Monday 4 March 2019

Dear competitor,

Based on forecast weather conditions for the Masters and Open Championships, we have summarised the contingency plans outlined in the Final Event memo last week to assist competitors and team managers.

Weather

Our NSW Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator (SEMC) has been on site for the Lifesaving events (23 – 24 Feb) and the Age Championships (1-3 March) and is monitoring conditions constantly in the lead up to the Masters and Open Championships.

The SEMC, backed up by local knowledge from the Lake Macquarie City Lifeguards and the Swansea Belmont SLSC are vital inputs to the Safety and Emergency Management Committee. Various weather service websites (including the Bureau of Meteorology) are being monitored and cross referenced with actual condition and surf reports.

Given the forecast, we have a range of plans in place to ensure informed decisions are made and the safety and wellbeing of all competitors is a priority.  

Contingency Locations

As noted in the Final Event Memo (released 26 February) the contingency location is Caves Beach and Croudace Bay (Boats only).

Contingency Plans

Given the current weather and surf forecast, it is unlikely that Caves Beach will be suitable to relocate any part of the water competition.

SLSNSW continues to trial the new SLSA Surf Risk Rating app which has been used effectively during the Age Championships to give us a consistent overall risk picture.

With all this in mind, we have amended the timetable for the Masters Championships to ensure we are able to safely stage as many events as possible.  

Amended Timetable

A revised timetable was released (4 March) which condensed 4 water areas into 3 by distributing the events planned for Green/Gold Area (30-39 years and 110+ years) between two areas.

This gives us the flexibility to setup competition areas in the safest part of the beach.  

Relocation

The reduction in water areas will allow the event to be relocated south towards the breakwall at Blacksmiths Beach, which is generally better protected from wind and swell.

We experienced similar weather conditions over the Lifesaving weekend and were able to relocate the Patrol Competition and Champion Lifesaver water events to this area.

Timeframe

The Safety & Emergency Committee will meet late on Tuesday 5 March to conduct the pre-competition risk assessments.

Communication

SLSNSW will issue an update to competitors via TeamApp no later than 6pm on Tuesday 5 March.

The Committee next meets at 8am on Wednesday 6 March and an update will be issued via TeamApp no later than 9am on Wednesday 6 March.

Actions for Members

You can ensure you have the latest info throughout the competition by downloading the TeamApp and search for “2019 NSW State Championships”. Competitors have been already allocated to the app, but you need to download the app to receive notifications.

We strongly suggest that members consider their own abilities, taking into account the conditions on the day as the organising committee can only make decisions on competition based on a common denominator (e.g. age, discipline, gender). It is an individual and team manager’s responsibility to determine if you should participate or not.

The numbers of injuries, rescues or non-completion of races are all factors that impact on our ability to deliver the Championships once the conditions become challenging.

Decision Making

 The NSW Championships is delivered in accordance with the SLSA Surf Sports Manual. This includes the formation of a Safety and Emergency Committee which provides a safety recommendation to the Championships Competition Committee.

The Safety and Emergency Committee is chaired by the Safety & Emergency Management Coordinator with representatives from Council Lifeguards, Powercraft, First Aid, Staff and Deputy Referee all providing input. Athlete representatives are called on as needed to contribute at some of the number of meetings held during a day of competition.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: With the reduction of Water Areas will the Powercraft and First Aid provisions change?

A: No, but if crews/personnel are surplus the Coordinators may shorten shifts or stand-down people from duty, but all rostered safety volunteers need to report as per the roster.

Q: Why is Caves Beach the only beach contingency location, why can’t we run it at another beach?

A: Due to the scale of this event, there are many logistical and infrastructure considerations to take into account which are determined well in advance. It is not practical to relocate thousands of competitors at short notice due to the impact on other locations. It may be possible to relocate the Championships within the Lake Macquarie area, however in the conditions forecast, beaches other than Blacksmiths would be even less suitable.

Q: Is it likely that SLSNSW will cancel events for certain age groups?  

A: SLSNSW will continue to conduct risk assessments in the water area and put in place mitigation measures that enable the majority of competitors to participate. There may be events that will need to be delayed or reconsidered and the referees will work with area referees to determine this based on conditions.

Q: If my events are cancelled or suspended am I entitled to a refund of my entry fee?

A: As stated in the Entry Circular there are no refunds.

Q: What about Masters Surf Boats?

A: Croudace Bay is the contingency location for Surf Boats however at this stage, conditions appear to be more favourable on Friday.

Q: Can Croudace Bay be used for other events?

A: No, the location is not suitable for swim, board or ski events.

For further information, please contact;

SLSNSW 
02 9471 8000
info@surflifesaving.com.au