COVID-19 Updates & Resources

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates & Resources

SLSWA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our members and, with the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency continuing to escalate, we feel it is important to provide as much information to you that is relevant in your role as lifesavers, emergency first responders and community members.

Full details of all announcements can be found on the WA Government website

PAGE LAST UPDATED: Monday, 12 July 2021 at 9.00am

LATEST UPDATES

12/07/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

From 12.01am Monday, 12 July 2021 WA returns to pre-lockdown conditions.

This means no more masks, no capacity or crowd limits, no service restrictions, no limits on hospital or aged care visits and the return of dancefloors, major events and standing crowds at live performances.

Controlled border arrangements and restrictions on travel to remote communities and contact registers remain in place.

5/07/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

From 12.01am Tuesday, 6 July through to 12.01am Monday, 12 July 2021 some transitional restrictions will remain in place for the Perth & Peel region.

More information can be found on the WA Government website.

2/07/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

The Perth and Peel lockdown will end as scheduled at 12.01 am Saturday, 3 July 2021, and move to interim restrictions for three days, until 12.01 am Tuesday, 6 July

Following that, pending ongoing health advice, some further transitional restrictions will remain until Monday, 12 July;

Health advice permitting, by 12.01 am Monday, 12 July Perth & Peel will return to pre-lockdown life.

The interim restrictions in place until 12.01 am Tuesday, 6 July include:

People are encouraged to continue working from home and masks are still required to be worn indoors, outdoors and on public transport, unless exempt or for outdoor vigorous exercise;
Professional and outdoor community sports, including training, are permitted, but without spectators. Indoor community sport is not permitted;
Fitness venues including gyms, pilates, yoga, dance studios can open with four square metre capacity rule and 20 patron limit in place;
Events are not permitted. Certain sporting events in a stadium permitted with no spectators.
Four square metre capacity rule and 20 patron limit for restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, casinos, nightclubs, entertainment venues and public venues – for seated food and drink service only;
Public venues such as recreation centres, outdoor playgrounds, museums, swimming pools can open with the four square metre capacity rule and 20 patron limit in place.
The full list of restrictions in relation to education, businesses, hospitals and aged care facilities etc., can be found on the WA Government website.

The intrastate Perth and Peel border will be removed, meaning people can travel within WA, with the exception of some remote Aboriginal communities. However, anyone who has been in Perth and Peel since Sunday, 27 June is subject to the same mask-wearing requirements and will not be allowed to visit hospitality, entertainment, recreation venues or other public gatherings. People are permitted to enter retail venues and purchase takeaway.

People identified as casual contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are not permitted to travel outside the Perth and Peel regions until 12:01am Monday 12 July, unless for essential or compassionate reasons.

Full details of the announcement and restrictions can be found on the WA Government website

Interim restrictions from 12.01am Tuesday, 6 July until 12.01am Monday, 12 July 2021 include:

Masks will not be required outside where physical distancing is possible;
Masks will remain mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport. Exemptions apply including for medical reasons and primary school aged children or younger. People should use common sense and take a mask with them whenever they leave home;
Two square metre capacity rule and 150 patron limit will apply to most venues, including weddings and funerals;
Indoor and outdoor community sport will be able to resume with spectators.

29/06/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

4-day lockdown introduced for Perth and Peel

Effective from 12.01am Tuesday, 29 June 2021, the Perth and Peel region will enter a minimum 4-day lockdown until 12.01am Saturday 03 July 2021.

Travel from Perth and Peel to other regions will not be permitted, unless for essential purposes.

You are required to stay home unless you need to:

work because it’s not possible to work from home. Refer to the list of essential workers
shop for essentials like groceries, medicine and necessary supplies, including click and collect, within 5km from your home or closest practicable location
attend to medical or health care needs including emergencies, compassionate requirements and looking after the vulnerable;
exercise with a maximum of two adults from the same household (children under 18 years are not counted), limited to one hour per day within a 5km radius from home, and masks must be worn, except for vigorous exercise.
receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or
leave due to an emergency (e.g. emergencies, fleeing domestic violence).

Further details around what you can and can’t do can be found here

The infographic below can be downloaded here.

