Somerton Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach at Somerton Park between King Street, Hove (to the south) and Robert Street, Glenelg South (to the north). Our flags are positioned in front of the Club (corner of Repton Road and the Esplanade, Somerton Park) and we encourage swimmers to swim between the flags.

Patrol days are weekends and public holidays from October to Easter weekend, usually from 12 noon to 5pm. There will also be surveillance patrols on public holidays and voluntary hot weather patrols as requested by SLSSA.

Information for patrolling surf life savers

Patrol Times

Patrol hours are from 12 noon until 5pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your patrol and be ready in your uniform to report to your Patrol Captain. If you are going to be late or have to leave early, then you must advise your Patrol Captain as soon as possible.

All patrolling members must assist with setting up and packing up the patrol gear.

Uniform

While on patrol, you must wear the following:

  • Yellow Patrol Shirt (as supplied by SLSA)
  • Red Patrol Shorts (as supplied by SLSA)
  • Red and Yellow Quartered Patrol Cap (is to be worn on the head and secured under the chin at all times when on patrol)
  • Bathers
  • A wide-brimmed patrol hat or peaked patrol cap (SLSA)

Inclement weather

If the weather is inclement, patrolling members may wear warm outer clothing such as a club jacket or surf rescue jacket (you can purchase these at your own cost). You may wear tracksuits, or fitness tights. Jeans or zip up pants must not be worn.

Patrol Attendance

Patrolling members are responsible for checking their patrol roster and making arrangements to be available for patrolling on their designated dates or organising substitutes. The patrol roster is located on the club’s internal app, Facebook group page and the SLSSA Members’ Portal.

If you are not able to make your designated patrols, you must notify your Patrol Captain or Vice Captain of your unavailability and arrange a suitable substitute.

You can do this by:

  • Buddying up with someone from another patrol so you can sub for each other;
  • Posting in the Patrol Swap chat on the club’s app

Please remember to let your Patrol Captain know of the change and who will be replacing you on the patrol, or if you have exhausted all attempts and not been able to find a substitute. Either way, you must communicate this with your Patrol Captain or you will be recorded as a “No Show” and will be subject to the penalties outlined below.

Skills Maitenance

All awards (Bronze and SRC) have an annual skills maitenance that needs to be completed to maintain your awards. A portion will include online learning and may also include a physical portion. Skills maitenance must be completed by December 31.   It is each member’s responsibility to check their SLSA Member Portal to complete their required skills maitenance.

Working With Children Check

It is mandatory that all Patrolling Members have a current Working With Children Check and a copy must be provided to the Member Protection Information Officer at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions about any of the requirements listed above,  please contact the Club Captain.