National Standard Operating Procedures - Jul 2022

Missing Person(s) - NSOP
Section 6 – Emergency Operations
Version Number: 1.0
Effective Date: 1 October 2021
Review Date: 30 April 2023
Document Owner: National Lifesaving Manager
1.0 PURPOSE
To outline the recommended guidelines in the event of the missing person(s) while surf lifeguards
are on duty.
2.0 SCOPE
All patrols and services.
3.0 REQUIREMENTS
Required PPE
N/A
Awards/Licenses
N/A
Training
N/A
Other
N/A
Equipment
N/A
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Search and Rescue operations should only be carried out if the patrol has the confidence and
training to deal with the situation. If in any doubt, the after-hours callout squad and/or the
NZ Police should be contacted promptly (depending on the type of search).
Before conducting a search, the patrol must ensure the safety of patrons in the patrolled
area. There are three types of searches Surf Lifeguards are often called on to carry out:
Lost Person: Where a family member, friend, guardian, or external agency (Police,
Coastguard) approaches the lifeguard/patrol and reports a person missing (either ‘on land’ or
‘in-water’).
Found Person: Where the patrol either a) is approached by a member of the public who has
lost their group/parent/guardian; b) comes across someone who appears distressed and lost;
or c) when a member of the public finds the child/person and hands them over to a patrol
member.
NSOP
MISSING PERSONS NSOP_FINAL 87