28/06/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

Effective from 12pm, Sunday 27 June, restrictions will be introduced for Perth and Peel for a minimum of 3 days. This follows a community case of COVID-19 being detected in WA, relating to NSW travel.

Masks are now mandatory indoors, on public transport and outdoors where physical distancing is not possible. Mask wearing does not apply to primary aged school students and those who are exempt.
Limit of 30 visitors to the home.
150 patrol limit and 2sqm rule for hospitality, beauty/hairdressing, public venues, fitness venues, casinos, nightclubs & places of worship.
Community sport is permitted.
Schools are open with masks mandatory except for primary aged students.
Weddings & funerals limited to 150 attendees.
Maximum of 4 personal visitors per patient per day at hospitals, aged and disability care.
Travel should be minimised out of Perth and Peel – anyone who travels outside Perth and Peel are required to wear a mask. Travel to remote Aboriginal communities remains restricted.

Check the locations in WA visited by the confirmed case here and follow instructions accordingly.

21/06/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA – PHASE 5

From 12.01am Wednesday, 23 June 2021 WA will transition to Phase 5 of the COVID-19 roadmap.

Phase 5 will result in:

The removal of the two square metre rule.
The removal of the 75% capacity limit for hospitality & entertainment venues.
Major events of all kinds resuming with no limits on size or crowds.

The following remain in place to continue keeping WA safe:

Mandatory contact registers
COVID Safety Plans for businesses
COVID Event Plans for large-scale events
WA’s controlled border
Travel restrictions to some remote Aboriginal communities.

For more detailed information visit the State Government website here.

30/04/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA – EASE OF RESTRICTIONS

Eased restrictions will be in place from 12.01am Saturday, 1 May through to 12.01am Saturday, 8 May.

Masks required in public indoor spaces (including public transport & workplaces) and public outdoor settings where it isn’t possible to physically distance
Masks are no longer required in public while outdoors, provided it is physically possible to physically distance from others
Indoor fitness venues, dance studios, and gyms can reopen, noting mask requirements
Indoor & outdoor community sport may resume with spectators
All elective surgeries can resume
Private gatherings at home will be limited to 30 people, as masks are not required at home
Outdoor gatherings return to previous conditions, with COVID event plans required for large events
All businesses and venues can reopen, most can return to pre-lockdown capacities, except for nightclubs (4sqm capacity rule applies)

27/04/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA – INTERIM RESTRICTIONS

The interim restrictions will be in place from 12.01am Tuesday 27 April, through to 12.01am on Saturday 1 May.

Masks will remain mandatory, both indoors and outdoors, and on public transport.
20-person limit in all homes, and private indoor and outdoor gatherings.
All public venues including hospitality venues, entertainments venues, and retail outlets can re-open – except for the Casino, nightclubs, and indoor fitness venues.
The 4 square metre capacity rule will be in place for this period only, with a limit of 20 patrons, not including staff.
For hospitality venues, like pubs, cafes and restaurants, it will be seated service only for the next four days.
Community sport and training can proceed with players and officials, but no spectators.
People can travel out of the Perth and Peel regions, to other parts of WA. However, anyone who has been in Perth or Peel since 17 April must wear a mask in public places, as per the requirements above.

23/04/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA – LOCKDOWN

Three day lockdown for Perth & Peel announcement

16/02/2021 | MANDATORY CONTACT REGISTER

It is mandatory for particular businesses and venues to maintain a contact register by collecting contact details of patrons attending their premises, including customers, staff, contractors and visitors.

If you are heading to the beach for any of our surf sports events, you will need to check in via the SafeWA app, this is for both spectators and competitors. You will find the QR codes on signs located along the beach access paths or you can manually sign in with a COVID Safety Marshal at the events – they will be wearing pink vests.

Information obtained through the SafeWA app goes directly to WA Health, and is securely stored for at least 28 days, unless it is needed for contact tracing.

This means your contact information from SafeWA is not accessible to businesses.

15/02/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

The Perth and Peel restrictions have ended as planned from 12.01am, Sunday, 14 February.

The whole of Western Australia returns to the pre-lockdown conditions, as experienced prior to 6pm on Sunday, 31 January 2021.

The Chief Health Officer has advised that the full 14-day incubation period has run its course, with no indication of any community transmission.

