Australian Lifeguard magazine - Surf Life Saving Australia
Australian Lifeguard magazine - Surf Life Saving Australia
Australian Lifeguard magazine - Surf Life Saving Australia
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lifeguardnetwork.com.auISSUE 5summer 2011<strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> MagazineFeature:A sport fit for lifeguardsFeature:Sunlight, camera, action –it’s Bondi to the RescueTHE HOFF NO MatCH FORCOAST'S SILVER FOXFeature:Navigating the Great Ocean Roadvia BeachSafeNew CPR GuidelinesNew Zealand Advanced<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> SchoolThe fittest lifeguardsin <strong>Australia</strong>POSTER INSIDE!Your challenge isto help distributethe message
contentsEditorial 04Feedback 04New Zealand: National <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> School 06A sport fit for lifeguards 08Bragging Rights: National <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Championships 09Feature:Sunlight, camera, action – it’s Bondi to the Rescue 10Feature:The Hoff no match for Coast’s Silver Fox 12Equipped for the job 14Still working together: Training and informationsharing to benefit Shire beachgoers 15Brand new: SLS asks ‘Are you <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> for life?’ 16Blast from the past 17Beach Safety Pull out Poster 18A camp experience you’ll never forget 21Feature:Victoria: A BeachSafe trip up the Great Ocean Road 12Old Salty Dog 24Lake Macquarie looking to square up<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Challenge 25G-Land on my 6’6 26New CPR Guidelines come into affect 28Rip Currents – On Beach Education the focusfor summer 29Timely Trial to Save Beachgoers 30Ford thinker: SLSA has a new president 31From lifeguarding to paramedics 32New <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> Standards 33Science of the surf – The king of tides 34<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> snippets 35Calendar 35<strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> MagazineIssue 5, SUMMER 2010/11Publisher <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>Locked Bag 1010, Rosebery NSW 2018(02) 9215 8000Editor Andre SladeContributors Cassie Mond, Israel Hyde, Warren Young,Dean Gladstone, Rob Brander, Sarah Lawrence, SLSA, GrahamFord, Bree Corbett, Scott Wood, Adam Weir, Stephanie Marsh,Newcastle City Council, Lake Macquarie City Council,Gold Coast BulletinPhoto credits David Clark, Andre Slade, Cassie Mond,Sarah LawrenceDesign Marlin CommunicationsAdvertising Andre Sladeadmin@lifeguards.com.au, (02) 9215 8155Cover photo TV actor/singer David Hasselhoff pictured atMain Beach, Gold Coast with splice girls, David was in <strong>Australia</strong>promoting Splice Ice creams over summer. Photo: David ClarkContribute to the <strong>magazine</strong>The <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Magazine welcomes your contributions;in fact we want to hear from you! If you would like to contributean article, send a letter to the editor or supply a photo (or anythingelse you can think of) please contact the Editor:The Editor<strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> MagazineLocked Bag 1010, Rosebery, NSW 2018admin@lifeguards.com.au(02) 9215 8115Please ensure photos are of a high quality and file size.All care will be taken, however, the publisher assumesno responsibility for material submitted, the accuracy ofinformation in the text, illustrations or advertisementscontained therein.The contents of <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Magazine is copyright andmay not be reproduced in whole or in part without writtenpermission of the publisher. Articles reflect the personal opinionof the authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher.© Copyright 2011 <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>LIFEGUARD is proud to beprinted on eco-certified paperfrom sustainable forests.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 3
editorialWe made it! – the 2 nd lifeguard<strong>magazine</strong> is in your hot little hands and, likethe last one, is full of lifeguarding articlesand photos from all around <strong>Australia</strong>. Themix of light-hearted articles and technicalinformation hit the right spot with readers ofthe last issue so we’ve kept it that way.It was great to get feedback from readers on some of thearticles from the last issues, it seems the two feature articlesstirred up the most feedback. You can read some of the lettersin the feedback section. In this Issue we have three newfeatures, a look at lifeguards in surf sports, we have Deanofrom Waverley Council discussing how the hit TV showBondi Rescue has influenced their lifeguard service, and Itook a drive up the Great Ocean Road in Victoria directedby the new Beachsafe iPhone App meeting a whole heap oflifeguards along the way.On a sad note, <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> ambassador StephanieGilmore, guest editor of the last Issue, was the victim of acallous attack at her home over the Christmas period. Stephis doing ok now, but it will take a few months to get back tofull fitness – we wish her all the best and will be cheeringher towards her 5th world championship title next season!Our guest editor for the summer Issue is new SLSA PresidentGraham Ford.Finally, there’s still opportunities for contributors forthe <strong>magazine</strong> – like Cassie Mond from Victoria who’ll becontributing stories from Victoria – if you fancy yourself as abit of a journo, or are just keen to get something in the mag,give me a buzz at admin@lifeguards.com.au. I hope you enjoythis Issue.Andre SladefeedbackShould we really be celebrating rescueson patrol?I read about it all the time, lifeguards celebrating how manyrescues they did on patrol, but I don’t think it’s anythingto get excited about. Some rescues are unavoidable;over-stretched resources, public who knowingly disobeywarnings and unexpected changes in conditions are a fewof the factors that may contribute there. However, for themost part if you’ve had to rescue someone then I don’tthink you’ve done your job. How did that person get tothe stage of needing rescuing without you intervening?Where was the on-beach education and prevention? Beinga preventative lifeguard is hard work, you should be moretired mentally from preventative lifeguarding than physicallyby actually doing rescues. Rethink your daily successes,zero preventable rescues should be the goal every time. Forhomework, get to know the 4 stages of the drowning chain.Give the public room to MOVe!When you’re setting the flags, who are you really setting theflags for – you or the public? I’ve seen some pretty narrowflag zones lately for no reason, which makes me wonderwhether the lifeguards are just setting them up to make iteasier for them. Remember as a lifeguard you’re there toprovide a safer and more enjoyable beach experience (seemy rant on ‘They’re your customers’ in the last Issue) – wedon’t want to be the ‘fun police’. The public don’t like beingherded into small flag zones any more than you would, soif you have decent safe zone on the beach make your flagsresemble that and give the public room to move. You’ll alsofind it easier to get people swimming in-between themif they aren’t going to be packed in like sardines. And onanother note, if you’re using surf craft buffer flags makesure there’s a decent buffer zone – a couple of metres isn’treally worth putting them up for.We love feedback! Here’s a selection of emails wereceived from readers of our Spring Issue.If you’d like to comment on anything lifeguardingemail: admin@lifeguards.com.auCourtney COuld out swim, out paddle andout smart the guYS(Abridged) We have had a long time female lifeguard CourtneyEllis who just finished up this season to have a child.Courtney started with us in December 1994 and in September2000 she was appointed my 2nd in charge with LeeBurnes (Deputy Beach Coordinator). In 2004 she resigned totake up school teaching and later joined the fire brigade. Avery good lifeguard who could out swim, out paddle and outsmartnearly all the guys. She had all their respect as a verygood lifeguard and certainly no token female. Mark (Ching)McDougal, Manly <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>sVictorian girls blazing trails(Abridged) I read with interest your article on femalelifeguards and their history. Here in Victoria, females wereinvolved in the paid lifeguard services from the early 80’s.Personally, I had a wonderful time lifeguarding in thoseearly years. Never was there anything other than an equalopportunity working relationship at any of the beaches Iworked at. Looking back at it, maybe that is amazing. NatalieHood, Victoria (SLSA National Medical Officer)Scholar a highly respected lifeguard(Abridged) Charlene Wellard began as a Professional<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> in Townsville in the late 1990’s, from there shebecame Professional <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Supervisor employed through<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Services NSW from 2000 (there about). Her storyis of particular interest considering she was the only female<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Supervisor, taking responsibility of a large area inthe Port Stephens and surrounding areas. Charlene was a
