As we head into the first weekend of the patrol season, we would like to wish all members the very best for a safe and successful season ahead. Thank you to all volunteers for the time, dedication, and commitment you provide to keeping our beaches safe.
Surf Assist Launch
This week SLSNSW sent communication confirming that Surf Assist has now launched. We hope this new web-based application successfully meets the needs of clubs and members throughout the season.
As you begin using the platform, we encourage you to provide feedback on your experience. If you encounter an issue, please report it through the IT Help Desk at https://ithelpdesk.sls.com.au so it can be logged and followed up.
Communication
Radio Checks
Ahead of patrols commencing, we ask all clubs to please:
- Check all radios are operational and functioning correctly.
- Confirm radio programming has been completed. A radio that has not been reprogrammed will not be able to communicate with radios that have. You can confirm a radio has been reprogrammed if:
- channel 4 (scan) is no longer on the radio
- the training channels appear as Training 1, Training 2, Training 3 and Training 4, rather than 58, 66, 67 and 68
- Ensure members are familiar with the revised radio channels and call signs.
- Remind your patrols that the Scan feature has been removed.
Patrol and UAV Call Signs
A reminder for Clubs to please use the call sign ‘Patrol’ when communicating with SurfCom. This is particularly important as DPI UAVs use the beach name with UAV in their call sign. For example:
- DPI UAV: “Wanda UAV”
- Club Patrol: “Wanda Patrol”
If patrols do not use the word ‘Patrol’, SurfCom may mistake the transmission for that of a DPI UAV, which may result in confusion during operations.
Ski Call Signs
Ski call signs have changed for the 2026/27 season and are listed below and in the attached SLSS Announcement 20. Clubs should ensure all relevant members are aware of the updated call signs and are using the correct identifiers when communicating with SurfCom and other operational assets.
Skis must be contacted on channel 3. With scan removed, the ski operator’s radio no longer scans between channel 2 (local) and channel 3, so a call to a ski on channel 2 will not be heard.
RESCUE SERVICES (RWCs)
Ski 1 – North Bondi
Ski 2 – Maroubra
Ski 3 – Malabar
Ski 4 – Bate Bay
Ski 5 – Bate Bay
Ski 6 – Bate Bay
Ski 7 – Garie (RNP)
Thank you for your assistance in ensuring our communication systems operate effectively from the commencement of the season.
Gear re-inspections
Thank you again to all Clubs for their ongoing contribution to gear inspection. We note there are a few items across the Branch that will require re-inspection. Once these are ready for re-inspection please reach out to your local area lifesaving coordinator who will be able to assist with signing off the equipment for use on patrol.
Please note that until re-inspection is complete the equipment should not be used as part of either operations or training.
We wish all clubs a safe, enjoyable and successful patrol season.
Kind regards,
Simon Smith | Director – Lifesaving & Rescue Services
Alexandra Scott | Lifesaving Manager