From Sunday, 14 February masks are no longer required to be worn either inside or outside, there will be no travel restrictions in WA, except for remote Aboriginal communities and mandatory contact registration will continue, as was planned prior to the lockdown.

Western Australians should continue to practise physical distancing where possible, maintain good personal hygiene at all times and get tested when unwell.

It is vital that all Western Australians ensure they are registering their contact details, at businesses and venues where contact registers are mandatory, to assist contact tracing if it is required.

As was the case before the lockdown, public or private events involving more than 500 patrons that require local government authority approval will need an approved COVID Event Plan as part of that process.

05/02/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

The State Government has announced that the Perth, Peel and South-West Regions will be coming out of lockdown at 6PM tonight, Friday Feb 5. This is pending ongoing testing results and expert health advice.

Regions Under Lockdown
The Perth and Peel regions will still have some restrictions in place, until 12.01 am Sunday, February 14. The South West will return immediately to pre-lockdown conditions at 6:00 pm Friday 5 February.

Restrictions

The post-lockdown transition period for Perth and Peel includes:

Wearing a mask when in public and while at work, unless exempt or for vigorous outdoor exercise
All businesses can reopen, except for the casino and nightclubs
4 square metre capacity rule in place for businesses and venues, up to a maximum of 150
150-person capacity at all events including weddings, funerals and community sport
Seated service only at hospitality venues
Dancing only permitted at weddings and dance studios
20-person limit for private indoor and outdoor gatherings
Visits to aged care and disability care facilities restricted to compassionate grounds
Residential school and boarding facilities can resume with a COVID Safety Plan
Only essential travel permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA

What this means within Surf Life Saving WA:

Regions

These restrictions apply to clubs in the Perth and Peel Regions.

SLSWA Office and SLSWA Patrolling Services

The SLSWA Office will reopen Monday 8 February.

Volunteer Patrols

Patrols should continue. The Lifesaving Department will issue an updated Patrol Procedure today directly to club Lifesaving Directors/ Managers to assist with the application of the new restrictions.

Member and Community training

Training can resume. The Education Department will issue an updated Training Procedure today directly to club Education Directors/ Managers to assist with the application of the new restrictions

SLSWA and Club Nipper and Surf Sports Events

The SunSmart Nipper Metro Qualifier will no longer commence on Saturday 13 February. It will instead commence on Sunday 14 February (subject to any extension of restrictions) as scheduled. Some events may need to be rescheduled to a later date. A revised Program will be released shortly.

All club Nipper and club Surf Sport activities should follow 150-person capacity rule (including spectators and officials) for community sport.

SLS club venues

Your facilities can reopen. You need to refer to the WA Government advice at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus to determine the restrictions that apply to your reopening.

As information becomes available we will provide updates.

Latest Updates

Keep up to date with latest updates from the WA Government
at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

1/02/2021 | COVID-19 UPDATE WA

What this means within Surf Life Saving WA:

Regions

The lockdown is only for Perth, Peel and South West Region. Clubs outside these regions can still operate.

SLSWA Office and SLSWA Patrolling Services

The SLSWA Office will be open to staff only.

Essential workers (which includes patrolling lifesavers) associated with providing Lifesaving services may continue to work from the office and at their patrolling locations.

Volunteer Patrols

The conduct of club patrols is considered an essential activity and may therefore continue. Some clubs also offer mid-week patrols and these may continue also. This week is forecast to be very hot and with the release of this lockdown notice beaches may be busy. At this time, SLSWA advises that club patrol obligations should remain unchanged where possible. SLSWA recommends that clubs do not penalise any patrol member who is unable (due to self-isolation, illness or obligation as a carer) or does not feel comfortable attending patrol.

Member and Community training

All training programs, including Bronze Medallion and First Aid courses should be ceased during the lockdown period.

SLSWA and Club Nipper and Surf Sports Events

All Nipper and Surf Sport activities should cease during the lockdown period.

To provide certainty SLSWA now advises that the following SLSWA events will be postponed due to this lockdown as essential event preparations cannot be completed during the lockdown period.

