Fitness for Duty & Conduct on Patrol

Fitness for duty

You must present for patrol ready and capable of performing your assigned duties. You must not patrol if you're under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance, suffering an injury or illness that prevents you safely performing your duties, or in a state that impairs your judgement or ability to respond to an emergency. If you're unwell, injured or otherwise unfit, notify your Patrol Captain as early as possible so cover can be arranged.

Where illness or injury strikes with no reasonable opportunity to arrange a substitute, your Patrol Captain can excuse you from that patrol — it won't count as a deficit. If you're likely to be unable to patrol for an extended period, consider applying for a patrol exemption.

Conduct on patrol

• Follow the SLSA Code of Conduct and the club's Membership Policy at all times
• Be professional and courteous with the public, fellow patrol members, and other services (City of Stirling Lifeguards, WA Police, the Surf Rescue Helicopter crew)
• Don't use your personal phone for non-emergency purposes during active patrol hours, unless the Patrol Captain authorises it
• Stay vigilant and alert — patrolling requires sustained attention and readiness to respond
• Don't consume alcohol or any impairing substance during patrol hours or in the patrol area

Conduct that puts the public, fellow members, or the club's reputation at risk is taken seriously — see Patrol Deficit & Consequences and Complaints, Grievances & Discipline.