.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ILS Medical Committee – Dr Natalie Hood MD
ILS Conference Committee / Research and Information
Committee / Bid Oversight Committee / Lifesaving
Commission – Norm Farmer ESM
ILS Rescue Committee – Peter Agnew
ILS Anti-Doping Committee – Ian Fullagar (Chair)
ILS Technical and Rules Committee / Events Management Committee (Sport) / – Greg Allum OAM
ILS Sport Development Committee – Rick Wright OAM
ILS Athletes Committee – Kristy Munroe
ILS Aquatic Disasters Committee – Ken Bird OAM
ILS Governance Committee – Ron Rankin AM
ILS Commissioners Committee – Peter George AM
International drowning prevention and lifesaving
development by SLS has grown in recent years with
assistance provided to more than 15 nations in the Asia
Pacific Region. A snapshot of which includes the following:
East Timor (Timor Lesté)
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
SLS, in partnership with SLS New Zealand trained more
than 80 Fijians in ocean safety and rescue through
the Fiji Outrigger and Canoe Association. In addition,
SLS has been liaising with the Fiji Surfing Association
on a joint venture to introduce surf lifesaving into Fiji.
An Australian Youth Ambassador will commence surf
lifesaving education and training in Fiji in October 2011.
In 2010 SLSA provided coastal safety risk assessment advice
to the Lifesaving Society Korea and the Korean Coast Guard.
Bali, Indonesia
In June SLSA and SLSNT submitted a proposal for
drowning prevention and lifesaving development to
the East Timorese Government. This follows on from
a scoping study conducted in December 2009 by SLS
Northern Territory with on-ground assistance provided
by representatives of the UN and the Australian Army as
part of the International Stabilisation Force. SLS hopes
to have trainers in Dili later in 2011 and into 2012.
Maldives
In less than 12 months, the Maldives has progressed
from next to no beach safety to a group of 34 trained
lifeguards and 10 trainers, which will hopefully progress to
a sustainable lifesaving presence over the next 12 months.
SLSWA were most supportive in providing a trainer to assist
this project.
Philippines
SLSA is assisting the Philippines Life Saving Society on surf
lifesaving training and service development on the vast
coastline of their country.
Samoa
SLSA, through its Tasmania State Centre (SLST) has
assisted Samoa to introduce surf lifesaving techniques.
In January 2011, 3 Australian surf lifesavers trained more
than 45 Samoans in surf lifesaving techniques, and in April
2011 two Youth Ambassadors commenced a 6 month
assignment to improve beach and water safety skills.
Committee Members
Other International Drowning
Prevention Projects
18
Korea
Regional Representative – Ron Rankin AM
Regional Secretary General – Brett Williamson OAM
Lifesaving Commissioner – Peter George AM
Sport Commissioner – Dave Thompson
Legal Adviser to ILS – Ian Fullagar
SLSA has supported and continues to support major
international events such as World Conference on Drowning
Prevention and the Lifesaving World Championships.
Mangalore, India
Fiji
Sri Lanka
Hong Kong
In December 2010, SLS assisted the Hong Kong LSS with
off-shore rescue boat training with expert trainers from Life
Saving Victoria.
India
SLSA has been assisting the Rashtriya Life Saving Society
India – RLSS (I) for more than 8 years in a range of areas
including trainer development, sport development,
organisational governance and most recently in surf
lifesaving. Over the past 12 months SLSA, the Australian
Sports Commission and RLSS (I) established a 4.5 year
Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) that included
in year 1 a staff exchange between Australia and India.
Indonesia
The Indonesian Surf Life Saving Association (Balawista)
continued to receive assistance from Australia including
training, equipment and lifesaving sport development.
In addition SLSA currently has two youth ambassadors
(AYADs) in Bali assisting with capacity building. A
third ambassador will be introduced in 2012. From
mid 2010 to March 2011 SLSA also had an ASOP
program introducing lifesaving into local schools.
