When can a patrol run as a Surveillance or Inclement Weather Patrol?

The decision sits with the Patrol Captain once conditions and beach attendance have been assessed. Inclement weather means excessive rain or abnormal climatic conditions (such as hail, snow, cold, high wind, severe dust storm, or a combination) where it is not reasonable to expect members to deliver a full patrol.

Crew: at least 2 financial and proficient surf lifesavers holding 2 x Bronze Medallion (PSAR Cert II) qualified members (older than 17), plus Side by Side Vehicle Operation if applicable to the club. The qualifications may be held collectively by one proficient Bronze Medallion holder.

Criteria the Patrol Captain must use:

• patrol flags and surf craft boundary flags are removed from the beach
• the beach is closed, and surveillance and supervision are required under the Lifesaving Service Agreement
• the Club Captain or Patrol Captain identifies that lifesavers are needed to supervise and watch for public safety outside the agreed Lifesaving Service Agreement hours
• the club Emergency Call-Out Team (ECOT), particularly IRB-qualified members, has been alerted in case an IRB is needed
• the patrol is not before dawn or after dusk

A surveillance patrol may continue after council lifeguards leave the beach if the Club Captain, Director of Lifesaving or Patrol Captain believe supervision is required, based on the number of patrons in the water or on the beach.

A patrol member must notify SurfCom by radio. Minimum equipment includes 2 radios on Channel 3, binoculars, a rescue board and tube, AED, oxygen resuscitator, first aid kit, spinal board and fins.

Source: SLSNSW Public Safety SOPs (September 2026), PSS 3.3.