Operations Support

Our operations and support services extend our reach far beyond the red and yellow flags.

At 6:40am on 27 October 2009 a boat broke down on the Gold Coast Seaway. Just as another boat came to assist, both vessels were thrown against the rocks and all five fishermen involved were tossed overboard. While two managed to desperately clamber to safety, three were left stranded in the water with one caught in a crevice on the rocks. An SLSQ early morning jet ski patrol spotted the men in trouble and immediately came to their aid. The man on the rocks, while unable to be removed by boat or ski, was winched to safety by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

When it is a case of life or death, time matters. Our lifesavers and lifeguards use a network of support services, including helicopters, jet rescue boats, off shore rescue boats and rescue water crafts to save lives.

Across Queensland lifesavers and lifeguards on the beach are supported by the Lifesaving Operations Support. These services are critical to our operation, patrolling dangerous and unpatrolled areas and helping guide people back into the flagged areas.

In Queensland, Operations Support services include:

• Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service
• Rescue Water Crafts
• Jet Rescue Boats
• Offshore Rescue Boats;
• SurfCom; and 
• Duty Officers

Importantly Surf Life Saving Operations Support services have become a crucial development in surf rescue. The specialist skills set and rapid motorised response units, which are on call 24 hours a day, provide yet another layer of support in keeping our beaches and aquatic environment safe.

SLSQ Lifesaving Operations Support Application Form 
SLSQ Lifesaving Operations Renewal Form