CAN HELP YOU KEEPOUR BEACHES SAFE.RANGER SIX WHEEL DRIVE - for ultimate towingand fl otation on soft sand. 4WD Diesel, 4WDElectric and 6 Seater Petrol versions also available.NOTHING RIDES LIKE A<strong>Surf</strong> Club Enquiries - 0409 411 510 or corporate@polarisindustries.com.auwww.polarisindustries.com.auThanks to Point Lonsdale SLSC.very much respected female in the <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong>saving industry.Marilyn Falappi, NSWCover photo showcases the absurdA great issue and an enjoyable read.What a great cover shot of the various NSW ‘lifesaving’services – who all hold the sameobjectives and are working welltogether towards that commongoal of saving lives. However,how much does that shotshowcase the shear absurdity ofthe uniform colour disparitiescurrently at play in our State. Itbegs the question, why are wepersisting with this montageof different colours along theNSW coastline? Particularly thecombinations that do not alignwith international standards and go against the common senseunderstanding that red/yellow is the colour of safety on thebeach and far easier to recognize than blue and white. Letcommon sense prevail and let’s get some improved dialoguegoing between the actual council services themselves, the ALSand SLS to establish a generic ‘lifeguard uniform’ that allowsfor differentiating between paid and volunteers, aligns withbest practice and provides a value-add generic look to theentire NSW coastline. Is there a pot of gold at the end of thisrainbow?? Or just more ego, attitude and politics??Dan Russek, NSWEd: You might be interested to know SLS has initiated aproject to create a national standard lifeguard uniform for allservices in consultation with the lifeguard industry. Let’s hopethe project is successful.Get it right – Steph’s a 3 x World Champ!Love the lifeguard <strong>magazine</strong>, so great to see the professionfinally receiving the credit it deserves! Just a quick heads upthough, Steph Gilmore has won 3 world titles (on the cover& throughout the mag it quotes she’s won 2). All the best &beach safetyposter in this issueLIFEGUARD is calling on the lifeguardindustry to unite and distribute thebeach safety message to internationaltourists and migrants! In the centre of this Issue you’llfind a Beach Safety Poster from the International Touristand Migrant public safety campaign. Your challenge is toremove the poster and distribute it where you think it’llhave the most impact. Once you’ve distributed it, send anemail to admin@lifeguards.com.au and tell us where youput it, or who you gave it to. Spread the word!we want your storiesWe’re still looking for specialist section writers for the<strong>magazine</strong>. If you think you can prepare a 500 word articleup to 4 times a year on the following topics then getin touch! Health & <strong>Life</strong>style, Fitness, Nutrition, Sport,Entertainment or anything you think would be good toread! Email admin@lifeguards.com.aukeep up the good work. Joel Seaton, Avalon Beach, NSWEd: Thanks for picking that up, not sure how we gotthat wrong! And now she’s a 4x Champ! P.s you won theNintendo Wii! - see page 35Way more surfers in our ranksJust wanted to let you know that the percentage oflifeguards that are surfers here on the Gold Coast isprobably 80% or more, we all surf. Maybe you shouldlook into that more for your articles. Otherwise a great<strong>magazine</strong>! Name withheld, Gold Coast, QldEd: I don’t disagree, I just threw some figures out thereand left out the lifeguard percentage because I knewit’d be a point of contention – I wanted to spark somecommentary which it seems to have done! Keep up thegood work on the Goldy, when you’re not surfing that is.
escue<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s are involved in a different charity every week now.The main ones we support are the Sydney Children’s Hospitaland Breast Cancer mainly through the McGrath Foundation.After working in Bali we donated over $25,000 to the <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>service there.LG: Do you get paid to be on BR? DG: No we don’t get paidto be on BR as it would be a conflict of interest. We do havethe opportunity to get work outside of this with our increasedprofile though.LG: Who’s the most popular lifeguard? DG: I’d have to sayKerrbox, he has more mates then anyone I have ever met.Everywhere you go people know him or have had a night outwith him and Kelly Slater stayed at his house a couple of yearsback I thought that was awesome.QUICK FACTSMost fan mail: Maxi followed by KerrboxMost asked question to lifeguards:Are you on Bondi Rescue?Funniest moment not captured on camera: Whippet andDunstan chasing Paris Hilton down the beachIn charge of making nicknames: WhippetMakes themselves look pretty for the cameras: Beardy.Harries is now a VIP member at Tan Temple up the road.graham ford on...The phenomenon that is Bondi RescueWhilst being entertaining it is helping to educatethe public on <strong>Surf</strong> Safety. Now that it is beingtelevised in 55 countries it will also help selltourism for the country and hopefully send anawareness of the surf environment to overseastourists who visit our country and beaches.young kiwi lifeguard joinsthe bondi rescue academy toemulate his heroesFor 16 year old Harrison Reid from Christchurch, NZ,lifesaving is everything. So when his parents suggested hegive the Bondi <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Academy a go during the schoolholidays he couldn’t believe his luck.Harrison, who has been involved in <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> since hewas 6 years old, has always loved the water, helping peopleout and working in teams. He became a lifeguard because itwas something he dreamed of, and to be spending his summerschool holidays lifeguarding on his home beach Taylors Mistakestill seems surreal to him. So what makes him passionate aboutlifeguarding? “Being the first person at the beach and the last togo home and always being someone that people can rely on andtrust.” He says.The keen lifeguard spent a week at the Academy in Bondi andsays it was ‘unreal’ to do things he had never done before, infact he says it was the best time of his life – which must meanthe boys looked after him. “We did so many things and a lot ofspinals, spinals, spinals!!! Jet skis, water skills and team workwere all good.” Says Harrison. “I reckon I’m a better lifeguardnow: at doing rescues, getting on better with new people, firstaids, spinals, working as a team and also yoga!” Harrison sayshe’d ‘drop school and head right back over there’ if he ever gotthe chance. But for now he’s concentrating on developing hislifeguard skills in at home this summer. “I’m also a lifeguard(volunteer) instructor for mysurf club so I’m passing theskills I learnt onto membersof my club.”He says he’d highlyrecommend the Academyto any other keen younglifeguards in New Zealandand <strong>Australia</strong> wantingto learn more aboutprofessional lifeguarding, oranyone wanting to becomea lifeguard. “I’d recommendit to anyone that wants toimprove their lifeguarding,and have an unreal time!”Favourite lifeguard:Kerrbox, Yatesy, Reidy,Harries, Deano, Hoppo.....actually they were all top notch guys!His nickname from the boys: I was known as the ‘Kiwi’, beingthe only kiwi on the AcademyFavourite memory: The whole academy! The Jet skis, the yogain the mornings...which we all do before patrol now! And thepeople that I met!<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 11
Page 12: Baywatch TV star David Hasselhoff meets the GoldCoasts Head lifeguard Warren Young during a promotionalvisit to Main beach, Gold CoastThis page top: TV actor/singerDavid Hasselhoff pictured arrivingvia IRB with splice girlsPhoto: David ClarkThis page bottom:Gold Coast<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s fromthe Northern endget their photowith The Hoff.L to R: JoelNantes, JamesWatson, The Hoff,Luke Ingwersenand Jeremy Head.graham ford on...Baywatch The Hoff is a legend and CJ wascertainly talented but I'm not sure if she ever did areal rescue?!<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 13
01020403Archie Kalepa (L) with the crew testing the new C4 Waterman equipmentequipped for the job<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s need the best and latest lifesaving equipmentavailable, it not only makes their job easier but newefficiencies can make rescues faster and high qualitygear will stand the test of time in one of the mostdemanding working environments. SURF LIFE SAVINGhas a specialist group of experts that test the latest gearand equipment, here’s a snapshot of the latest gear andequipment to pass their stringent testing process.01 New and Improved Dolphin <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> BoardDesigned and developed by Zane Holmes, the new lifeguardrescue board is a hybrid of a racing board and current rescueboard designs. Fast in the water, the board weighs in at a light9kgs and is made from a hard wearing epoxy construction.Trialled by SLSA in QLD Gold Coast surf conditions, the boardwas found to be suitable for all rescues and was easy to controlfor both the entry level lifeguard to the professional.www.dolphinsurf.com.au02 <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Portable Patrol tOwersThe alternative to an expensive permanent tower on thebeach, portable patrol towers offer lifeguards a stable and safeelevated platform for surveying the beach and patrolled areas.Available in 3 different sizes (S, M, L) the towers are made froma durable aluminium. The towers were found to be easy totransport and stabilise on the beach. www.abnc.com.au03 Heartsine Samaritan Public aCCessDefibrillator 300PTrialled and approved for surf lifesaving conditions theHeartsine defibrillator meets the updated <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>Resuscitation Guidelines and is TGA approved. With paediatriccapability, the defibrillator is lightweight (1.1kg), has the highestdurability rating for water and dust (IP56) and has easy to followprompts. A trainer is also available. www.aerohealthcare.com.au04 Neann First Aid and Oxy ResuscitationEquipmentSLSA has trialled and is now endorsing the use of Neann firstaid and oxy resuscitation kits. Used by many State AmbulanceServices, the kits are waterproof with heavy duty zippers andliners. Neatly organised inside, the soft-bag kits can be used asover the shoulder bags or backpacks and are designed to carry alarge range of equipment. The first aid kit is available in red andthe oxy resuscitation kit in yellow. www.surfshop.slsa.com.authe future of lifeguardingequipment?SLSA and Hawaiian <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s team up to trial the latestin surf rescue technology. Hawaiian lifeguard legend ArchieKalepa and Hawaiian company C4 Waterman has beenconducting trials with SLSA with new inflatable surf rescueproducts. The latest innovation in surf rescue, the inflatableproducts range from rescue boards, RWC sleds, junior boardsand water surveillance platforms.Trialled and endorsed by Hawaiian <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s in Maui, theC4 Waterman team brought the product down under tosee if it stands up to <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> lifeguarding conditions.SLSA members and lifeguards at Newport Beach andMaroubra Beach in NSWand Secret Harbour in WArecently put the productto the test. Althoughonly in initial stages ofthe trials, feedback on itsperformance, light weightand easy to store natureand durability has surprisedmany. Trials are continuingin Western <strong>Australia</strong>.14 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
