What must a patrol captain do at the start of every patrol?

At the beginning of every patrol the Patrol Captain shall:

1. Carry out a risk assessment using the Risk Rating component of the SLSA Operations App.
2. Hold a briefing with the whole patrol team, noted in the Operations App notes. It covers at a minimum conditions, tides, hazards, task allocations, rostering, breaks and expectations. It should include all lifesaving personnel, invite input and questions, and be held every time regardless of predicted activity.
3. Sign on with the Patrol Operations App and stand by for a radio check with SurfCom (the app is the primary method, radio the backup).
4. Check previous log entries and talk to the previous Patrol Captain about equipment issues or hazards.
5. Make sure all lifesaving equipment is checked and prepared.
6. Select the safest area for the flagged patrol area and place equipment where it is readily available for emergencies.
7. Make sure Council ordinance signage and mobile hazard and information signage are erected where required.
8. Carry a handheld radio at all times and monitor SurfCom, delegate roles and rotations, and allocate responsibilities in case of emergency or rescue.

Roles should be rotated under the Patrol Captain's direction, for example every 20 minutes. Surveillance personnel must not use personal phones or devices that distract them. Debrief the team at the end of every patrol.

Before the shift, check that enough members are rostered and that compulsory awards are covered; doing this at least three days before the shift is recommended so members can arrange swaps.

Source: SLSNSW Public Safety SOPs (September 2026), PSS 7.1 to 7.3.