When can I run a Partial Patrol or a Low Patronage Patrol instead of a full patrol?

Partial Patrol (no IRB): proficient lifesavers holding either 2 x Bronze Medallion (PSAR Cert II) members (older than 17) plus 1 Surf Rescue qualified member or another Bronze member, or 1 Gold Medallion member plus 1 Bronze member; plus Silver Medallion Beach Management or Patrol Captain, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, and SSV operation if applicable. Criteria include: not during an NSW school holiday period (unless the Branch Director of Lifesaving and State Director of Lifesaving approve an exemption) or on NSW gazetted public holidays; no planned major event that will attract large crowds; and the club Emergency Call-Out Team (ECOT), especially IRB-qualified members, is alerted. The Patrol Captain must notify SurfCom by radio on the day. If the Branch Duty Officer attends and decides a Partial Patrol is not appropriate for the risk, they consult the Patrol Captain and arrange for an IRB or RWC to attend. In a dispute, the Branch Director of Lifesaving (or the State Duty Officer if not contactable) has the final say.

Low Patronage Patrol: the decision sits with the Patrol Captain, who must use these criteria: not during school holidays or on gazetted public holidays (same exemption rule); beach attendance recorded as less than 25 people (for example for 2 hours or more) in the primary patrolling area; no planned major event; the 2 Bronze members are confident and capable of a rescue with a board or tube; and ECOT is alerted. Crew is at least 2 proficient lifesavers: 2 x Bronze Medallion (older than 17), Silver Medallion Beach Management or Patrol Captain, and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques. The Patrol Captain notifies SurfCom by radio, and approval is obtained through the Branch Director of Lifesaving or delegate, whose decision is final in a dispute.

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