Individual Patrol Agreements & Exemptions

Individual Patrol Agreements (IPA)

An IPA is a formal, documented arrangement that changes how you meet your patrol obligation — not a reduction of it. You still serve the same total hours as other members of your category, just on a different schedule. IPAs may be available where you genuinely can't attend at least 50% of the standard roster due to FIFO or irregular work rosters, employment commitments outside your control, or other exceptional, ongoing circumstances approved by the Board. They're not available for lifestyle preferences, routine scheduling conflicts, members already in deficit, or short-term situations (use a patrol swap instead).

To apply, submit a written application to the Director of Lifesaving explaining your circumstances and proposed arrangement. If approved, the IPA is documented, signed by both parties, and reviewed at least annually — it doesn't automatically renew. If declined, you can request a review by the Board, whose determination is final.

Patrol exemptions

A patrol exemption is temporary or seasonal relief from patrol obligations, for situations that genuinely can't be managed through a patrol swap or an IPA — injury or illness, pregnancy, military or emergency service deployment, extended travel or work away from Perth, or other exceptional circumstances the Board approves.