LS10.1 SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) RESPONSIBILITIES

Section: LS10 SAR Operations Page: 1 of 4

Date: 20th September 2016

To outline the search and rescue responsibilities used by Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) for lifesaving operations.

SLSNSW provides the following search and rescue definitions for use by clubs/services/personnel.

Definition

Search and Rescue (SAR) services are defined as the performance of distress monitoring, communication, coordination of search and rescue functions, provision of medical advice and initial medical assistance through the use of lifesaving resources.

Lifesaving resources include all SLS active members/ALS staff, approved lifesaving equipment, Surf Life Saving clubs, support operations and lifesaving aircraft operating in New South Wales.

There are three levels of management within the SAR system:

• Overall management of SAR responsibilities by SAR Authorities;

• Control of individual SAR incidents by an Incident Controller (IC); and

• Command of lifesaving services by a Incident Commander (usually Patrol Captain or Duty Officer/Lifeguard Supervisor).

This section outlines, in general terms, the management and coordination actions required when a decision is made to implement procedures in prosecuting a SAR.

Once it is decided to proceed with a search, plans should be enacted for the commencement of search activity with a minimum of delay.

A SAR Authority shall ensure that a SAR operation can be promptly initiated and prosecuted with the efficient use of available SAR resources, until rescue has been completed or until chance of success is no longer a reasonable possibility.

SAR Authorities have the overall responsibility for establishing, staffing, equipping and managing the SAR system, including providing appropriate legal and funding support, providing or arranging for SAR assets, coordinating SAR training and developing SAR policies.

Most commonly in Surf Life Saving operations, the SAR Authority shall be the NSW Police – namely Marine Area Command.

NSW Police are the combat agency for all Search & Rescue incidents in New South Wales. NSW Police can request Surf Life Saving assets to operate outside normal standard operating procedures, i.e. use of Rescue Water Craft in prohibited waterways.

Control of an incident relates to overall management of a SAR involving multiple agencies. A representative