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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

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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

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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


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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

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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).

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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.


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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

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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.


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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.

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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

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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



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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

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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:

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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


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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.

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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)


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

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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.


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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!!