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The Prime Minister has made further announcements including that public gatherings will now be reduced to a maximum of two people. Please do not hang down at the club in groups greater than two.

SLSQ Lifesaving Committee is meeting regularly and will advise after these new restrictions have been made in regards to patrols next weekend. SLSQ will take into consideration the updated restrictions with the health and safety of members being the number one priority.

The Management Committee is working hard in the background to ensure our great family club survives this crisis.

Your in surf,

Paul Mann
Club Captain

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We are in unprecedented times and you would have seen the steps the club has taken by restricting access and the office staff working from home.

Surf Lifesaving has a long and proud history of serving the community and we continue to do so today. Currently, Surf Lifesavers are considered emergency service workers.

SLSA, SLSQ, South Coast Branch and Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC hold your health and safety as the number one priority. Therefore, there are changes to our patrol obligations moving forward. SLSQ and South Coast Branch have initiated Level 3 Surveillance Patrolling.

What does Level 3 Surveillance Patrolling mean to patrol members?

-We will only have 3 Bronze Medallion holders on surveillance patrol.
-Your Patrol Captain will contact you to discuss patrolling and your situation.
-SRC’s will not be patrolling for the near future.
-Only the driver will operate the SSV. Therefore, there is no requirement for roving patrols.
-Only 1 person per patrol is to operate the SSV and tractor.
-Prior to operating the SSV and tractor the driver is to wipe down hand contact points. Wipes and Spray and Wipe will be in the IRB shed.
-No flags or patrol area is to be set up on the beach.
-Only “do not swim” signs identifying rips is to be placed on the beach.
-SSV to be loaded with 2 boards, 3 rescue tubes, 1 x red first aid kit, 3 bum bags.
-IRB to be set up and placed on the grass next to the ramp for rapid deployment if required. If the 3 members on patrol do not include an IRB driver and crew, please ensure that LIMSOC shows the IRB as non-operational.
-A tent is to be erected next to the lifeguard tower. The 3 patrol members are to complete surveillance patrol are to use the tent and lifeguard tower for shade.
-Patrol members MUST adhere to 1.5m social distancing. This is critical, patrolling members are highly visible and if social distancing is not being adhered to it is highly likely a member of the public will take a photo and send it to the media. This occurred with Gold Coast City Council workers yesterday.
-Please use witches’ hats around the tent and lifeguard tower to create a visual barrier between patrolling members and the public.
-Patrolling members are NOT to interact with the public unless performing a rescue. Should any members of the public have any questions please maintain social distancing. Do not be afraid to ask a member of the public to take 3 steps backwards away from you.
-Signage for the A Frame will be made today stating:
There is no flagged area at this beach
This beach is currently under surveillance patrol due to the COVID-19 issue.
Please re-consider swimming at this beach – for your health and our health and safety.
-To reduce the risk only the Saturday morning patrol is to check the oxygen levels and first aid room.
-It is ok for patrolling members to not feel comfortable to patrol but please let your Patrol Captain know.
-If you are a vulnerable person or have a vulnerable person at home with please discuss with your Patrol Captain as it is advised that you should not patrol.
Why are we taking these measures?

To protect the health and safety of members
By not having flags set up or having a presence on the beach, discouraging members of the public to swim.

The Club Captains from each South Coast Branch have a conference call every Thursday night to discuss this ever-evolving situation. I will update you each Friday morning or sooner if further information comes to hand.

We are all in this together and we will get through it. The management of the club is working very hard in the background to ensure the club will come out on the other side.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone for support.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Yours in surf,

Paul Mann
Club Captain

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Background

Coronavirus COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms can include fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and other ailments. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection. The situation relating to the virus and measures to slow the spreading of the virus is changing rapidly on Governments and expert medical advice. Mermaid Beach SLSC in conjunction with partners are monitoring the changing environment and continue to act consistent and swiftly on that advice.

There are some general practices that everyone should do:

• 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.

As I said earlier, Mermaid is a family and we are confident that with a considered and collective approach, we will continue to fulfil our patrol obligations and look after the welfare of our members.
Paul Mann – Club Captain

Current Position – 25 March 2020

• Rafiki Cafe – OPEN (for takeaway only)
• Supporters Club – CLOSED
• Junior State Titles – CANCELLED
• Masters State Titles – CANCELLED
• Senior State Titles – CANCELLED
• Australian Youth Titles – CANCELLED
• Australian Masters Titles – CANCELLED
• Australian Titles Members – CANCELLED
• Current and future SRC and Bronze Training – SUSPENDED
• All training – SUSPENDED
• Sunday morning surf race – SUSPENDED
• Club gym – CLOSED
• Supporters Club – CLOSED
• Captain’s Keg – CANCELLED
• Club Presentation Night – CANCELLED
• Club AGM – To Be Advised
• Club usage – SUSPENDED
• Shower and toilet facilities – Limited Use maintaining social distancing

SURF PATROLS:

• Open Beach = Full Rostered Patrol

• Closed Beach due to other circumstances = TBA

• Voluntary patrols to cease immediately

If you have a patient present with flu like symptoms, please withdraw yourself from the situation and advise the patient to contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. Please DO NOT send the patient to the club house or first aid room.

CLUB OFFICE: 

Will remain open until further notice. Enquiries are preferred via phone or email

Management Committee meetings – CONTINUING may be by way of a conference call or in person

USEFUL WEBSITES

Queensland Health
Australian Government, Department of Health
World Health Organisation
Centers for Disease Control and Infection

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