Water Safety

No Club activity in or near the water — Nippers, training, Surf Sports, even patrol support activities — can go ahead without water safety in place. It's a core part of how Trigg Island SLSC keeps everyone safe, and it relies entirely on volunteers.

We're always looking for volunteers

Water safety depends on members stepping up — the Club is always looking for more volunteers to help. If you hold a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion, you're qualified to help provide water safety for training and other activities, beyond your own patrol commitments.

Volunteering via PatrolMate

Trigg Island SLSC uses PatrolMate, an online app, for members to volunteer for water safety and other Club helper roles. It's the easiest way to see what help is needed and put your hand up.

The basics of how water safety works

Water safety at Trigg Island follows the SLSA Water Safety Procedure (Policy 1.01A). The full detail is technical, but the general principles are:

• Every activity has a Water Safety Supervisor — a Bronze Medallion holder who leads the water safety team, assesses the risk before and during the activity, and stays on the beach coordinating the response
• They're supported by Water Safety Personnel — members holding a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion, positioned on the beach or in the water as directed
• Before an activity starts, the Water Safety Supervisor completes a risk assessment and puts together a water safety plan — covering conditions, numbers, the team, and what to do in an emergency
• Minimum supervision ratios apply, based on conditions and how experienced the participants are — riskier conditions or larger groups need more water safety cover, and some conditions mean an activity simply can't go ahead
• Everyone providing water safety wears identifiable high-vis gear, and rescue equipment must be on hand and ready to use

Getting involved

If you'd like to help with water safety — for Nippers, Youth, Surf Sports training or otherwise — register your interest via PatrolMate, or speak to the Director of Lifesaving.