Search and Rescue (SAR) Summit 2023

Description

Applications for the SAR Summit are now open and close on March 10th 2023.

If you meet the pre-requisites below you can apply by sending your CV and Club Endorsement (Letter of Endorsement signed by your Club Chairperson) to allan.mundy@surflifesaving.org.nz.

Summit Overview

The NSARS combines dynamic theory sessions, sector-led operational reviews and presentations with several intensive practical and scenario-based activities. Participants will be extended physically and mentally, and a good fitness level is required.

The Summit will provide the participants with an excellent opportunity to network with SAR leaders within SLSNZ and from supporting SAR agencies from around the country to take the learnings back to their respective squads in the regions.

Course Information for Participants

Pre-requisites: 

NOTES: All pre-requisites must be refreshed where appropriate within 12 months before the Course date of May 19th 2023.

For all on-water participants

• All IRB participants must be refreshed drivers.
• Eighteen years of age on the first day of the Summit.
• Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate
• Current Surf First Aid (new framework)
• Senior Lifeguard Award - Patrol Captain
• CIMS Level 4 (for those participating in on-scene coordination roles )
• Current patrolling member of an SLS club
• Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed)
• Swim 400 metres sub 9 minutes
• Minimum 3 years of patrolling experience, either as a Patrol Support or Lifeguard
• Endorsement to attend from your Club Area SAR Coordinator or Club Chairperson.

For All Land Based participants (those not intending to work in the water)

• Surf Lifeguard Award or Patrol Support (refreshed)
• All participants must have attended a CIMS level 4 course before the NSARS
• Eighteen years of age on the first day of the Summit.
• Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate
• Current Surf First Aid (new framework)
• Current patrolling member of an SLS club
• Minimum 3 years of patrolling experience, either as a Patrol Support or Lifeguard
• Endorsement to attend from your Club Area SAR Coordinator or Club Chairperson.

Duration:

Three full days. Transport to Summit on Thursday Evening.

Delivered by:

SLSNZ appointed presenters and instructors.

Who should complete it:  

SAR Coordinators or senior SAR members interested in gaining further experience in Search and Rescue both on the water and within an on-scene coordination capacity.

Material Covered 

1. Scope and operational limits of a SAR operation
2. Technological advancements in SAR Communications
3. Review of past SLSNZ SAR operations
4. Risk assessments and hazard Identification in a SAR deployment
5. Engagement strategies for local multi-agency collaboration
6. Intelligence gathering for Police during a search
7. Search patterns for multiple craft
8. Multi-Agency operation in an SLSNZ context
9. CIMS model for an MSAR operation
10. Application of the CIMS model for on-scene coordination of assets in an MSAR operation during a multi-agency incident.

Outcomes

After the Summit, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the scope and operational limits of a SAR tasking
2. Share an understanding of SAR communications platforms within SLSNZ
3. Understand the requirements of SAR team members for early deployment
4. Apply Operational Risk Assessment within a tasking
5. Identify the requirements for a deceased person's recovery
6. Apply engagement strategies for local multi-agency collaboration
7. Explain intelligence required by Police during a search that may be used in an operational debrief and for a coronial review
8. Experience the application of search patterns for multiple craft
9. Participate in a Multi-Agency operation in an SLSNZ context
10. Apply a CIMS model in an MSAR operation for a multi-agency operation

Course Costs

Course costs $400.00 and is restricted to 24 places only. Successful applicants will be notified by email on March 19th 2023.

Course Information for Presenters & Instructors

The objective of this section is to:

• To outline the process and criteria used by SLSNZ in selecting presenters and instructors for National Search and Rescue Summit (SARS).
• To outline a clear and transparent selection process for members. 

Applications Open: January 1st 2023
Applications Close: February 14^th 2023
Appointments on: February 20^th 2023

Selection Criteria

INSTRUCTOR

To be eligible for selection as an instructor, you must meet the following prerequisites: 

• Current member of a Surf Lifesaving club
• Min 20 years of age
• Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed)
• Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver (only for participating in water activities)
• CIMS Level 4 (for those participating in on-scene coordination roles)
• Surf First Aid (new framework)
• Demonstrated experience in instructing or facilitating training 
• Experience in Search and Rescue
• Have a genuine interest in developing our SAR. 

PRESENTER

• Presenters may be selected as subject matter experts to present material that supports the SAR Summits program, accompanied by their draft presentation upon selection.
• Presenters may request to present at the SAR Summit through the application process below, accompanied by their draft presentation upon application.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• SARS presenters & instructors will are selected for a minimum of one season term.  The season term takes effect for any new presenters selected for the 2022/2023 season 
• SLSNZ may, on a case-by-case basis, consider applications from experienced presenters.

Selection Process

Interested presenters and instructors need to complete the application process by:

1. Email allan.mundy@surflifesaving.org.nz  by February 14^th  2023.
1. Presenters must include a draft of their presentation and CV, including SAR-related activities.
2. Instructors must send a  CV of SLSNZSAR-related activities and the area they wish to instruct.
2. SLSNZ checks relevant eligibility for selection and collates all applications.
3. SLSNZ selects Presenters for the season. Selections are sent to National Search and Rescue Summit Working Group for consultation and review with relevant SLSNZ staff and the head SAR Summit Facilitator.
4. Selected Presenters and Instructors are then appointed by February 20^th 2023.