EDITOR,
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Last week’s article Offline - Surf changes lead to beach danger (Times, July 10) had a number of discrepancies and some misinformation that needs to be clarified on the topic of the coastal radio network review by Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).
Kiama SurfCom’s contribution over the years should be commended. The efforts of the volunteers have been fundamental in strengthening SLSNSW’s communications to this point.
However in order to further strengthen the capabilities of our radio network, the system must evolve over time.
In late 2012 a panel of SLSNSW volunteers was established to review the current radio communications systems in NSW and identify opportunities to strengthen this key area. This panel included branch directors of lifesaving, SurfCom managers (including Ballina and Avoca - which are being closed) and the SLSA radio communications advisor.
The review’s primary focus was to enhance radio communications and coordination support to the frontline lifesavers, and strengthen SLSNSW’s ability to keep the public safe.
With SLS in essence now operating as an emergency service, with 24/7 callout capacity, inter-agency leadership expectations and more advanced SurfCom technical/systems training and management, the review panel has recommended the centralisation of communications and coordination to a central hub, made up of the State Operations Centre (SurfCom Belrose) and SurfCom Warringah (both will be run by a volunteer team of highly trained radio operators).
South Coast/Far South Coast club and services will be covered by SurfCom Belrose from 2013-14.
This plan will ultimately result (by 2015) in the entire radio network being monitored and support provided by SurfCom 7/365 during daylight hours.
Last week’s article stated that SLSNSW had ‘back-flipped’ on their decision to close the Kiama SurfCom. This is completely false and as stated above this has been an ongoing consultation over a number of months resulting in a phased rationalisation of the radio network.
It is also important to note that clubs will not have to replace their existing radios. All existing 2012-13 club/service analogue radios will continue to work.
What the changes will mean for clubs/branches
• Less financial and administrative burden on branches (running SurfComs).
• Improved SurfCom monitoring and response to radio calls.
• Greater monitoring and support of clubs, during and outside patrol season (including callouts).
• Faster and higher quality club notification of emergencies from a 000 call.
• Faster provision of ambulance/other support to clubs.
• Better quality information and direction to clubs due to advanced mapping and information technology.
• Improved logging/record keeping and voice recording for training and member safety.
• Vessel tracking technology – improving emergency response, search coordination and improved member safety.
• Improved inter-agency communication/coordination with SLS (LG/Heli/Police/Ambul/SES/MRNSW).
• Improved support to callout teams and branch duty officers.
• More efficient patrol sign-ons/sign-offs and data collection.
• Improved quality of data immediately available for branches/clubs for reporting and media (improved recognition).
• Improved consistency in radio procedures – having a flow-on effect to club/patrol radio skills.
• Quicker identification and resolution of radio faults/failures (including implementing alternative contingency plans).
• Greater accountability and performance standards expected and delivered by a central SurfCom (and any performance issues resolved faster).
• Larger membership base to call on volunteers
What it won’t mean for clubs/branches
• Reduction in radio coverage/quality.
• Volunteer SurfCom Operators replaced by paid staff.
• Delays and lower quality information to clubs.
It is important to note that SLSNSW already provides state-wide SurfCom coverage and support to over 80 Australian Lifeguard Service patrols from the State Operations Centre (Belrose) Monday-Friday.
And finally, insinuations that safety will be compromised due to these changes is misleading and irresponsible.
Regardless of the status of Kiama SurfCom, the State Operations Centre in Belrose has been getting all emergency calls during weekly daylight hours for over two years now.
Outside business hours and on weekends, the emergency response system which coordinates callouts throughout NSW will continue to be staffed by volunteer state duty officers, who could be located anywhere in the state.
Using sophisticated communications and tracking technology, this system will continue to operate unchanged, providing emergency services with rapid response support in the case of coastal incidents.
I have contacted the presidents of all South Coast surf clubs to assure them that this review will not adversely impact on their activities and will in fact provide them with improved and enhanced communications capabilities and support.
A number of these clubs have said that they are looking forward to seeing how the changes will roll-out and the additional support and back-up services they will be able to access in the future.
Tony Haven
President
Surf Life Saving NSW