Australian Lifeguard magazine - Surf Life Saving Australia

01020403Archie Kalepa (L) with the crew testing the new C4 Waterman equipmentequipped for the jobLifeguards 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 Lifeguard 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 Lifeguard 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 AustralianResuscitation 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 Lifeguards 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 Lifeguards in Maui, theC4 Waterman team brought the product down under tosee if it stands up to Australian 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 Australia.14 · Lifeguard · Issue 5 Summer 2011