Brand new: SLS asks 'Are you <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> for life'?<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> is one of <strong>Australia</strong>’s most loved brands – butyou can’t live on love alone. Recent independent research of<strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>s ranked <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> as one of <strong>Australia</strong>’s mosttrusted and well loved brands. While these findings supportprevious research, alarmingly only 28 per cent of <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>sknew that <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> is a charity with almost halfmisbelieving the movement is privately funded.It was time to take action, so <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> launched a newbrand repositioning, aimed at all <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>s to challengetheir beliefs about <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> and encourage them to getinvolved. Part of this was launching a new television commercialaimed at showing all Aussies that <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> is much morethan just the red and yellow flags that they see on the beach – itis a unique and vital part of <strong>Australia</strong>. <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’sCEO, Brett Williamson OAM said the television commercial willchallenge all Aussies to become involved with <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>and will set the direction for the organisation for the next100 years.“This is the time for us where we draw a line in the sand andput out the challenge – are you <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> for life? “<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong><strong>Saving</strong> represents the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> way of life – from our active,outdoor lifestyle to our love of beaches, our community spiritand our strong sense of mateship. We believe these qualitiesthat sum us up as a nation are the qualities that make <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong><strong>Saving</strong> ‘<strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> for life’. Whether you are from Broken Hill orBondi, Alice Springs or Airlie Beach, or whether you have livedhere for generations or just days, everyone has the opportunityto be involved in <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>.“The challenge is about helping more <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>s realise thebreadth of <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> and show that we offer so muchmore for the community outside of patrolling our breathtakingbeaches. There are so many ways people can play a part fromjoining a surf club, to taking part in a first aid course to simplyadhering to our safety advice by always swimming between thered and yellow flags,” said Mr Williamson.The brand repositioning also supports other vital campaignsthat will be designed to encourage everyday <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>s to givegenerously to lifesaving services. “One of the significantways people can be involved in <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> is throughdonating. We were surprised at the number of Aussies whodidn’t realise that <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> is a cause that needs thesupport of the community. By giving to <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> notonly are people ensuring the safety of <strong>Australia</strong>’s beaches,but they are also ensuring that <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> will bearound for another 100 years and will be able to go oncontributing to the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> community.graham ford on...An example ofthe new creativeexecutions forthe new brandcampaign“The fact that we are admired and respected is something weare very proud of - but we really need to give every <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>the opportunity to play an active role and become part of thisunique movement. But the message is you don’t need to wearthe red and yellow cap or budgie smugglers, or even visit abeach – you can make a meaningful contribution to a way oflife, that up until now has pretty much been taken for granted,”he said.What the new brand direction meansfor the future.The extension of lifesaving coverage tomatch community needs which will inturn help build our lifesaving capacity.16 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
last from the pastAre your incident reports this detailed? This issue we’vegot a detailed account of a resuscitation from wayback in 1890! You’ll be surprised by the techniques ofold, and of the descriptive nature of the report (whichhas been reduced from 4 pages to 1)!Project Gutenberg’s Scientific American Supplement No.819, by VariousA CASE OF DROWNING, WITH RESUSCItatION(Abridged)This incident occurred on August 29, 1890, at SouthHarpswell, Casco Bay, Me., where I was passing my vacation.At about 9.30 A.M., M. B----, an American, aged eighteen, theson of a fisherman, a young man of steady habits and a goodconstitution, with excellent muscular development, and whohad never before required the aid of a physician, was seen bythe residents of the village to fall forward from a skiff into thewater and go down with uplifted hands.I had been sent for to where I was sitting, one hundredand fifty-one yards from the scene, and I arrived to find himapparently lifeless on the tub, and to be addressed with theremark, “Well, doctor, I suppose we are doing all that canbe done.” I could not learn that he rose at all after the firstsubmersion.Respiration had ceased, but no time was lost in commencingartificial respiration. The patient had on a shirt andpantaloons, which were immediately unbuttoned and madeloose, and placing myself at his head, I used the Silvestermethod.I continued the artificial respiration from 9.45 until 10, whenI directed one of his rescuers to make pressure upon the ribs,as I brought the arms down upon the chest. This assistancemade expiration more complete.About twenty minutes after ten, two hypodermicsyringefuls of brandy were administered, but I didnot repeat this, since I think alcohol is likely toincrease rather than diminish asphyxia, if given inany considerable quantity.After a natural respiration had commenced, the wet clothingwas removed, and the patient was placed in blankets. Ammoniawas occasionally applied to the nostrils, since, althoughrespiration had returned, there was no sign of consciousness;the natural respiration was at first attended by the expulsionof frothy fluid from the lips, which gradually diminished, andauscultation revealed the presence of a few pulmonary rales,which also passed away.Coffee was also administered by a ready methodwhich, as a systematic procedure, was, I believe,novel when I introduced it to the profession in theMedical Record, in 1876.After I had worked with the patient in the open air, for fourand three-quarter hours, he was carried to a cottage nearbyand placed, still unconscious, in bed. Consciousness began toreturn in the early part of the following morning, and with itsadvent it was discovered that the memory of everything whichhad occurred from half an hour previous to the accident, up tothe return of consciousness, had been completely obliterated.With this exception the convalescence was steady anduncomplicated, and of about a week’s duration. From a letterwhich I recently received from my patient, I learned that thelapse of memory still remains.Have you got a ‘blast from the past’ hidden away in yourvault? Maybe a classic photo or a newspaper article fromyesteryear? Send it in and we’ll feature it!<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 17
Beach Safety for Visitors to <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> Beaches118 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
Do you want to obtain and develop the necessaryskills to become a Professional <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>?The <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong>Life</strong>saving Academy NSW offers coursesthroughout NSW in:• Certificate II in Public Safety (Bronze Medallion)• Apply First Aid• Advanced Resuscitation Techniques• Spinal Management• Basic Beach Management• Advanced Emergency Care• Gold MedallionFor further information call1300 766 257 or visitwww.surflifesaving.com.auSunscreenby the experts.Protecting <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> beachesfor over one hundred years.Now we help protect your skin.Available at all good pharmacies.20 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
