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Frequently asked questions
Patrol Obligations For Life & Long Service Members (Voluntary Patrols)
Our Long Service Members are those who have achieved 16 hours or more on patrol each season, for ten years. Whilst under no obligation to patrol, the experience and contribution of our Long Service and Life Members is always welcome and valued on patrol. Should you wish to patrol there are two options (normal Skills Maintenance requirements apply in either case):
Volunteer for patrols when you are able
1
Request to go on the Patrol Roster. (Please be aware you will be expected to fulfil all patrols or arrange a suitable substitution like all other Members if you elect to be on the Patrol Roster). Contact the Patrol Officer if you are a Life or Long Service Member and would like to be added to the Patrol Roster.
2
Patrol Obligations For Active Members
Members (SRC, Bronze and Award holders) will be placed on the Patrol Roster and perform duties as required by the Club (SNSLSC Constitution Clause 8). Obligations for Active Members include:
Be financial: Members must be financial to patrol. Renew your membership via the SLS Hub and pay the Membership Fees to avoid losing access to Club facilities and training.
Be proficient: Skills Maintenance dates and details are available on the Lifesaving > Skills Maintenance page.
Have and maintain a current WWC or VDF: A valid Working With Children Check (WWC) or Volunteer Declaration Form (VDF) is required to patrol and receive FOB access to the Club.
Complete six patrols of 3.25 hours duration: Complete your six rostered patrols or arranged swaps, to avoid membership and competition restrictions.
A reminder that each Member must complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours each patrol season (July – June) to count towards the Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC 5 and 10 Year Service Awards. Additionally, each Member (excluding Life and Long Service Members) must complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours each calendar year to be eligible to compete in SLSWA and SLSA competitions the following calendar year as per SLSA Policy 5.04.
It is each Member’s responsibility to ensure they meet these obligations (regularly check the SLSA members area to ensure your patrol hours are up to date) and be mindful of the 31 December / 1 January cut off date when swapping patrols.
When Are Patrols?
SNSLSC's patrol season kicks off in October and typically runs through to mid April. Our volunteers typically patrol Swanbourne Beach from 8:00 am to 2:15 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during this period. When we are on patrol, the red and yellow flags will be up on the beach, identifying the best area to swim.
Active Members of the Club are assigned to one of sixteen Patrol Teams on our Patrol Roster. They are rostered to complete six patrols during the season as part of their Patrol Team (including one public holiday patrol). Our patrols are split into morning (8:00 am - 11:15 am) and afternoon (11:00 am - 2:15 pm) shifts, each 3.25 hours in length.
How will I find Out When To Patrol?
If you are a current Member, the SLS Hub shows you your upcoming patrols and patrol hours completed.
The Patrol Roster is also available through the link on this page, via email to Members at the start of the season and in the SLS Hub Document Library. Your rostered patrols are also uploaded into the SLS Hub, where you can request and accept swaps.
If you have friends or family you would like to be on the same Patrol Team with, email our Patrol Officer. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request when setting the Patrol Roster but please understand this may not always be possible.
What if I Can't make my Rostered Patrol?
It is your responsibility to check the Patrol Roster and ensure you complete your rostered patrols. If you are unable to attend a patrol it is easy to arrange a swap in the SLS Hub. The SNSLSC Patrol Swaps Facebook page can also be used to put a shout out for a patrol swap.
Login into the SLS Hub
> More
> Patrols - Upcoming Patrols
This will display your upcoming patrols for the season.
Against a patrol you are unable to attend, select "Request Substitute".
View a confirmation pop-up and select “Submit Request”.
Your request is now submitted!
Once someone accepts your substitution request, this patrol will be removed from your Upcoming Patrols list altogether.
Are there Any Special Requirements or Obligations?
Regardless of your Member status, you’ll need to provide us with a valid Working With Children Check (WWC) or Volunteer Declaration Form (VDF) to be eligible to patrol and receive FOB access to the Club. If you already have a WWC or VDF, email a copy of your card or form to our Club Administrator. To obtain a WWC, grab a form from our Administrator and lodge, along with a passport photo, at any post office. To obtain a VDF, grab a form from our Administrator and return to the Club Office.
Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club's core function is to provide lifesaving services and public education on beach safety. Our dedicated team of volunteer surf lifesavers promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all who visit Swanbourne Beach through our lifesaving patrols.
Our Patrol Members are highly visible and identifiable in red and yellow uniforms. Patrols are typically based at the Patrol Tower at Swanbourne Beach, but we can also be found in the Patrol Shelter on the beach, or roving north and south by foot or in the ATV.
We're always happy to help with any questions you have around current beach conditions, hazards, sun safety, or anything else that may help keep you safe at the beach. Please swim between the red and yellow flags when at the beach (in the main Patrol Area). If you need assistance whilst in the water, please wave your arm above your head to attract our attention.
Patrols For Parents
In the interest of retaining and supporting our members who are starting and growing families, the Committee is super proud to continue to support the Swanny Primary Caregiver & Parental Leave Policy. For full details and to request access to this arrangement, email the Lifesaving Manager.
Additionally, for those Members who already have families where both parents are Active Patrol Members, we offer four Patrol Roster choices (to limit the number of patrol swaps required):
Be in the same patrol team
1
AM and PM patrols on the same day
2
Different days on the same weekend
3
Different weekends.
4
These arrangements must be applied for through the Patrol Officer prior the Patrol Roster being created at the start of the season/prior to completing your Bronze Medallion if joining part way through the season.