SunSmart WA Surf League – Round 3 February 6 at Trigg Beach
SunSmart WA Surf Boat Championships (Short Course) – February 7 at Trigg Beach

SLS club venues

These facilities are now restricted from opening. Clubs need to refer to the WA Government advice at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus for advice.

As information becomes available we will provide updates. Stay Safe.

9/12/2020 | Latest health advice for travel from South Australia

The WA Government has announced that from this Friday, 11 December 2020, South Australia will be reclassified to ‘low risk’ from its current ‘medium risk’ classification.

Travellers from South Australia will be permitted to enter WA under the ‘low risk’ classification and will be required to comply with the following conditions

Take a COVID-19 test at the airport COVID clinic, if deemed necessary by a health clinician
Self-Quarantine for 14 days in a suitable premises and
Present for a COVID-19 test on day 11

Until Friday, 11 December, travel from South Australia remains prohibited unless travellers meet the strict exemption criteria. This includes anyone who has been to South Australia in the previous 14 days or is travelling through South Australia on their way to WA.

1/12/2020 | Travel from Victoria and New South Wales into WA

From Tuesday, 8 December 2020, travel from Victoria and NSW will be classified as ‘very low risk’, subject to no further outbreaks.

From Tuesday, 8 December 2020, travel from Victoria and NSW will be permitted into WA with the following conditions:

All Perth Airport arrivals to undergo a health screening and temperature test on arrival.
Travellers must be prepared to take a COVID-19 test at the airport COVID clinic, if deemed necessary.
Travellers must complete a G2G pass declaration, stating they do not have COVID-19 symptoms and stipulating which jurisdictions the traveller has been in over the previous 14 days.
All travellers to receive a SMS health check reminder one week into their stay in WA
All land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint for a health screening and to have their G2G pass declaration checked.

Travel from South Australia remains a ‘medium risk’ jurisdiction until at least 11 December 2020 – pending a review of these arrangements next week.

26/11/2020 | Maintaining Contact Tracing Registers: a requirement to keep WA safe

From Saturday, December 5, particular WA businesses and venues will be required to maintain a mandatory contact register for staff and patrons.

The reintroduction of contact registers is an additional protection measure and will assist the WA Department of Health contact tracing, should it be required.

To assist in maintaining safe and accurate contact tracing records, the WA Government has developed the free, SafeWA app – an online contact register system that uses QR codes for patrons and staff to scan to register their attendance. SafeWA can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play from 25 November 2020. This will allow businesses and venues, which choose to use the SafeWA app, time to implement it for Saturday, 5 December 2020.

The app is being provided as a free, easy, contactless solution, however the use of SafeWA is not mandatory and each business may use other materials as contact registers, depending on what is suitable for their needs.

Businesses/Venues required to keep a contact register include:

Food and licensed venues (i.e. restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs)
Gyms, indoor sporting centres and pools
Places of worship and funeral parlours
Beauty and personal care services including hairdressers and barbers
Galleries and museums, cinemas, theatre and other entertainment venues
Auction houses and real estate inspections
Community facilities (libraries etc) and function centres
Zoos and amusement parks
Accommodation facilities that already have check-in arrangements in place.

24/11/2020 | Additional stricter controls for SA arrivals

As of Monday, 16 November (6pm), there are further restrictions in place for anyone travelling into WA that has been in South Australia in the previous 14 days, unless they meet new exemption requirements, self-quarantine and undertake COVID-19 testing.

11/11/2020 | Controlled Interstate Border

Western Australia is set to transition to a safe and sensible controlled interstate border based on the latest public health advice.

Changes to WA’s border arrangements

From Saturday 14 November 2020, WA will transition to a safe and sensible controlled border arrangement.

WA’s new controlled interstate border arrangement is dependent on every state and territory in Australia recording a 14-day rolling average of less than 5 community cases of COVID-19 per day.

Conditions of entry

All interstate travellers to WA are subject to:

Completion of a G2G PASS declaration
Health screening and temperature test on arrival at Perth Airport
COVID-19 testing, if required.

Very low risk states and territories (no community cases in 28 days)

Not required to quarantine
Currently includes Tasmania, NT, ACT, Queensland and South Australia

Low risk states and territories (less than 5 community cases per day on a 14-day rolling average)

Currently includes New South Wales and Victoria
Must self-quarantine for 14 days in a suitable premises
Must present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 if still in WA

Other useful resources

For more information see:

24/06/2020 | Phase 4 Roadmap – As of Saturday, 27 June 2020, Phase 4 of the COVID Roadmap comes into effect. Download here.