a camp experienceyou’ll never forgetLooking for something to do over the Aussie winter?Why not pack your bags and head to the USA as alifeguard at a Summer Camp. Aussie lifeguards are inhuge demand and the experience and fun you’ll havealong the way will stick with you for life. LIFEGUARDcaught up with CASSANDRA MOND, a lifeguard fromVictoria who is heading back to camp for the secondtime this winter, to find out what all the fun is about!QUICK FACTS:Name: Cassandra Mond, Age: 20Lives: Ringwood North, Victoria<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s: Second season with the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> serviceat Venus Bay, Inverloch, Waratah Bay and Tidal River (WilsonsProm). Also a Pool <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> at Croydon Leisure and AquaticCentre and MSAC (Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre)LIFEGUARD: How did you find out about working as a lifeguardat a USA Summer Camp (SC)?CASSANDRA MOND: I found out when I was in high school.It was something I always said I would love to do but neverpursued it. While I was at work one day I was chatting to afriend and she told me about her camp (Modin) and how shehad a fantastic time and told me to watch the camp DVD.I looked at other camps on the net but decided that Modinwas for me, it offered what I wanted and the camp ground wasamazing! I got in contact with the Camp director by my friendand before you knew it I was I was at camp.LG: What was it about a SC that attracted you? CM: Afterfinishing high school I was burnt out and needed a break.I did first year uni anyway and didn’t enjoy it and wanted todo something different, be independent and travelLG: What was your role? What did you do? CM: My role atCamp was in the waterfront staff and as a general counsellor. Onthe waterfront I was a <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> and Swim Instructor and oncedaily activities finished I was a general counsellor. I lived withmy campers and helped them stay organized, eat and shower.LG: What qualifications did you need to be a lifeguard at the SC?CM: Even though I had all the relevant lifeguard quals in Aus, atcamp we had to get our American <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>ing and CPR.LG: Did you need to do any further training when you gotto camp? CM: I arrived at Camp two weeks prior to the kidscoming. The first week was just <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> training which wasreally good but intense at times. We spent three days on thelake practicing deep water spinals. The second week wastraining on how to be a good counsellor and getting to knowthe staff week.LG: How did your skills fare alongside other counsellors atcamp from other countries? CM: Most of the water staff(waterski included) were made up of Aussies and Kiwis.Our skills were very similar and we were a strong team.LG: I know it’s hard to pick, but what was the best part aboutcamp? CM: COLOUR WAR!!!!!!! Colour war was an intense3 days of completion and cheering. The whole camp gets brokeninto 2 teams; Mo (Red) and Din (Blue). It was incredible andwords cant describe how insane the whole experience was!LG: Did you learn any new skills that you’ve been able to bringback to Oz? CM: I’ve never done any deep water spinal training sothat was really valuable and is something I have taken home, alsothat a few other rescue techniques I do a little differently in Aus.LG: Did you share any of your skills from Oz at the camp?CM: I am a loud and proud Aussie so yes. I tried to share all theways you can eat vegemite but my kids wouldn’t eat it!LG: Do the seasons match up nicely between lifeguarding in Ozand SC? CM: It works perfectly because as the Aussie weathergets colder the US gets warmer so it’s a good way to ditch winter!Then when camp finishes and it starts to cool down overseas youcome home to Oz and prepare for yet another Summer. I’ve hadan all year round tan and my mates are totally jealous.LG: What advice do you have for other Oz lifeguards that mightbe thinking of working in a SC? CM: Do it, you only live onceand it’s an experience you will never forget!LG: Any final words of advice? CM: Make sure you tell yourparents you’re planning on going to camp before you sign yourcontracts! And ask around about all camps. There’s thousandsof them and one that will suit everyone!LG: What was your best memory from camp?CM: WININNG MO and DIN! GO MO!!!!!!!LG: What is your favourite camp song?CM: It’s a tie between Eye of the tiger cause that means either apsyche or COLOUR WAR!!!! Or Baby shark! I’d add the lyrics butthere are none its more the actions at make the song! For moreinformation on summer camps visit: www.ccusa.com.augraham ford on...Overseas lifeguarding experience It’s such agreat opportunity for lifesavers and lifeguardsto be able to work overseas in summer campsand in different lifeguard services as well.Aussie <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s are without question the best in the World.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 21
FEATUREvictoria: a beachsafe trip upthe great ocean road0506In October 2010, <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> (SLS) launchedits BeachSafe iPhone Application where users canfind their nearest patrolled beach – get directions toit, check on weather and surf conditions and makeeducated decisions about swimming, surfing, rockfishingand diving. Beachsafe is available free ofcharge from the iTunes App Store and has alreadybeen downloaded over 50,000 times.08ANDRE SLADE took a road trip along Victoria’s Great OceanRoad to test out the new app, visiting patrolled beaches andmeeting the lifeguards from the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Serviceon duty. Starting in the heart of Melbourne he clicked on‘Beach Near Me’ and let the app guide him to Lorne.070102030401 First stop the waterfront in Geelong, home of the Geelong Cats,and a few familiar looking wooden men02 Poolside, lifeguards Will Saunders and Cassidy Redden say theyusually get one major event a season and it’s usually a spinal03 Tom Burns-Wallace and Al Burrell say the pool doesn’t givethem as much trouble as the sea urchins that sneak into themain lagoon04 Up the road to Torquay, but first a stop off in Cosy Corner, apopular beach for families with shallow bars and beach pool forthe kids05 Jacob Sedger is on duty at Cosy corner, the lifeguards usuallyrotate from Torquay every 2-3 hours, and they’re always inradio contact06 There’s always time for an icecream! On a hot day it’s thebusiness to be in as the line stretches towards the beach07 Around the corner to Torquay, the beach is starting to getpacked and a decent swell is getting the rip currents pumping08 <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Jack Elsum is all smiles after rescuing a damsel indistress in one of the rips, one of the benefits of being a lifeguard!22 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
09 <strong>Surf</strong> Coast <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Supervisor, Andrew ‘Huffy’ Hough keepsa close eye on what’s going on at Torquay and keeps in checkwith the other beaches regularly10 Anglesea and Lorne are on the cards for a visit, at least theywill be if mobile reception doesn’t keep cutting out!11 A trip along the surf coast wouldn’t be complete without astop off at world famous Bell’s Beach, it’s a surfing reserve12 This one’s for the surfers – a nice line up rolls in with onlya few guys on it!13 It might have good waves, but there’s no lifeguard service here.No doubt surfers do their fair share of rescues at Bells.14 Mobile reception has ensured an arrival at Anglesea Beach,SLSA’s 2010 Club of the Year and bustling with hundredsof members15 <strong>Surf</strong> Rescue: The club was running IRB training down thebeach but for now it’s back to the club for a debrief16 Toby & Paddy keep a close eye on beachgoers at Anglesea,<strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> Victoria’s president Mike Martin was spottedswimming between the flags17 Over 140 new bronzies were put through their paces during aone week intensive course with the support of 40 instructors15 16171819092010 111221 2213 1418 It was hard to say goodbye to Anglesea on such a great day,this view is from the surf club café run by Mike’s daughter andher partner19 Back on the Great Ocean Road, mobile reception meansthere’s no problem finding Lorne, but it’s now a race againstthe diminishing battery power!20 Caroline Burton, Ben Mason and John Takac (ex SLSA<strong>Life</strong>saver of the Year) keep warm as the day draws to an end –jackets compulsory wearing in true Victorian style21 Lorne Beach with the Pier in the background, the followingweek the famous Pier to Pub ocean swim attracted over 4,500participants including the boys from Bondi Rescue22 Trip complete, Beachsafe iPhone App a success and a chanceto take the road less travelled back to Melbourne.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 23
the old salty dogSalty a great dog idea,wonder if it willever catch on!The invite came as a shock and it was pure bloody luckthat I even found it in the first place. The email hadslipped into my SPAM and I had stumbled upon it justbefore I pushed the delete button on the whole sorry pile.Titled ‘Salty Dog’ it demanded to be opened.“Hey Dog need you to come visit me reallysoon. I’m running the new <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Servicefor the King over here. Your ticket is at theAirport. Bluey”. I hadn’t heard from, oreven seen Bluey for years, worked with usin the nineties, awesome waterman anda great natural athlete. Super reliable inall situations the Boss would say. Bloodyripped he was, with a full six pack due tothe fact he would train like a Trojan. Didn’town a car, he just ran everywhere with hisbackpack on.He loved to mix it up in a group trainingenvironment and although you rarely sawhim swimming laps, if he joined the swimsquad for the morning set he would leadthe lane for sure. Thinking back Blueyreally could have been one of the bestsurf Ironmen but couldn’t hack the wholeclubbie scene or the guys that ran it.Worked seven straight seasons thenone year he just never fronted forthe trial and that was it.I’d heard a few stories like he’d married some rich Americanchick he’d met in Aspen and gone to live in California. A fewyears ago I bumped into a mate who told me he’d seen Bluey inAngola. Another said he saw Bluey selling copies of the Big Issueoutside the Covent Garden Underground. I suppose he was oneof those guys that was a friend to everyone but no one reallyknew him. Running the new <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> service for the King overhere said the email but where the hell was here! A quick call toCustomer Service at the airport confirmed that, indeed, therewas a ticket for me and that Blueys new <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> service waslocated in one of the world’s most Idyllic locations.The Dog was packed! It’s not often you get collected atthe airport by a chick in a bikini but sure enough there shewas holding up a sign with the word Dog on it. ‘Mister Dogwelcome!’ she said. ‘I take you to the hotel and then MisterBluey will pick you up from there’ - Mister Bluey eh! Things havechanged that’s for sure. 'How you been Dog' I turned quickly tosee Bluey striding toward me through the hotel foyer dressedin only boardies - he was still ripped for sure and the handshakewas as confusing as ever, you know the one, like they do inHawaii where you sort of focus on grabbing the thumb ratherthan the hand and then you slide down and lock the end of thefingers. Bluey proceeded to fills in the blanks. Aspen, Texas,Greek islands, UK, Japan, USA, Mexico and South Africa, but itwas a surfing trip right here that changed it all for Bluey.<strong>Surf</strong>ing early one morning he rescued a young princess from arip at the islands main beach. Only problem with this one wasshe actually was a Princess. Yep, good old Bluey had rescuedthe bloody Kings daughter. That was five years ago and thatone incident prompted the Government to form a professional<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Service and Bluey was the man!‘It’s bloody dangerous all year round with heaps of swell comingout of the west’. ‘We've got 50 lifeguards at 25 beaches and allof the crew are local guys that grew up surfing on the reef andbeach breaks around the islands ‘, said Bluey sort of proudly.‘I got the King to buy some rescue boards, uniforms and radiosand away we went. No mechanical shit here dog. I saw the waylifeguarding was heading and it was pissing me off to be honest’.Bluey saying that reminded me of a conversationwe had years ago where Bluey believed that we weredeveloping a bunch of rev heads that all had theawards on paper but zero actual practical skills.Bluey believed that management was more interested inspending money on machines rather than developing thepractical skills to firstly prevent a rescue situation and then tocomplete the rescue without drama. ‘Bloody hell Dog, mostrescues are done 20 metres from shore not two kilometres out24 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 54 Summer Spring 2010 2011
to sea, you don't need a boat!’ he said laughing again. ‘WhatI am developing here is a highly effectual low cost lifeguardservice that is focussing on bringing guys and girls into thisindustry for the long term. I have developed a training programrun by my experienced guys to develop the skills of kids whowant to work with us in the future so in four to five years timethey are ready to do a job’‘You know yourself Dog that you can't get someoneoff the street one day and have them being aneffective lifeguard the next - been a few examplesbut not many mate!As I said they can have the awards but the experience and theocean skills are a different ball game!’ said Bluey looking quiteserious. As we drove on, with Blueys comments sinking into mybrain combining with 24 hours of little sleep, I drifted off....ZZZZZZZZZZ - Bloody alarm clock. That’s one noise you canNEVER get used to. Wow that was a heavy dream - what wasit about though? Bluey, I was dreaming about bloody Bluey!Mate he was a legend that boy for sure, but I haven't seenhim for years. Why was I dreaming about him? Now Iremember, he was running a low cost lifeguard service on someisland somewhere. He had put together a plan where lifeguardsspent time learning the skills of the ocean through surfing,diving and paddling rather that driving Wetbikes and IRB’s.Bluey was focussing on getting them to develop their craftskills not their driving skills and teaching them awareness andbehaviour of people in different surfing conditions. Teaching<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s the ability to identify from 400 metres away ifsomeone is local or a kook from another planet looking tobecome a statistic. <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s learning the ability to actuallymanage a beach full of punters in a difficult natural environmentusing a rescue board and your ocean skills.Proactive not reactive <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>ing, what a greatidea, wonder if it will ever catch on!What do you think? Have your say on the lifeguard networkdiscussion forum at www.lifeguardnetwork.com.aulifeguard networkJoin the lifeguard network online for free atwww.lifeguardnetwork.com.au to view up-to-the minutenews, events, jobs and more.lake macquarie looking tosquare up lifeguard challengeThey do the same job, but Newcastle City Council andLake Macquarie City Council lifeguards have drawn aline in the sand as the battle it out in the second year ofthe successful <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Challenge.Newcastle City Council <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s were the winners of the2010 inaugural Challenge which resulted in Lake MacquarieCity Council flying the Newcastle City Council flag for the dayfrom their Council Chamber. Newcastle City Council’s <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>Team Leader Darren Toomey says “The challenge is a fantasticopportunity for the community to see our lifeguards showcasetheir skills, promote the service and use the competition as awarm up to the Bondi Challenge.This challenge highlights the fitness required of Council<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>s who are looking after the swimming community atall our city Beaches throughout the year”. Lake Macquarie CityCouncil’s Paul Stone says “It is a great opportunity for the publicto come out and see the professional lifeguards demonstratetheir skills and hopefully witness a Lake Macquarie Council<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> victory. It's in the nature of professional lifeguards totry and be the best at what they do," he said.The teams will face off at Merewether Beach from 5.45pm inboard rescue, swimming and running events on Thursday17 March 2011.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 25
g-land on my 6’6Photos supplied by Israel Hyde.Port Macquarie lifeguard ISRAEL HYDE tells the storyof his recent trip to G-Land with his trusty 6’6’ where herode the wave of his life and also had to call on his skillsas a lifeguard to assist a fellow surfer in need.I ordered my 6’6’ one year ago for a previous trip to G-land.That trip I had only rode it a few times as I preferred to ride myshort boards…easier to change my line in the barrel, if you’veever surfed G-land backside you’ll knowwhat I mean. A few months passed andI headed to Hawaii for the late seasonin February. I took quite a few boards,the 6’6’ included. Turns out to be agreat late season and I surf off the walland backdoor religiously everyday forfive weeks. The 6’6’ turns out to be myfavourite barrel board.I planned to head back to G-land late forthe full moon of September. Rang Lukeordered a few boards for the trip. The 6’6’was still in good condition so I didn’t orderanother. Arrived in Bali two weeks beforeI was booked for G-land. Stayed with somefriends with a view of the ocean. TheIsrael Hydewhole time Bali didn’t get over 3ft.I starting to get a little worried thinking G-land might be smallfor my trip. Then with 4 days to go the ocean went totally flat!The day I arrived at G-land guys were surfing 3ft Kongs sayingthat it was pumping compared to the past week. The surf pickedup over the next few days leading up to the full moon. On thenight of the full moon Bobbies camp threw a party…traditionalIndonesian dancers, buffet, the lot. I woke early in the night,swear I felt a tremor…tried to go back to sleep but the waveswere really loud…When the sun came up, it revealed the swellwas solid. All of the swell was focused down at the pad. Solid6 to 10ft. I waited for the trades and tide to fill then hit it. Theswell was pulsing and the usual suspects were scoring on thesets. Like any world class break you need to spend time gettingto know the wave and the people who spend themost time there. G-land is no exception. Once youtake off on a set wave at the Pad , you only reallyhave one chance to pull out if you don’t think youcan make it.Once you’ve committed, there’s only one waythrough Speedies, and that’s the barrel.Anyway I was finding a little tricky catching the setson my 6‘6‘, seemed like everyone was riding boardswell over 7ft. “It’s the day of the season.” I had totry and sit deep right under the pack on the peak,looking for the double ups.A set started unloading up the reef. I decided to staydeep. It works well and the pack miss the set. All of asudden I’m in the perfect spot with no one even closeto me. What a surprise. The set is perfect and take off on thewave of the set. Did a top turn and almost blew it, bottomturned again and realised that I had one option. Pull in. I toldmyself “this is what you’re here for”. I set up with as muchspeed as I could and back-doored the cobra. Once I had theright line, I just enjoyed the view, thinking of the many stories26 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
