Life Saving Radio Communications along the Victorian Coastline [28.04.2010]

Life Saving Victoria has been awarded a grant of $60,000 from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust towards the costs associated with installing an integrated communications network along the Victorian coastline. This much needed network will enable Surf Lifesavers and emergency service agencies to communicate during performance of emergency search and rescue operations.

The current communications infrastructure is severely inadequate with significant delays being experienced in the co-ordination of emergency search and rescue; ‘black spots’ in the current communications network; delayed response for emergency medical assistance for patients on beaches and in the water; and surf lifesavers at risk when working in remote areas outside radio contact.

A state of the art communications centre has been developed which allows all surf lifesaving clubs and external search and rescue agencies to coordinate their operations in the event of an emergency. This ability to centrally coordinate both routine and emergency search and rescue operations along the coastline of Victoria, including inter-agency operations, will eliminate communication delays, confusion, and contribute to the swift location and rescue of victims.

In addition to Life Saving Victoria, all emergency service organisations including Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria State Emergency Service will be granted full access to the communication system to provide the quickest response to emergency situations.

For more information on the activities of Life Saving Victoria, go to www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au