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Work Health & Safety

The Freshwater SLSC Executive Committee is committed to ensuring the club operates in an environment where WH&S issues are a primary consideration in all aspects of club activities.

The Executive Committee is committed to ensuring the club operates in an environment where WH&S issues are a primary consideration in all aspects of club activities. The safety and wellbeing of members and other people who use the club facilities, including the beach while patrols are in operation, is considered a responsibility of both the club management and all club members.

Members need to be aware of relevant SLSA policies and procedures relating to WH&S issues. Follow the links below to the primary SLSA policies relating to WH&S issues –

Members are encouraged to be vigilant at all times in respect of potential safety issues and to report any concerns to the club WH&S officer (Wayne Freakley) and/or the Director of Lifesaving (Dierk Hartmann) .

Water Based Activities

Water based activities undertaken by club members are subject to the SLSA policy on water safety. Members with responsibility for the oversight and supervision of water based activities need to be aware of the obligations and responsibilities arising under the water safety policy, in particular the need to complete appropriate risk assessments prior to commencing those activities. Members can follow the links below to the primary SLSA documents relating to water safety requirements –

Refer to Policy 1.1 Water Safety (above) which covers other club activities such as below:

  • Boat training procedures
  • R&R training procedures
  • Board, Ski & Swim Squad Training – Senior Club Members
  • Club Proficiencies (not including junior activities)
  • Training Squads for SRC, BM & other awards
  • Sunday morning surf race & Senior Club Championships
  • Junior Activities – Board & Swim Squad Training
  • Junior Activities – Proficiencies
  • Junior Activities – Sunday Morning Water Activities including Club Championships

Patrol activities do not have to comply with the SLSA water safety policy as they are subject to the provisions of the Standard Operating Procedures. Click here to view Patrol activities – SLSA Standard Operating Procedures Version 6, Dec 2019.

Risk assessment form for water based activities

Aquatic Activity Risk Assessment and Management Form.

What to do if a club member is injured whilst conducting a life saving activity:

If you are injured during a surf life saving activity that requires ongoing medical expenses, hospitalisation or an ambulance please read below.

If an ambulance is required please can you notify the Director of Lifesaving ASAP as the Director of Lifesaving needs to notify the branch duty officer ASAP.

1. For all incidents please fill in the incident log book (Incident book found in patrol trailer or patrol room).

2. If you are unsure whether you will need ongoing medical claims please call the Director of Lifesaving who can advise if workers compensation paperwork needs to be commenced.

To download the appropriate Workers Compensation forms and Fact Sheet click here: http://www.surflifesaving.com.au/members/resources/administration

WORKERS COMPENSATION – Scroll down to Documents

  • Download the file Workers compensation Fact Sheet which will provide the most up to date information on what to do and then
  • Download the SLSNSW Workers Compensation Claim Form Feb 2020.

Complete all details and forward to a Committee member of the club (usually Wayne Freakley (Executive Officer) or Dierk Hartmann (Club Captain/Director of Lifesaving).

3. The Director of Lifesaving will send the workers compensation claim form which needs to be completed and received by the Workers Compensation office no later than 48 hours from the time of injury. You may also receive other forms and a summary of what to do if you are injured.

4. Remember when being treated to advise the medical staff that you are a lifesaver and injured yourself at work thus, it is workers compensation and you will require workers compensation paperwork.

5. Remember to keep all your medical bills and any medical documentation.

If in doubt regarding any member injuries, please notify the Director of Lifesaving/Club Captain (0418 211 498). If the Director of Lifesaving/Club Captain is not available by mobile phone please leave a message and also contact the Executive Officer at executive officer.