Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches branch determines the minimum number of hours that Freshwater must patrol the beach throughout different times of the season. They also determine the minimum number of people Freshwater must have on patrol.  In order to be a patrolling member of Freshie, you must be a financial member of the club; have obtained (at least) your Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate; and have a current proficiency.

Prior to the patrolling season commencing, the Club Captain issues all patrolling members their patrol roster. This roster explains which patrol each patrolling member has been assigned as well as the Patrol Captain and the dates for patrol duty.

It is the patrolling member's responsibility to report for patrol duty in time to help your Patrol Captain set up the patrol area on the beach.

The By-Laws of the Club set down a number of basic rules for all patrolling members to follow:

• Arrive punctually for all patrols.
• When you arrive at the beach, report directly to your Patrol Captain and sign-in the patrol log book. If you are doing a "make up patrol" or substituting for another person, please note it accordingly in the log book.
• At all times while on patrol wear the patrol uniform, especially your red and yellow quartered cap - which must be tied correctly under your chin and be visible on your head.
• If you wish to go into the water, let you Patrol Captain know and do not enter the water without your patrol cap tied on.
• Be vigilant at all times - people can get into difficulties very quickly in the water. We cannot afford to have patrol members not monitoring the surf and crowd conditions at all times.
• Do not leave the beach without the permission of your Patrol Captain. If you leave the beach, do not wear your patrol uniform or cap.
• The IRBs must not be used for any purpose other than surf life saving or instruction, and may only enter marked bathing areas for rescue purposes.
• If you finish your patrol and the relieving patrol is not present, please consult with your Patrol Captain - you may have to remain on patrol until the relieving patrol is in place.
• After you complete your patrol, ensure all equipment is stored appropriately, hose out the IRB, and place the radios back on charge after signing off with Warringah Surf Rescue.
• If you are unable to attend your patrol, you must find a substitute with an award of the same, or higher, status than your own - eg a Bronze Medallion holder can only use a substitute who is either has, at least, that award or higher. In this example, you could not use a Surf Rescue Certificate holder as your substitute.

Subscriptions
In order to carry out patrols, compete in carnivals or use the club facilities, all members must be financial. Non financial are not covered under member insurance policies.  Please view our subscriptions page for current subscription levels.

Proficiency Test
At the commencement of a season all active patrol members and competitive members are required to undertake a proficiency test. This test refreshes member's skills in resuscitation, first aid, signal as well as run-swim-run to prove fitness. Dates and times of proficiency tests will be advised and it is the sole responsibility of the member to ensure this test is completed and proficiency ascertained.  Proficiency test dates and times are available on FreshNET, the Freshwater SLSC secure members area.

Member Protection Policy
In order to safeguard our junior and young adult members from abuse the club in conjunction with the State Life Saving body have developed a members protection policy. Under this policy it is a members responsibility to report any inappropriate act against a junior or young adult member. Full details of the clubs member protection policy can be obtained from the Executive Officer.