Patrol Briefings 

Purpose

To outline the benefits of a “start of patrol briefing” and provide guidelines for topics to be covered.

Introduction

Good beach and patrol management requires good communication. A start of patrol briefing provides an excellent tool for patrol planning and preparation and the identification of possible problems.

Protocol

A start of patrol briefing should:

• Include all patrolling members
• Be delivered by the patrol captain
• Invite input and questions at any stage (open forum)
• Utilise visual aids – whiteboards/maps etc
• Utilise/Reference the clubs Beach Management Plan and SOP’s
• Identify any new members that may require a full induction
• Pair up new/inexperienced members with experienced members

A start of patrol briefing should cover:

• Uniform check (current/meets policy, clean, practicable, hair tied up)
• Equipment check (as a team or task personnel)
• Allocate equipment as necessary (radios, call signs, etc)
• Current and expected beach/water/weather conditions
• Expected patronage
• Identified high risk areas (areas of lateral drift, rips, holes etc)
• Identified high risk groups (rock fisherman, tourists etc)
• Beach Management Plan (surveillance positions, flag duties etc)
• Roles/Responsibilities (IRB crews, First Aid, Radio Communications and Callsigns) – please note members must have a current license to drive the Ute and A TV
• Incident Contingency Plans (based on identified risks, who, what, where, when)
• Patrolling roster (rotation of lifesavers from “active” to on-break)
• Health and Safety Issues (Sun Safety, fluid intake, etc.)
• Public image/professionalism expectations
• Radio Communications (SurfCom/Channels)

Briefing should always end with a question and answer session.