3/06/2020 | Phase 3 Roadmap – The WA Government has announced that as of 11.59pm, 5 June, Phase 3 of the COVID Roadmap comes into effect. Phase 3 identifies the lifting of several restrictions. Please see the following documents for further details: Phase 3 Roadmap, COVID Safety Guidelines Phase 3 Sport and Recreation

19/05/2020 | Minister Mick Murray of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, has today provided further information on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions relating to Sport and Recreation. The Minister’s message is repeated following in its entirety:

“Good morning all,

Please find attached comprehensive information on phase two of the easing of restrictions and how this will impact the sport and recreation sector. This includes:

This information addresses many of the questions that have been raised by sports over the last week – such as the meaning of ‘minimal shared equipment’ and the division of outdoor spaces – and can be passed onto your affiliated clubs and their members. Thank you for your patience while we compiled this information and these FAQs – I hope you can find answers to all of the questions you may have within these comprehensive documents.

I would also recommend all organisations consult the State of Emergency Declaration once it is published, which will embody the information within the documents attached and will be the ultimate document used for the enforcement of this new restrictions. This will be available here once published.

One thing I do want to clarify is the COVID Safety Plan requirement – while clubs and sporting organisations may elect to complete a COVID Safety Plan, the completion of these plans is only compulsory for organisation or business that controls or operates a venue that was required to close under earlier directives (e.g. a private operator of an indoor sporting facility, a local government that hires an indoor court to a club).

I understand some sport and recreation organisations may be disappointed by the extent to which they are able to resume – but I can assure you these decisions have been made in line with advice from the Chief Health Officer, and ensure we resume activities in an slow and controlled way that protects the health and safety of the community. I understand that restrictions relating to sports are expected to be relaxed further as part of Phase 3, which will be finalised in the coming weeks, and I have passed on the feedback I have already received from industry for consideration as part of this process.

I hope this information is of assistance – and I look forward to seeing the doors of many indoor sporting facilities open again on Monday.

Thank you,

Minister Mick Murray “

12/05/2020 | COVID-19 WA roadmap

7/05/2020 | Community Sport and Active Recreation COVID-19 Factsheet

6/05/2020 | Advice from the Australian Government’s Department of Health: ‘National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities and Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment’.

The National Cabinet met on Friday, 1 May, and agreed to bring forward the review of the first phase of removing baseline restrictions on Friday, 8 May 2020.

They considered and endorsed the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities’ endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principle Committee (AHPPC).

The National Cabinet agreed that sport and recreation will play a significant role as Australia emerges from the COVID-19 environment due to the associated health and economic, social, and cultural benefits it brings. The Cabinet agreed that the resumption of sport and recreation activity at any level must not compromise the health of individuals or the community; it must be based on objective health information to ensure potential transmission rates are conducive to the safe conduct of sport and recreation, and should only occur when activity, stringent, public and personal health measures are observed, and meeting minimum standards. The evidence to date suggests that outdoor activities are a lower risk setting for COVID-19 transmission.

The National Principles will help provide a pathway for a staged return of community and professional sport, as well as recreational activities, without compromising the health of individuals or the community. The staged return will commence in phases with the initial phase accommodating children’s sport and outdoor recreational activities.

The National Cabinet also agreed that the ‘Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment’ developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) provides a guide to the staged resumption of sport and recreation in Australia. For high performance and professional sporting organisations, the regime underpinned in the Framework is considered a minimum baseline standard required to be met before the resumption of training and match play.

The states and territories will be responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through each phase, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.

SLSWA will continue to monitor government announcements to work towards progressing the resumption of sport and recreational activity safely. SLSWA will review the Guidelines and Framework and in line with upcoming government announcements, will provide more tailored guidance on what this may mean for the staged resumption of Surf Life Saving Sport and recreational activities in the future.

1/05/2020 | Memorandum – COVID-19 Update – “Updated Gathering Restrictions” and exceptions to “Stay at Home” Measures.

