Shown below is an example of the type of equipment that our lifeguards use when they are patrolling on beach.

VHF radio
Ideal for the harsh beach environment, these handheld VHF radios are fully waterproof to a depth of 1m and can withstand a 1m drop onto a hard surface.

Binoculars
Tough and durable, these binoculars are designed with the beach environment in mind, allowing the lifeguard a closer look at a situation far away.

Personal first aid kit
These first aid kits are lightweight and can be carried by a lifeguard when on a general patrol, enabling them to respond immediately to many types of first aid incidents.

Rescue tube
The traditional lifeguard's friend. Can be strapped around an unconscious patient - aiding flotation and allowing deep water resuscitation to be performed. A lifeguard must be a strong swimmer to tow a patient in with a rescue tube.

Defibrilator
A defibrilator is used to administer an electric shock through the chest to the heart, to restore normal heart rhythm in cardiac arrest victims. When a person suffers a sudden arrest, their chance of survival decreases significantly for each minute that passes without defibrillation.

Windbreak
Often used to set up a beach patrol area or to mark out a storage area for rescue equipment on the beach. A great tool to increase profile.

Patrol vehicle
The centre of patrol activity on most larger beaches, the four wheel drive allows lifeguards to be at the water's edge for long periods of time reducing their response time considerably. It is equipped with everything necessary to carry out regular lifeguarding duties. It also provides members of the public with a contact point on the water's edge.

Rescue Board
Taking its origin from a malibu surfboard, the rescue board is a lifeguard?s primary rescue tool. Most rescues are carried out within 100m of the shore and this can be the quickest to respond in most conditions. Designed to cope with large surf it is possible to surf in with casualty on board.

Rescue water craft (RWC)
With a top speed of 55mph, and incredible manoeuvrability, a lifeguard rescue water craft can negotiate almost any condition. Incorporates attached rescue sled and can be operated by one lifeguard.

All terrain vehicle (quad)
The four-wheel drive capability of these quads allows quick response to incidents across the softest of sand and, with good manouverability and all-round visibility, these can be used on the busiest of beaches.