Japan
The Japan Lifesaving Association and SLSA continue a
strong bond which includes a number of Australian Surf
Clubs with sister club relationships with Clubs in Japan.
SLSA and JLA received from the Australia–Japan Foundation
a grant to assist develop JLA’s surf sport coaching with
5 coaches from Japan visiting NSW in May 2011.
The Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka has continued to
grow and develop since the end of the civil war in May 2009
and SLS is a proud partner in their efforts which includes
participation in the 1st South Asian Beach Games to be
held in the southern city of Hambantota in October 2011.
Thailand
SLS continues to provide annual lifeguard training
through members of the Cudgen Headland SLSC. SLSA
is also assisting source funds and in-kind support for a
much needed Lifesaving Education Centre in Phuket.
Vanuatu
In early February, SLSA had 2 members from Picnic
Bay SLSC Townsville in Vanuatu to conduct pilot nipper
programs and meeting with a range of people on the
drowning prevention needs in Vanuatu. It is hoped this
scoping visit will provide vital information to structure
a plan for future interventions, including the placement
of young surf lifesavers as youth ambassadors.
Vietnam
SLSA has previously provided surf lifesaving training in Danang,
Vung Tau and Nha Trang. Over the past 18 months SLSA has
been working with 2 Australian expats and the City of Danang
on the formation of the Danang Beach Surf Life Saving Club and
regional training centre. It is hoped the Club will be the first of
a number in Vietnam. SLSA also has a volunteer on a 12 months
project assisting with the creation of the Club and associated
programs and administration needs.
Lifesaving Agenda | Spring 2011 | Issue 6
19
The National Lifesaving Standing Committee
The National Lifesaving Standing Committee (LSC) is the national body responsible for the development and implementation of
lifesaving and lifeguard plans and strategies around the country. The committee consists of the National Director of Lifesaving and
lifesaving directors from each state and the Northern Territory. We also get input from the state lifesaving and education managers
and others and meet twice a year at surf life saving clubs around Australia with additional teleconferences throughout the year.
Committees
National Lifesaving Standing Committee
National Lifesaving Management Committee
Mark Fife
SLSA Director of Lifesaving (Chair)
Matthew Thompson
SLSA Coastal Safety Services Manager (Chair)
Matthew Thompson
SLSA Coastal Safety Services Manager
George Hill
SLSQ Chief Operations Officer
Peter Lucas
SLSQ Lifesaving Officer
Tony Snelling
SLSNT Chief Operating Officer
Alan Cross
SLSNT Director of Lifesaving
Shane Daw
SLSSA State Manager Operations
Bruce Hosking
SLSSA Director of Lifesaving
Chris Peck
SLSWA Lifesaving Operations Manager
Renato Bruno
SLSWA Chair, Lifesaving Committee
Alex Deane
SLST Lifesaving Development Officer
Andrew Wells
SLST Director of Lifesaving
Dean Storey
SLSNSW Manager Lifesaving Services
John Restuccia
SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving
Greg Scott
LSV Lifesaving Operations Manager
Mark Scott
LSV Director of Lifesaving Services
Dr Natalie Hood
National Honorary Medical Advisor
Richard Budd
National Honorary Power Craft Advisor
Marcia Fife
National Marine Stingers Advisor
Scott Andrews
National Honorary Radio Advisor
Anne-Marie Widermanski
National Honorary Health and Safety Advisor
Committees correct as at 1 August 2011.
Help us make good decisions!
Do you want to influence the decision making process? Do you want to make a change to national policy? Think you have
a better system of administration? Want a topical lifesaving issue discussed? There are many ways members can contribute
to the national agenda. Your State Director (or Branch Director) of Lifesaving or Education may advocate for you at scheduled
meetings and conferences. You can also write to your respective Director and copy in your state manager along with a CC to
SLSA. We strongly encourage you to write to your next highest authority and ask for the topic to be placed on the agenda.
Fill out improvement requests for education resources.
Get involved in the decision making process! Let people know by dropping key decision makers an email with your thoughts!!