30/04/2020 | Memorandum – Resources for NFPs: COVID-19 A list of resources available to assist NFPs to navigate their way through the impacts of COVID-19. Includes useful tools, advice and information, much of which is free or low cost and will be beneficial in supporting us all through this time.

7/04/2020 | Find the facts: the Department of Health has released a comprehensive FAQs information sheet, answering common questions about COVID-19 including what it is, how it spreads, if you should get tested, who is most at risk and if you should attend public gatherings. We hope all members will find this useful.

7/04/2020 | Member and Community training update: Resuscitation during COVID-19

“The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) has released the following guidelines for resuscitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document is relevant to SLS members who may need to provide CPR to someone with COVID-19. The key changes to resuscitation guidelines is the risk to the rescuers. SLS members, who find themselves having to perform CPR on a COVID-19 patient, are advised to heed the advice of ANZCOR.”

6/04/2020 | Helpful infographics for the workplace: What to do if a worker has COVID-19 & Five practical steps employers can take to minimise risk

31/03/2020 | SLSA Circular 64 – Skills Maintenance, First Aid and CPR expiry extension dates as a result of COVID-19 and the resulting current restrictions on training.

31/03/2020 | Official WA Government Resources and Updates. Further information on COVID-19: Stay Informed

Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play

Join the governments WhatsApp Channel on iOs or Android

30/03/2020 | Australian Government Department of Health Free Online COVID-19 course

The Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/) has partnered with Aspen Medical in developing a free e-learning course for COVID-19 infection control training.

The online course takes approximately 30 minutes and upon completion you will be issued with an Acknowledgement of Completion certificate.

27/03/2020 | A message to the members from Surf Life Saving WA President, Craig Smith-Gander.

27/03/2020 | Memo to Clubs | Work practice guidelines with respect to COVID-19

This memo is for club Directors of Lifesaving and Patrol Captains outlining guidelines specifically with regards to safety on patrol.

27/03/2020 | SLSWA Lifesaving note to clubs

25/03/2020 | Memo to Clubs | COVID-19: Small Business Support

This memo outlines a range of business and financial support options available to small businesses, including Surf Life Saving Clubs.

25/03/2020 | Notes for SLS entities on conduct of AGMS

23/03/2020 | Updated Advice for all Clubs as follows:

Limits on public gatherings

Venues where large number of people are in once place can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. This applies to all Surf Life Saving club gatherings, surf sports events, SLS award ceremonies and social events. These closures gives our clubs time to understand fully the social distancing requirements.

The following facilities, applicable to SLSWA clubs, were restricted from opening from midday (AEST) from 23 March 2020

Gym, kitchen areas, SLS club venues

These facilities are now restricted from opening, and this applies to all SLS clubs with a gym/fitness centre. These facilities will be closed to all members, including members of the community who use the gym and/or kitchen areas at SLS clubs.

In addition, SLS clubs should not hold any personal training, surf sports training/coaching or fitness bootcamps on the beach.

Services on the beach will remain open to essential Lifesaving patrols only.

Venue Hire and Functions

Club venues are now closed and will no longer be made available to use and hire out for any function (excluding funerals, where this is limited to no more than 10 people and the 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed).

All upcoming functions at SLS club venues should be cancelled or postponed.

Fundraising

All fundraising activities such as doorknocks, BBQs and fundraising in shopping centre environment should be abandoned until health authority advice is amended.

Member and Community training

All training programs, including Bronze Medallion and First Aid courses should be postponed until further notice. Advice from the Australian Resuscitation Council is that teaching of first aid and resuscitation courses should be postponed until the COVID-19 pandemic has abated and expert consensus opinion is that there is no longer an unnecessary risk involved in participating in a course.

Nipper and Club Surf Sports Events

SLSWA now advises that all Nipper programs/events be cancelled as per the new health and public gathering advice from the health authority.

Club events such as carnivals, where large numbers of people will be present, should be cancelled. This includes ocean swims and other community based events. All Club presentation and awards functions and all club social events should be cancelled or postponed.

23/03/2020 | SLSA Free Online COVID-19 Course

SLSA eLearning provider etrainu has created a COVID-19: What It Is, How to Prevent Spread online learning awareness course. It is now available for free on the SLSA learning management system for all members. To access the course through eLearning, please login to the SLSA Members Area or CLICK HERE.