people I have looked up to had told me about this very wave.Speedies is like no other and it is the reason a select bunch ofsurfers from all parts of the globe keep coming back.I already had the bug, but now I have it bad.Paddling back after the wave I had goose bumps. I reachedthe peak again and now I wanted more, bring it on. One of thebiggest sets of the day comes and lands right on my head, fulltop to bottom barrel right in front of me. I bail. My leash snapsinstantly. I start swimming. Its solid so the only way in is to swiminto the impact zone and get washed in.Once I reached the safety of the lagoon. Another surfer startsyelling to me “F**k’n HELP” There’s another surfer in deep s**t.I reach them and there’s one guy in a bad way. He’s incoherentand can’t help himself. Another guy comes over to help and wedo our best to move this guy over the reef to the beach. We gethim to the beach and send for the doctor. Turns out he’s brokenhis pelvis. He was lucky not to drown. I’ve never seen someonein so much pain…The guy had medical insurance. So thehelicopter was ordered. Bali air was busy taking some golf tour?!They ended up having to move him overland in a minibus!!I found my 6’6’ down the beach, looked like a shark had chewedit up. I wasn’t even bummed that it was in 2 pieces. That boardhad a good life. Many barrels. A Balinese guy now owns the 6’6’,he got it fixed, and is learning to surf on it…Stoked.Join the world’s leading experts in the areas of drowningresearch, policy and practice at the World Conference onDrowning Prevention 2011. Vietnam is a venue that has richcultural, historical and tourism highlights, and with drowninga leading cause of death in the region, it provides an idealplace to debate global efforts to prevent drowning.Danang, VietnamTuesday 10 to Friday 13 May 2011For more information and registrations visitwww.worldconferenceondrowningprevention.orgPresented bySupported by<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 27
new CPR guidelinescome into affectThe International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation(ILCOR) released its latest research on resuscitation inOctober 2010. The <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> Resuscitation Committee(ARC) has discussed the latest research and releasednew guidelines on 31st December 2010. SLSA hassummarised the new guidelines below.Main change affecting lifeguards in aquaticenvironments:The difference between the protocol for the drowned personand the sudden adult cardiac arrest is that for the drownedvictim we (still) deliver 2 breaths before starting the CPR cycle(30:2) whereas in the sudden cardiac arrest we immediatelycommence with the CPR cycle, that is, the 30 compressionsbefore the 2 breaths.Summary of key change areas• Increased emphasis has been placed on high quality CPR(compressions of adequate rate and depth, allowing completechest recoil between compressions, minimising interruptionsin compressions and avoiding excessive ventilation).• Greater attention on the use of a defibrillator within theresuscitation process• An ‘S’ (Send for help) has been added to the acronymDRSABCD. Note that in the past training has stated that youshould send for help after ‘R’ – checking for response, (if therewas no response) but this was not highlighted in the acronym.There is therefore no change to the process other than tohighlight the point.• The major change is that in the victim who is unresponsiveand not breathing normally, CPR commences with chestcompressions rather than rescue breaths.• There is no change to the guideline for the drowned person,that is,D – Check for DangerR – Check for Response, if NO Response,S – Send for HelpA – Check AirwayB – Check Breathing, if Not Breathing, deliver 2 BreathsC – Commence CPR, rate of 30 compressions to 2 breaths,D – Apply Defibrillator• The signs to look for before commencing CPR have beensimplified to ‘responsiveness’ and ‘breathing’ i.e. if notresponsive and not breathing, commence CPR.• The term ‘Signs of <strong>Life</strong>’ is no longer used• Note that there will be minor word changes to support theabove emphasis.• However, there has been a slight change in the protocol for thesudden, adult cardiac arrest (the most common form of arrest)D – Check for DangerR – Check for Response, if NO Response,S – Send for HelpA – Check AirwayB – Check Breathing, if Not Breathing,C – Commence CPR, rate of 30 compressions to 2 breaths,d – Apply Defibrillator• The difference between the protocol for the drowned personand the sudden adult cardiac arrest is that for the drownedvictim we still deliver 2 breaths before starting the CPR cycle(30:2) whereas in the sudden cardiac arrest we immediatelycommence with the CPR cycle, that is, the 30 compressionsbefore the 2 breaths.When is Compression ONLY CPR useful?Compression-only CPR relies on the fact that in sudden, adultcardiac arrest the lungs and blood contain oxygen at themoment the heart stops. For the first few minutes afterwards,the primary need of the victim is for artificial circulation of theblood to commence. This is provided by chest compressions.It is believed that better results will be obtained if thereare no pauses for rescue breaths. After approximately 5minutes, however, ventilation is required to restore oxygento the body. While a number of International teaching bodieshave advocated ‘CAB’ (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) toemphasise Compressions first and the fact that CompressionOnly CPR is better than nothing, now, the ARC, and <strong>Surf</strong><strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>, will retain the 30:2 ratio for ease of teaching. Inrecognising that any attempt at resuscitation is better thanno attempt at all, if a person is unwilling or unable to performrescue breathing, then Compression Only CPR is better thanno CPR at all.Clarification to the use of Defibrillation andChildrenDefibrillation on children between the ages of 1 and 8 has beenendorsed by both the ARC and <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>.Transition to the new protocols<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> will transition to the new guidelines by 1 June2011. This will require the updating of some resources (thismay be either by an insert or printing of new material). Duringthis period instructors, trainers, and assessors will continuewith their current teaching unless otherwise advised. Theremay be some cases where some people are taught under theold guidelines and some under the new guidelines. <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong><strong>Saving</strong> believes that while the guidelines continue to improvethe process of teaching CPR there is no risk to a person eitherreceiving or delivering CPR.Further information can be obtained by contacting<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>28 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
ip currents –on beach educationthe focus for summerFollowing a review of last season’s Rip Currentcampaign SURF LIFE SAVING has worked alongsidelifesaving and lifeguard services and surf safetyeducators to further develop rip current education usingthe most up-to-date evidence based research.This summer the focus has shifted from mass media to onbeacheducation, getting face-to-face with the public using thelatest educational tools. Here’s a snapshot of what it’s all about.Where it fits into the Rip Current interventionstrategies1. on beach education, 2. targeted advertising, 3. onlinemarketing and education, 4. community education expansion,5. ongoing research.On Beach EducationTeaching people how to spot rip currents is considered difficultusing advertising campaigns that use traditional media channels.With identification of rip currents recognised as one of the majortools for helping reduce rip current related drownings, a series ofeducational resources such as flip charts, educator’s notes, andinstructors guides have been developed to assist surf lifesaversand lifeguards engage the public at the beach. These resourceswill teach the public how to spot rip currents, how they work,and their options if they get caught in one. Most importantly,they reinforce the primary surf safety message which is toalways swim between the red and yellow flags. <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong>produced a set of resources for distribution to identified blackspot drowning locations around <strong>Australia</strong>. Other services areable to access the resources via the BeachSafe website wherethey can be downloaded and printed off to use on the beach.Revised rip current diagram & messagingA new diagram was developed to better convey the rip currentsafety messages to the public with assistance of NOAA.You can survive a rip current by knowing your options• Avoid rip currents by always swimming between the redand yellow flags• For assistance, stay calm, float, and raise an arm to attractattention• To escape a rip, swim parallel to the beach• Always conserve your energy, waves can assist you backto the beach2011* drowning deaths – stats updateDrowning deaths by monthMONTH COASTALDROWNINGJuly 4August 0September 2October 3November 5December 6January^ 5GRAND TOTAL 25Drowning deaths by stateSTATE COASTALDROWNINGNSW 9QLD 6VIC 4WA 4TAS 2NT 0SA 0GRAND TOTAL 25* Period 01/07/10 – 24/01/11. Does not include incidences which arecurrently classified as ‘undetermined’. Source: SLSA Coastal Deaths andDrowning Database^ Coastal Drowning Death – fatality arising from impairment of respiratoryfunction and as a result of immersion in liquid where the place of drowningincludes beaches, harbour/bay/inlet and ocean up to 5nM offshore.2nd International Rip Current SymposiumHosted by <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>Sydney, <strong>Australia</strong>30 Oct – 1 Nov 2012<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 29
