Lifesaving Services
Patrol Services
Our 22 affiliated clubs perform patrols every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from approximately October to March (start and finish dates vary from year to year). Patrols are there to provide information and first aid, as well as assist in rescues. Prevention is better than cure - never be afraid to approach a surf lifesaver with a question!
Follow the below link to the BeachSafe app to see further information regarding patrolled beaches in Adelaide. To see any other beaches in Australia, use the search function within BeachSafe.
Inflatable Rescue Boats
Inflatable Rescue boats are affectionately known as rubber ducks or ducks by Surf Lifesavers. They are crewed by two people and are used to assist in rescue and surveillance operations in surf that is too powerful to effectively use a board. The rubber ducks are owned by our clubs and are usually inflated and ready to launch during patrols or you may see them in the water for long periods when the beach is busy. They are also an important safety tool during events like open water swims.
Lifeguard Services
The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) is a fully integrated national lifeguard service, providing services to more than 65 local government authorities and land managers across Australia. The ALS provides a committed, proactive and professional service on the beaches and within the community.
The ALS South Australia contracts Lifeguard Services to the City of Holdfast Bay with the primary service provided at Glenelg beach with mobile and outpost services provided through to Seacliff from December through to the end of March.
In addition the ALS South Australia contracts to the Alexandrina Council to provide a service to Goolwa Beach for the January school holidays.
Rescue Water Craft
The Rescue Water Craft (RWC) was introduced to the Surf Life Saving Support Service arena in South Australia during the 2006/2007 season. They have proven to be extremely successful, marking a significant step forward in our voluntary patrols.
The rapid, motorised response units play a vital role in our lifesaving services, enabling patrols of long stretches of coastline to help keep beach users safe, both in and out of the red and yellow flags.
While the RWC cannot cater for the number of patients an Inflatable Rescue Boat or Jet Boat can, it makes it an ideal fast, highly maneuverable, piece of equipment for our lifeguards and specialist services. RWC’s are used to help with rescues, general patrols and to assist SA Police and Ambulance Services with search and rescue operations.
The RWC's have proven to be one of the most valuable pieces of rescue equipment used on our beaches. There has been positive feedback received by both Surf Life Saving members and members of the Community.
The current RWC models being used by Surf Life Saving South Australia are Seadoo GTI 130, Seadoo Spark for light, rapid response ski and Seadoo GTI 155.
Jet Rescue Boats
Jet Rescue Boats (JRBs) have provided key emergency service and patrol operations for more than 30 years in South Australia.
The JRB Service conducts regular surveillance patrols and rescue missions in the Metropolitan, Mid South and Far South Coast areas, in addition to other areas of the State.
The JRB Service is also used in 24-hour emergency call outs, and at times works in close liaison with the SA Police and other emergency service agencies.
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service provides essential patrol, rescue and preventative measure strategies to the beach-going public of South Australia.
Due to the generous support provided by Westpac, a dedicated helicopter concentrates on patrolling South Australia's coastline providing comfort and security to the many visitors to our shoreline.
The South Australian Government is also a key supporter of the service, providing support funding to extend its hours of operation.
SURFCOM
Surfcom is the central communication point for all of our clubs and support groups within Surf Life Saving South Australia. Radio communications enable quick, simple and an efficient means of obtaining assistance, equipment or information during a lifesaving operation.
Based at the West Beach Headquarters, Surfcom also provides general information to all lifesaving services, records key information and has the ability to liaise with other emergency services.
RPAS (Drones)
The development of RPAS (drone) operations over recent years has greatly increased SLSSA’s capabilities and reputation as leaders within the state. RPAS is an excellent surveillance platform that can identify persons at risk and assist in rescue in complex surf conditions, through infra-red cameras and public address systems capable of warning swimmers.
In addition to supporting patrols, our RPAS have been used to assist with inter-agency search and rescue training exercises, Public Relations Campaigns and Surf Sport Carnivals.