Caption:
RWC in action. Image courtesy Harvie Allison.
Surf Life Saving Support Services
Rapid response units using the latest technologyKeeping you safe this summer…
Surf Life Saving Support Services are a new development in surf rescue. Rapid, motorised response units, which are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they provide another layer of support in keeping our beaches and aquatic environment safe.
Broadly speaking there are four main types of craft used by our Support Services:
• Rescue Water Craft (RWC) or ‘waverunner’
• Jet Rescue Boat (JRB)
• Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB)
• Rescue Helicopters
Rescue Water Craft (RWC) or ‘waverunner’
Lifeguards, particularly in the USA, have improved the ability of the RWC to be used in rescues. Although it cannot cater for the same number of patients as the IRB, it offers an operational capacity that makes it ideal for use by lifeguard and specialist services.
The introduction of the RWC into Surf Life Saving Support Services during the 1999-2000 season has been extremely successful. While Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) lifeguards had been using RWCs for several years, the introduction of this craft marked a significant step in our voluntary patrols.go to top
Jet Rescue Boats (JRB)
The Jet Rescue Boat service has been operating for more than 30 years. JRBs are primarily used as a surveillance vessel however they also provide 24-hour callout and search and rescue service. The development of the aluminium craft, powered by turbo-charged diesel engines has meant a significant advancement in whitewater rescue capabilities.
With an overall length of 6.4 metres, the craft is slightly longer than its predecessors but offers greater speed and manoeuvrability. Better economy obtained from the diesel engine gives the craft a search and rescue duration of up to ten hours. Operational areas include high seas, shallow waters and river mouths where a jet system is unmatched.
The absence of underwater appendages inherent with water jets allows the boat to operate close to shore and in shallow waters. The craft is capable of transporting nine people and has the ability to perform long distance surveillance and rescue patrol work in the white water aquatic environment.go to top
Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB)
The ORBs are fully kitted-out emergency response vessels
carrying state-of-the-art rescue, lifesaving and medical equipment. Unlike
many other rescue craft, their specialty is search and rescue (S&R) with a strong
emphasis on first aid and basic medical response and assistance.
SLSA operates two services in NSW:
Offshore 2: Established in 1968, which primarily operates in the Cronulla District from Botany Bay down to Otford in the Royal National Park. Offshore 2 is an 8m Noosa Cat equipped with twin 200hp, four-stroke
motors.Offshore 3: Established in 1969, and primarily operates in the Randwick District from South Maroubra up to Clovelly. Offshore 3 is a 6m Noosa Cat with twin 140hp motors.Both ORBs are on call 24 hours a day, and assist surf life saving clubs and the emergency services in numerous rescues throughout
the season.
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Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service was established by SLSA in 1973 on an initial sponsorship of $25,000 from the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac).
SLSA now operates two services in NSW. The Southern Region Service is based at Sydney and the Northern Region Service is based at Lismore on the far North Coast.
Other helicopter and fixed wing services are operated by Surf Life Saving centres in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service provides the means to quickly and efficiently deliver emergency medical specialists to the most inaccessible areas of NSW, whenever life is threatened.go to top
For further information: pagnew@slsa.asn.au
Page updated: February 2007