timely trial tosave beachgoersIn Western <strong>Australia</strong>, a fresh, new partnership is helpingmake beaches that little bit safer during a cardiacarrest emergency over the summer months. Startingthis season the St John Ambulance ‘First Responder’system has expanded its network of trained people tosome of WA’s busiest beaches in a partnership with <strong>Surf</strong><strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> Western <strong>Australia</strong> (SLSWA).Cardiac arrest is a major killer of people in <strong>Australia</strong> withapproximately 30,000 people dying as a result each year. Thefirst 8-10 minutes is crucial to a person’s survival rate after acardiac arrest (when the heart stops due to an internal electricalmalfunction). Sadly, with every minute of delay, the chance/riskof death increases by 10 percent so a fast response is vital.A cardiac arrest does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone,anytime, anywhere – even on a fun day at or close to the beach.This trial program, in partnership with SLS, will mean an increasein trained ‘First Responders’ available on the scene with adefibrillator device (AED), which could make all the difference tosomeone’s life whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive.This First Responder trial program is running from January4 through to the end of April at some of WA’s most popularseaside spots: Cottesloe Beach in the metropolitan area;Middleton Beach (Albany), Secret Harbour (Rockingham),Smiths Beach(Yallingup) and Yallingup Beach.How the beach-based ‘First Responder’ system trial works:• a triple zero call (000) is received by a St John AmbulanceCommunications officer. If the location is one of these trialbeaches a system alert will be triggered indicating that aregistered <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> First Responder could be close tothe emergency area;• the St John Ambulance Operations Centre despatches anambulance and contacts the First Responder listed for thatbeach; and• the beach-based First Responder heads to the emergencyarea and commences critical resuscitation techniques,including using a semi-automatic defibrillator device (AED)if necessary, particularly if a cardiac arrest or a suspectedcardiac arrest has occurred, prior to the ambulance arriving.“St John Ambulance is really pleased to announce this projectin partnership with <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> WA” said Chief Executiveofficer, Tony Ahern. “We anticipate that this seasonal trialwill be a great asset not just to our organisations in assistingwhen the unimaginable happens, but also for the families andfriends and other beach-goers who are confronted by such anunexpected crisis.”“<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> WA is really excited in moving forward withthis new partnership” said Beach Services Coordinator, Mattdu Plessis, who also runs the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Service (WA).“<strong>Saving</strong> lives and building great communities is our main focus,and by being part of the St John Ambulance First ResponderScheme, we are offering our beach communities, councils andthe general public extended life saving services in public placessuch as public parks and cafes on our beachfronts. We hopethat being part of early intervention strategies during cardiacarrests will save lives”, said du Plessis.If you’d like to know more about the First Responder program,contact Matt on (08) 9243 9444 or mduplessis@mybeach.com.au30 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
ford thinker: slsa has a new president<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> has sworn in a new Presidentwith Immediate Past President Rankin AM steppingdown after 9 years at the helm. Long time Bronte (NSW)<strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong>saver GRAHAM FORD is the new man at thetop and LIFEGUARD spoke to Graham about what itmeans to him and what his goals are for the nationalpeak aquatic rescue organisation.Name:Graham Ford<strong>Surf</strong> Club: Bronte SLSCYears in lifesaving: 20Positions held: Patrol Captain, Club Captain, Trainer,Assessor, Junior Coordinator, various management roles andClub President for the last 10 yearsLIFEGUARD: <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> tends to run in the family, arethere lots of Ford’s running around the beach?Graham Ford: My five kids have been through nippers and havebeen active patrol members and now we have six grandkidsand they are starting out in nippers which ensures that the Fordlegacy in lifesaving continues.LG: What does it mean to you to be a lifesaver?GF: Being a lifesaver is not just a euphemism but a statementof fact. To be part of a team and the camaraderie of the surf istruly unique. Fortunately I can now pass this knowledge andskill of being a lifesaver from one generation to another.LG: What has been your greatest achievement to date inlifesaving?GF: Training and mentoring a nipper who became anoutstanding lifesaver and performed an amazing rescue off thecliffs of Bronte which saved a person’s life and was recognisedby SLSA with a meritorious award.LG: Why did you choose to stand for president of SLSA?GF: To represent the grass roots of the organisation, its Clubsand members and to help develop a strategic plan that all levelsof the organisation have input.LG: With a new President comes new ideas, what are yourmain goals for your time as president?GF: My goal is to ensure all levels of the organisation areworking together off a universally agreed strategic plan. Weneed every member, volunteer or paid, to take ownership of theplan and communicate together effectively. We also need thegreater lifesaving industry to all be working on a similar level –working together as one.LG: Have you ever been a paid lifeguard?GF: No, but my son Stephen has been both locally and overseasin the USA and Channel Islands (UK).LG: Over the last couple of years the relationships betweenSLS and Council operated lifeguard services has been goingfrom strength to strength, what do you see as our biggestopportunity for the future in this area?GF: To deliver a national 24/7 lifesaving emergency rescue andsafety service integrated between clubs, support operations andlifeguard services combining both volunteer and paid staff tomake it happen in the most effective and efficient way.Immediate Past President Ron Rankin AM (L) welcomes newPresident Graham Ford at the opening of SLSA’s new <strong>Surf</strong> Housein Rosebery (NSW).LG: You’ve been patrolling on Bronte for a long time alongsideCouncil lifeguards. How do you work together and maintain agood relationship?GF: It’s a great environment, we work together well, especiallywith most of the lifeguards being club members , like Harries& Hoppo (Harries has been coaching our nipper squads for awhile now and the kids love him). In fact most of the boys fromWaverly Council are or have been Bronte <strong>Surf</strong> Club members.At the end of the day it’s about respect, communication andcooperation between all of us.LG: To finish up, can you finish this sentence: “In the perfectworld lifeguards and lifesavers… (GF:) work together to savelives and keep our beaches safe for the public.”SLSA has new Operations Managerbut still a PeterPeter AgnewPeter George AMPeter Agnew (left)has moved on fromSLSA; Peter GeorgeAM moves from avolunteer role to apaid role at SLSAIn other SLSA operations staff news, long time GeneralManager – Operations, Peter Agnew has moved onafter 9 years in the role. Agnew, who has left to start hisown business in education and mentoring, has playeda leading role in the growth and professionalism of theoperations team and will be sorely missed. The great newsfor the organisation is that past Director of <strong>Life</strong>saving,Peter George AM, who has been on the national Boardof <strong>Life</strong>saving for 15 years – 10 as Director – and is the ILS<strong>Life</strong>saving Commissioner, has stepped in to replace Agnewin a broader role as Chief Operating Officer. George bringsa wealth of experience from both his lifesaving roles and asthe Head of Finance for Property at Westpac for 15 years.Matthew Thompson, SLSA Coastal Safety Services Manager,has taken on a number of Agnew’s responsibilities also.In the next Issue of LIFEGUARD we will take a look back atRon Rankin’s time as president.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 31
fromlifeguardingto paramedicsPhoto: Sarah LawrenceIn 2009 Lachie Holbery-Morgan achieved whatno one in surf life saving had done before. At the annualAwards of Excellence he was awarded DHL <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> ofthe Year and DHL <strong>Life</strong>saver of the year – rewarding himfor his commitment and professionalism as both a paidlifeguard and volunteer lifesaver. LIFEGUARD rovingreporter SARAH LAWRENCE chatted to Lachie about hischange in professional career – but don’t worry he’s notlost to lifesaving.By Sarah LawrenceAfter being awarded <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> Saver of the Year in2009, Anglesea’s Lachie Holbery-Morgan has not stopped toslow down. The 26 year old has fulfilled his dream of becominga paramedic this year as part of a training program whilefinishing his last two years of study. “I’ve found it to be a reallyhumbling and rewarding experience. After life guarding for8 years, to see things from a paramedic perspective hasbeen incredible.”Holbery-Morgan is one of the most enthusiastic and dedicatedlife savers on the surf coast of Victoria. On the volunteer side hehas dedicated hundreds of hours volunteering as Chief Instructorand now a Director of Rescue Services at the Anglesea <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong><strong>Saving</strong> Club. In his professional involvement, he completed hisgold medallion at 18 then progressed to being a lifeguard, seniorlifeguard and instructor for others wanting to complete theirgold. He also was named 2008 Victorian <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> of the Year.It only seemed natural to him to continue his passion for helpingpeople by studying paramedics.“I get great satisfaction from helping people – it’s the same withparamedics and life saving,” said Holbery-Morgan. There is somuch to learn with it too. If you think you have learnt it all orenough, you are kidding yourself.” I was always interested inparamedics. I wanted to do it when I finished school however atthe time you had to be older so I went to study science/geologyat The University of Melbourne before changing over threeyears ago,” he said.He believes his life saving experience has put him in good steadfor dealing with the high pressures of ambulance work. “Withlife saving, you learn and teach CPR as well as first aid with thehope that you will never have to do it. But with paramedics thereis a frequency to use it more often and this has added a greaterdepth to my skills and knowledge. And just like lifeguarding,you work with one person for an extended period but it’s coolbecause everyone is like-minded.“I enjoy the challenge. It is different every day, theclinical and analytical thinking.”Holbery-Morgan’s also attributes his love for the role ofparamedic and lifeguard coming from liking to do things ata grass roots level. “I’d rather be on the beach patrolling ortraining Bronze groups than sitting in a board meeting,” hesaid. Having to work and live in Melbourne has not dampenedHolbery-Morgan’s passion for the coast as he looks forward tocontinuing volunteer patrolling over summer. “On days off, I goback to Anglesea to get down the coast and relax. It’s like a miniholiday, I try to fit in as much as possible – swimming, riding andsurfing. This year Anglesea won <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong> Club of the yearso it’s a great place to be over summer,” he said.32 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
