What is the role of Surfcom Sydney?
Surfcom Sydney is the central communications hub for Surf Lifesaving Sydney.
During patrol hours Surfcom Sydney coordinates the flow of information and resources to emergency situations on behalf of all beach patrols and Support Operations Group resources – including the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter, Offshore Rescue Boats, RWC Jet Skis and Duty Officers.
Where is Surfcom Sydney located?
Surfcom Sydney is currently located at the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter base at La Perouse within the Botany Bay National Park
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What areas does Surfcom Sydney cover?
Surfcom Sydney covers Surf Lifesaving Sydney Branch's area of responsibility – which extends from South Head to the Southern part of the Royal National Park. Within this area of responsibility are 15 surf lifesaving clubs
Why is it important to have Surfcom Sydney to coordinate patrol operations and emergency responses?
Through being located in a controlled environment free from outside interference such as wind, noise and members of the public, Surfcom enables beach patrols and Support Operations Group resources to focus on their primary tasks and incidents that arise – rather than having to communicate directly with emergency services.
Furthermore, Surfcom has a comprehensive range of information resources available to it – including contact details for emergency services and other agencies, and a full range of internet facilities.
Being removed from the action keeps the Surfcom Operator clear and cool headed so they can think the situation through and effectively control responses to emergency incidents.
What hours does Surfcom Sydney operate?
Surfcom is operational at least half an hour before the start of scheduled beach patrol operations, and at least half an hour after the close of scheduled beach patrol operations.
However Surfcom can also be activated outside of these hours if required.
What do Surfcom Operators do during patrols?
At the beginning and end of scheduled patrol operations, Surfcom will log beach patrols on and off and records rescue statistics.
Surfcom also logs any changes to the status of beach patrols - for example, IRBs going offline, patrols going to surveillance or beaches being closed.
It is important for Surfcom to record this information so that it has a complete picture of the available resources in the event of an emergency.
Throughout patrol operations, Surfcom will continually monitor and log all movements of Support Operations Group resources – including the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter, Offshore Rescue Boats, RWC Jet Skis and Duty Officers.
It is important for Surfcom to record this information so that it has a complete picture of the available resources in the event of an emergency, and also to ensure the safety and welfare of the crews of Offshore Rescue Boats and RWC Jet Skis.
Surfcom also keeps a continual watch on the weather as it affects patrol operations – and issues broadcasts so that all beach patrols and Support Operations Group resources are aware of this.
But the most important role of Surfcom is the coordination of responses to emergency incidents on and around the beaches.
After ascertaining the "4 P's" regarding an incident (People, Problem, Position, Progress), Surfcom will contact the relevant emergency services (for example Police or Ambulance) and arrange for their attendance.
Surfcom will also arrange for the relevant Support Operations Group resources to respond to the incident – for example the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter, Offshore Rescue Boats, RWC Jet Skis and/or Duty Officers.
Throughout this process, Surfcom operators continually monitor all radio communications and log all relevant details.
Between all of the above duties, Surfcom's internet facilities are available for the personal use of operators.
What systems and facilities does Surfcom Sydney utilise?
Surfcom is equipped with broadband internet facilities and so has access to a range of information resources such as the Bureau of Meteorology and the Coastal Watch beach camera system.
Through the use of the SLSA Surfcom Management System – www.surfcom.org.au , the information that is entered by Surfcom Operators can be viewed by appropriate senior personnel within SLSA in real time, and can also be retrieved at a later time if required.
What do I need to become a Surfcom Sydney Operator?
Apart from your Bronze Medallion and a good understanding of beach patrol operations, there are no formal pre-requisites other than good communication skills and a willingness to learn.
What training is provided for Surfcom Sydney Operators?
All new Surfcom Operators are "buddied up" with an experienced Surfcom Operator, with training being provided on a flexible "one-on-one" basis.
When a new Surfcom Operator is ready to "go solo" depends on the individual.
How does the rostering work for Surfcom Operators?
Surfcom Sydney works on a self-rostering system – so Surfcom Operators can nominate for either morning, afternoon or full day Surfcom patrols subject to their various other commitments.
The rostering system can be accessed at www.surflifesavingsydney.com.au/roster.
The flexible nature of the Surfcom roster is a significant benefit of joining the Surfcom team.
Why should I consider becoming a Surfcom Operator?
Some of the key benefits of undertaking Surfcom duties include:
- Flexible rostering – so you can gain patrol hours when convenient
- Improving your radio skills
- Being able to undertake patrol duties in the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned office
- Being able to balance Surfcom patrol duties with other activities – such as accessing the internet and Facebook, read a book, study or complete assignments, search for properties or completing your tax return
- Appreciate the "big picture" of how Surf Lifesaving Sydney functions as an integrated public safety organisation
- Liaise with the emergency services and other external agencies – such as Marine Rescue, National Parks, Australian Aerial Patrol, other Surfcoms etc – as well as the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter crew
- Improve your skills in multi-tasking and managing significant incidents
- Gaining the Silver Medallion - Radio Controller award
What could my Club gain from me undertaking Surfcom Operator duties?
Surf clubs would gain several benefits from having patrol members with Surfcom experience. These benefits would include:
- Highly knowledgeable patrol members who are aware of the all the resources that are available to assist in beach patrol operations
- Patrol members with significantly improved radio skills,
- Patrol members who have experience in effectively managing emergency incidents,
- Improving member retention – by enabling club members to experience another interesting facet of surf lifesaving, and gain patrol hours in a flexible manner
The knowledge and experience patrol members would gain from Surfcom directly translates into significantly improved standards of beach patrols.
Does Surfcom count for patrol hours?
Yes, Surfcom counts for patrol hours. Also, the flexible nature of Surfcom's rostering means that you can undertake Surfcom duties when convenient around your other commitments, and its indoor location makes it an ideal place to undertake patrol duties while recovering from injuries etc
What information does Surfcom need in the event of an emergency incident?
To effectively coordinate the correct response to emergency incidents, it is important for Surfcom to receive the “4 P's” as soon as possible:
- People
- Problem
- Position
- Progress
For example:
“Surfcom, Surfcom Bondi Patrol
- We have a 40 year old male who has been dumped by a wave and is complaining of pain in his neck
- He is conscious and breathing
- We have him on a spinal board inside the patrol tent and are administering oxygen
- Can we please have an ambulance”
“Surfcom, Surfcom Cronulla Patrol
- We have had a report of a missing swimmer
- He was last seen about 30 minutes ago at entering the Southern part of the beach and swimming out beyond the break zone
- He is wearing bright orange board shorts
- Our IRB is searching for him – nothing sighted"
Also, it is important for Surfcom to be kept informed of any changes to the situation (for example a change to the patient's condition, the location of a missing person or the arrival of an ambulance on scene.
Why is it important to keep Channel 3 clear for important and emergency communications?
Emergency situations can and do develop rapidly, with no warning.
It is therefore vitally important for Channel 3 to be kept as clear as possible so that responses to emergency situations can be coordinated quickly and effectively.
Unnecessary "chit-chat" on Channel 3 can interfere with emergency responses and could ultimately place public safety at risk.
Can I arrange to visit Surfcom?
Yes, we welcome visits from either individuals or groups by prior arrangement. These can be arranged through the Sydney Branch Communications Officer Robin Bowley on 0414 678 794 or email:
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Contact details for Surfcom
Surfcom's contact details are:
- (02) 9311 0016 – General
- (02) 9311 0006 – Emergency
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