THE CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS HUB
National coordination, local response.
SurfCom is the 24/7 service that connects every part of Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Coordinating Search and Rescue (SAR), supporting patrols and linking lifeguards to other emergency services across Aotearoa.
ABOUT SURFCOM
SurfCom operates 365 days a year and serves as the central hub for all Surf Life Saving operations.
It provides Search and Rescue and incident support for lifeguards while acting as a communications link between Surf Life Saving volunteers, staff, and external emergency services.
SurfCom operators monitor incoming incident information, ensuring it is promptly relayed to the appropriate individuals and organisations. They also help record operational data and can provide subject matter expertise when required.
SEARCH & RESCUE COORDINATION
SurfCom Operators task the right assets to every incident - patrols, Rescue Water Craft, Duty Officers, Emergency Callout Squads, Peer Supporters and partner emergency services.
Operators monitor incident information coming through MTXT, Active 911, the Surf Patrol App and the St John Mobile Data Terminal, and maintain a detailed communications log of all notable interactions.
STANDARDS & PATROL SUPPORT
SurfCom ensures Surf Life Saving procedures and minimum standards are being met, and acts as the professional face and voice of the organisation.
Operators monitor patrol information through the Surf Patrol App and are trained to identify beaches that are breaching their POM or are likely to struggle (e.g., low lifeguard numbers and high beach-user numbers), so these patrols can be provided with extra support.
Operators also handle initial media inquiries, interview Patrol Captains for press releases and package incident information for Daily Media Wraps.
PUBLIC SAFETY & SAFESWIM
SurfCom monitors weather and water-quality updates to ensure lifeguards and beachgoers stay safe and up to date on the best places to swim.
Operators are also responsible for updating the Auckland Council's SafeSwim website to notify the public of hazards such as large swells, high winds, strong currents, jellyfish, sharks or sea lice at patrolled beaches.
Operational 365 Days a Year
SAR Squads Available 24/7
Surf Life Saving Clubs Supported
Patrol Locations Across Aotearoa
MEET THE TEAM
The people behind SurfCom - overseeing operations, training operators and keeping the service running.
LAURA BEANLAND-STEPHENS
SURFCOM MANAGER
laura.beanland-stephens@surflifesaving.org.nz
027 489 1937
AMBER SPENCE
SURFCOM OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
amber.spence@surflifesaving.org.nz
LOGAN SYKES
SURFCOM OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
logan.sykes@surflifesaving.org.nz
Plus an amazing team of seasonal casual staff!
BECOMING A SURFCOM OPERATOR
SurfCom Operators come from across Surf Life Saving - senior lifeguards who want to take their skills off the beach and into the heart of incident coordination.
For any inquiries, please email: laura.beanland-stephens@surflifesaving.org.nz
REQUIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
- Sound computer skills
- Calm under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Leadership & decision-making qualities
- A background within Surf Lifesaving or an understanding of Surf Lifesaving operations
CONTACT SURFCOM
For programme inquiries: laura.beanland-stephens@surflifesaving.org.nz
For SAR coordinating authorities & partner agencies: Representatives may contact surfcom@surflifesaving.org.nz to obtain the direct phone line to SurfCom.
Members of the public who require urgent help should dial 111 and ask for Police.