- Policies and SOPs
Policies and SOPs
In this section
- Health & Safety Policies
- Other policies
- What other resources are available?
- Standard Operating Procedures
A policy is an official document adopted by the organisation and provides the rules to be followed within a specific area. This page lets you know about some of the main policies that cover the Australian Lifeguard Service, where to find policy information and what to look for.
As a Lifeguard you are not expected to know the content of every policy, however you should be familiar with the types of policies that exist for your own information. Keep an eye out on this page as polices change, get updated, and new ones are posted from time to time.
Health & Safety Policies
For your own safety it is important to know which policies cover health and safety issues.
You should print off and read:
- Policy 2.3 Occupational Health and Safety and;
- Policy 2.4 Rehabilitation and Return to Duty.
Have a scan of the policies below and do a quick audit of your knowledge in each of the categories. If in doubt open the policy and have a read.
| Policy 1.14 | Sharps Policy Policy | Policy 3.3 |
Pregnancy and the Surf Lifesaver |
| Policy 1.15 | Peer Group Support | Policy 3.6 | Epilepsy |
| Policy 1.3 | Body Retrieval Protocol | Policy 3.8 | Communicable Diseases |
| Policy 2.1 | Sun Safety | Policy 3.9 | Asthma |
| Policy 2.2 | Lightning |
Policy 6.5 |
Member Safety and Wellbeing |
| Policy 2.3 |
Occupational Health and Safety | Policy 6.6 | Grievance Procedure |
| Policy 2.4 | Rehabilitation and Return to Duties | Policy 6.9 | Risk Management |
| Policy 3.1 | Disinfection of Equipment |
Other policies
The ALS / SLSA have a range of other policies and procedures for employees and members involved in surf rescue activities. To view a comprehensive list of these policies click here.
In addition to these ALS / SLSA policies, States and Territories have developed a number of policies to assist with various areas in their jurisdictions. Also check with your supervisor for equivalent policies which have been developed especially for your Lifeguard Service’s benefit.
What other resources are available?
Although the ALS has developed policies which provide us with the rules to be followed, The Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines also provide a useful resource for Lifeguard Service Management on safety and wellbeing in a coastal and beach environment.
Relevant guidelines which could be of assistance include:
| GO1303 | Lightning Protection | LS1475 | Notification of OHS incidents & injuries |
| GO1304 | Disabled persons – access and facilities | LE1521 | Sterilisation of equipment |
| GO1320–1322 | Groups and Events | LE1560-1561 | Equipment Audits |
| LS1410 | Sharps Management | EM1640-1641 | Debriefing |
| LS1460-1468 | Occupational health, safety & environment | DG1900-1913 | Storage & handling of dangerous goods |
| LS1470-1473 | Recording and reporting |
Purchase the guidelines via Creata if you cannot find your service copy.
Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures – or SOP’s – are a living document that provides policies and procedures to assist Lifeguards and Supervisors in the management and delivery of lifeguarding services.
The SOP defines the management systems through to on the beach and in the water operations that the ALS operates within. As we move towards a ‘total service plan’ that integrates further volunteer lifesaving services with the ALS this document will support our core roles while being smart about our operations as we move into the future.
Every lifeguard employed by the ALS is required to make themselves familiar with their state SOP at the commencement of employment, and to keep up-to-date with any changes throughout their term of employment.
Due to the differences in state legislation there is no national standard SOP. For more information on your state SOP contact your lifeguard supervisor.
