Obligations
Queensland volunteer surf patrol season generally operates from September to the end of April, with our Northern Clubs operating all year round. Picnic Bay patrols the Strand Beach Townsville and Picnic Bay beach Magnetic Island.

Patrol times are Saturday 1-00 pm to 5-00 pm, Sundays & Public Holidays 9-00 am to 5-00 pm. These times are to be confirmed with our Club’s Patrol Agreement with Branch & SLSQ which may change from time to time.

The Beach Patrol is normally a team of volunteer members rostered onto duty for a specified time that is normally 4—4 1/2 hours. The Patrol Team is co-ordinated by the Patrol Captain who is responsible for the co-ordination of actions in monitoring the beach and in times of rescue or first aid.

The following categories of members must do patrols:

• Active Seniors/ Active Juniors (Under 19)

• Active Reserves

• Active Juniors/Active Cadets (Under 16)

• Nippers (Under 14) who wish to compete in “Senior Carnivals. Lifeguards, Beach Inspectors etc. are not exempt from patrol duties.

All members who wish to compete at any Association championships must be current/proficient and financial member of Picnic Bay SLSC, and have completed the required number of patrol hours as stated by the Club.

The minimum number of personal patrol hours must not be less than 25 hours for the preceding calendar year 1st January to 31st December.

The Minimum requirement of all active reserve members will be 12 hours. New members, members re-joining or members returning after a leave of absence are required to do four (4) hours patrol per month before competing in Club/Branch Championships.
New Members or Returning Members Patrol Hour Requirement

Patrol hours shall only be calculated on the following terms:

• Rostered patrols

• Substitute for another member (These hours will be credited to the member who is actually doing the patrol)

• Voluntary patrols

• Water Safety for Junior Activities at Club level only (Club management to confirm)

• Specialist services (e.g. helicopter, jet boats etc).