new australian standardsThe new <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> Standard for water safety signsand beach safety flags has recently been released afterindustry wide consultation over more than eight years.ADAM WEIR, SLSA’s Coastal Risk Manager providesa short summary of the changes. For a complete copyof the latest Standards visit the SAI Global Info Store(http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store) and search forstandard “2416”The <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>/New Zealand Standard 2416:2010 Water SafetySigns and Beach Safety Flags was released on 12 November2010. This standard supersedes AS 2416:2002 and is anadoption, (with some national modifications), of ISO 20712-2:2007, Water Safety Signs and Beach Safety Flags, Part 2:Specifications for Beach Safety Flags – Colour, Shape, Meaningand Performance.A/NZS 2416:2010Symbol No. WSW015- Warning; StrongcurrentsExamples of beach flagaugmentation “feather”(as shown in A/NZS 2416:2010.2- page 9)A/NZS 2416:2010Symbol No. WSW015 -Warning; Strong currents(with diamond shapedbackground)A/NZS 2416:2010Symbol No. WSW015The blue flags (indicate buffer zonefor surf craft riders) will be replacedby black and white quartersSummary of the major changes affectinglifeguard services• Black-white quartered flags will replace blue board ridingbuffer (boundary) flags• Feathered flags are now included in the standard• Triangles added to options for international symbol signshapes (with diamonds)• New ‘Strong Currents’ warning symbol as a valid alternativeto the ‘swimming not advised’ symbol• Symbols available specific to emergency management inthe event of a tsunami are now availableSLSA has developed an implementation plan to guidelifesaving and lifeguard services through the changes toensure national consistency. <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> Services with questionsregarding the new standards should contact their SLS stateoffice in the first instance or Adam Weir at SLSA.It’s in black & white:<strong>Surf</strong>ing flags no LONGer blueThey’ve been a familiar sight on our beaches for many years,but a change in the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> Standards recently releasedmeans the blue flags used to indicate a buffer zone for surfcraft riders near the red and yellow flags will be replaced byblack and white quarters next summer. It all comes downto standardisation with the rest of the world, and for 3,450beaches around the world the blue flag represents a eco-labelawarded based on compliance with 32 criteria covering theaspects of: Environmental Education and Information, WaterQuality, Environmental Management and Safety and Services.Adam Weir, Coastal Risk Manager for <strong>Surf</strong> <strong>Life</strong> <strong>Saving</strong><strong>Australia</strong> says the new standard to indicate a ‘surfboardand other water craft zone or boundary’ is important to getconsistency internationally. “The adoption of the black andwhite quartered flag brings <strong>Australia</strong> into line with the restof the world, making it easier for tourists and visitors tounderstand its meaning.” he said. Asked whether it wouldcause confusion in a country where the beach is at the heartof its culture and surfing is its blood, Mr Weir was confidentthe transition to the new flags would be unproblematic.“There may be some confusion initially, but since they areusually displayed in proximity to the red and yellow flags inconjunction with other information signage this confusion willhopefully be minimised.” He said. “By matching the rest of theworld, the upside will be that visitors from other countries thatcomply with the International Standard will already know andunderstand what the black and white quartered flag signifies.”Weir advises that there will be a ‘teething period’ and thatSLSA has a change management plan in place in which it will beworking with lifesaving services, local councils and the surfingindustry to ensure a smooth transition.“As the new black and white quartered flag is rolled outat locations around <strong>Australia</strong> there will be correspondingchanges to any existing education materials that reference thesuperseded blue flag.” said Weir. “SLSA will be updating its flagrelated educational material to reflect the change as the blackand white quartered flag is rolled out and will be advising othereducation providers to do the same. The blue flags should bephased out as they need to be replaced due to normal wear andtear. Any new ‘surfboard and other water craft zone or boundary’flags should be black and white quartered.” <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong>Service (NSW) Manager Andrew McIvor doesn’t think there’ll bea problem with the transition.“We’re not anticipating any issues from the new standard.” SaidMcIvor “Our lifeguards are tasked to communicate with beachgoers as much as possible, it’s part of being a educational andpreventative service in the first instance.” The new black andwhite quartered flags, including a version with a feather similarto that which has been adopted in the same <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong>Standards release, is to be made available in the SLS <strong>Surf</strong> Shop(www.surfshop.slsa.com.au) as soon as possible. Both SLSservices and Local Councils can purchase from the online <strong>Surf</strong>Shop and will be advised when they are available.<strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011 · 33
science of the surfthe king of tidesBy Dr rOb BranderEvery year around Christmas there’stalk of mysterious ‘king tides’ thatsupposedly rush up the beachinundating hapless sunbathers andswamping coastal properties. It’s abad rap. There’s nothing mysteriousor dangerous about king tides.They are, however, very cosmic.The tide is something we verymuch take for granted. We all know the water comes up andgoes down, but what exactly is it and why does it change everyday and why is it important for beach safety? The answer to thefirst question is that the tide is a wave that has a crest (hightide) and a trough (low tide) just like any other wave. The bigdifference is that the tidal wave is not created by wind, like mostof the waves we see, but by the gravitational pull that both themoon and the sun have on the water in the oceans.The moon orbits around the earth and creates a moving bulgeof water by ‘pulling the water’ towards it. So now there’s amoving bulge of water on one side of the earth and due to thecentrifugal force of the earth’s rotation (we’re spinning), there’sanother bulge on the opposite side of the planet. So if youwere standing on an island in the middle of the ocean, you’dexperience 2 high tides and 2 low tides each day.Most of the <strong><strong>Australia</strong>n</strong> coast does indeed have 2 tides a day, butother coasts don’t because things like continents and islands getin the way, messing up the path of the tidal wave. You may alsonotice that the timing of the tides changes each day, usually byabout 50 minutes. That’s because the earth’s rotation and themoon’s rotation around the earth are a little out of whack…byabout 50 minutes each day. Then there’s the tide range, which isthe vertical difference between high and low tide. You may havenoticed that the high tide creeps a little higher on the beacheach day until it starts retreating on a daily basis. This is wherethe sun comes in.Both the earth and the moon orbit around the sun. When themoon and the sun line up, their gravitational pull on the earth iscombined and we get big tides called spring tides. The high tidecomes up higher and the low tide goes out further (a big tiderange). This happens during a full moon and a new moon, aboutevery 2 weeks. When the moon and sun are lined up at rightangles to the earth, their gravitational pull sort of cancels eachother out and we get neap tides. The high tide doesn’t come upvery far and the low tide doesn’t go out very far (a smalltide range).The good news is that all this stuff is totallypredictable. We know exactly what the timing andheight of a tide will be years in advance.The king tide is just a bigger spring tide that occurs when themoon and sun happen to be particularly close to the earthand that happens about twice a year. The maximum tide rangeon open surf beaches on the east coast is around 2 m. Onceyou get past Fraser Island however, it jumps up to more than6m because the tidal wave gets squeezed between the GreatBarrier Reef and the mainland. Broome in Western <strong>Australia</strong> hasmassive tides of over 9 m. That’s a lot of water moving around.The tide itself is not dangerous to swimmers on surf beaches. Itreally doesn’t generate any tidal currents except in the vicinityof inlets and river mouths where ‘tidal rips’ can be pretty strong.The tide does have a big impact on surf safety though. Mostrips flow fastest around low tide because wave breaking is moreintense due to the shallower water depths. Sometimes ripscan be pretty benign and suddenly ‘switch on’ once the tidedrops to a certain level. Most lifeguards have experienced thecraziness that ensues when this happens!Waves can also start to ‘dump’ and ‘close out’ more towards lowtide although this depends a lot on the shape of the particularbeach and the patterns of sandbanks. The tide range also affectswhat a beach may look like. The bigger the tide range, the widerand flatter the beach will be and you’ll only find rips and bars atthe seaward edge of the beach at low tide.34 · <strong><strong>Life</strong>guard</strong> · Issue 5 Summer 2011
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