It will take about 5-7 minutes to complete, is interactive and suitable for ages 10+. There is no award issued following completion of the course, and no assessment involved in the course, but for awareness only.

SURF LIFE SAVING WA STATUS

SLSWA OFFICE

SLSWA has undertaken measures to separate employees to improve social distancing by changing work practices. As of the 17th March 2020, the SLSWA workforce has been split into two teams. One team will work from the office and one team will work remotely on alternate weeks. All staff and programs remain available for contact by telephone or email to provide clubs and members with assistance. While these work practices remain in place, access to the SLSWA office is a restricted to non-essential visitors and can only occur via appointment.

PATROLS

SLSWA considers the conduct of patrols as an essential activity. At this time, SLSWA delivered lifeguard, helicopter, jet ski and drone patrols will continue. SurfCom will also continue to function.

SLSWA EVENTS IMPACTED

All SLSWA planned events up to June 30, 2020 have now been cancelled as they are considered non-essential. This includes:

21 – 22 March – SunSmart WA Lifesaving Championships
28 – 29 March – SunSmart WA Senior Surf Life Saving Championships
28 March – Life & Sporting Hall of Fame Member Dinner
4 April – Surf Life Saving WA Nipper & Youth Awards presented by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA
8 May – Coastal Bravery Awards
13 June – President & Member Advisory Forums
13 June – Surf Life Saving WA Awards of Excellence
27 – 28 June – Surf Life Saving WA Pool Rescue Championships

GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS

In issuing the following guidelines for clubs, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) advises clubs to make decisions on activities based on whether the activity is considered essential or non-essential. At this time, clubs should consider discontinuing any non-essential activity.

PATROLS

SLSWA considers the conduct of patrols as an essential activity. At this time, SLSWA advises that club patrol obligations should remain unchanged. All other states are also continuing to provide patrol services. SLSWA understand that if normal protocols are followed there is a low likelihood of risk of infection from undertaking patrolling duties however, it is strongly recommended that patrolling services enact social distancing measures to reduce the likelihood of viral transmission.

Visit mybeach.com.au/mybeach for up to date patrols in WA.

Patrol Personnel Numbers

Patrol captains are encouraged to be flexible with patrol rostering and may consider scaling the number of patrolling members down to reduce the risk of exposure to members.

If changes to practices are implemented by club patrols, then SurfCom and the key contact at the local government should be advised that the club is moving to an amended practice.

Patrols may wish to consider:

Reducing the number of members on patrol at any one time (e.g. 4 – 6 people);

Distancing the number of patrol members in close proximity (e.g. 2 x patrol shelter, 1 x tower, 2 x roving) and undertake more frequent rotations of task and locations
Adjust the length of time each member is required to be on patrol (e.g. 2 hours instead of 4).
Consider the composition of each patrol and the available skill sets.

SLSWA recommends that clubs do not penalise any patrol member who is unable (due to self-isolation, illness or obligation as a carer) or does not feel comfortable attending patrol.

Recommended Actions for Patrol Captains Dealing with Suspected Cases of Coronavirus

Continue to apply normal protocols and use of PPE as per existing protocols with all patients.
If a patrol member is not confident they are adequately protected from a patient that requires resuscitation then patrol members should consider the application of compression only CPR. Mouth- mouth, mouth-nose and mouth-mask should be avoided.
If a patrol has a member with the skill set (ART-Aid or ARTC) they should then move from compression only CPR to using the bag-valve mask at compression rates of 30:2 with oxygen. This is considered preferable to ensure delivery of oxygen while avoiding mouth-mouth, mouth-nose, or mouth-mask.
To support the application bag-valve mask CPR, the composition of available skill sets on patrols may need to assessed and adjusted accordingly. Regular gear checks before, during and after patrol is a requirement of current patrol procedures.
If a patrol member exhibits flu like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing) and/or if it is established that the patrolling member has a high temperature over 38 degrees, withdraw them from activities immediately and ask them to self-isolate.
Patrol Captains should notify SurfCom by phone so the number of members affected can be recorded and tracked. DO NOT broadcast information regarding suspected cases of people with Coronavirus over the radio network
DO NOT treat suspected persons with Coronavirus in surf club first aid rooms or other areas of the club, unless there is a dedicated room and the surf lifesaver is wearing appropriate PPE.
Patrolling members who have been directly exposed to confirmed Coronavirus cases should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water and follow existing guidelines as issued by health authorities, then self-isolate and seek medical attention.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS

SLSWA recommends that Support Operations activities remain unchanged and clubs and relevant members should maintain call-out team preparedness.

NIPPER AND CLUB SURF SPORTS EVENTS

The Federal Government has ordered the cancellation of mass gatherings of more than 500 people in an outside setting and 100 in an indoor setting.

All SLSWA planned events up to June 30, 2020 have now been cancelled as they are considered non-essential.

SLSWA strongly recommends that clubs consider cancelling Nipper events where large numbers of children and adults will be present – even if in the outdoor setting there will be fewer than 500 people in attendance. SLSWA is aware that many clubs have already taken this action.

Club events such as carnivals, where large numbers of people will be present, should be postponed or cancelled. This includes ocean swims and other community based events. Club presentation and awards functions and large club social events should be postponed.

For clubs where particular events may not attract in excess of the maximum limits imposed by the government, it is still strongly recommended that clubs consider postponing these events until advised otherwise.

MEMBER AND COMMUNITY TRAINING

At this time, with state and national event cancellations and, in most parts, the operational patrol season almost at an end, all training activities may be considered non-essential.

While training programs, including Bronze Medallion and First Aid courses can still be delivered, they should only do so if they are considered essential. SLSWA is currently awaiting the issue of a notice from the Australian Resuscitation Council and the Training Accreditation Council (WA) regarding training and application of CPR. The application of social distancing practices is encouraged.

The First Aid Industry Reference Committee (IRC) is currently discussing the reasonable adjustment for first aid training (e.g. allowing compressions-only to achieve competence in the resuscitation Unit of Competency). Please download the Advice for SLSWA Trainers and Assessors

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising activities should be reviewed where the activity could expose members to increased risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Activities such as doorknocks and fundraising BBQs in high-traffic shopping centre environments should be postponed.

GYM, BATHROOM AND KITCHEN AREAS

Infection control for members is already an integral part of member safety however, extra vigilance in cleaning practices is required at this time.

Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is encouraged along with the placement of alcohol based hand sanitiser. Clubs are also encouraged to ensure sufficient supplies of soap are available so regular hand washing can occur.

The Safer Club Guidelines on infectious disease provide relevant information. Section 3.12 on club gyms and 3.14 on infection control are particularly relevant to preventing the spread of Coronavirus.

The guidelines are available on the SLSA portal.

PROTECTING VULNERABLE MEMBERS

Federal and state health departments advise that those most at risk from the Coronavirus are the elderly and people with existing health issues. SLSWA strongly encourages all clubs to implement risk management strategies to limit the potential impact on older members, and members with current health issues, by implementing social distancing and self-isolation practices as advised by health authorities.

Clubs are also encouraged to complete frequent welfare checks with vulnerable members as part of sticking together and helping each other through.

VENUE HIRE AND FUNCTIONS

If clubs wish to continue to engage in the hire of venues or facilities, they should ensure an increased level of hygiene and sanitation is observed in common areas to ensure the safety of club members and visitors.

Functions or gatherings with more than 500 (outside)/100 (inside) must not proceed.

SLSWA strongly recommend clubs consider postponing these events until health authority advice is amended.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON COVID-19

GENERAL HYGIENE MESSAGE

Public visiting the beach does not fall into the category of organised mass public gathering, as such there is no legislation surrounding this activity. However, the advice from all agencies has been to practice good basic hygiene and be conscious of preventative measures such as social distancing.

Pay attention to hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, and avoid touching your face.
Practice cough etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or using a tissue. Dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid close contact with others, such as touching, shaking hands, hugging and kissing
Regularly wipe down surfaces.
Face masks are not recommended for use by members of the public, although anyone who wants to be cautious can of course choose to wear one.
If you feel unwell and develop a fever or shortness of breath, a cough, sore throat or respiratory illness do not come to work, surf club, patrols or events and contact your doctor.