The Beach Patrol vision is for all beach users to enjoy a clean and safe beach, and to ensure the safety of our volunteers while removing litter.

While our activities are aimed at having fun and making a positive contribution, it is also important to be aware of potential hazards. Please note the below points and help avoid or manage them in an optimal way.

Key Hazards identified are

Cuts, including from:

• broken glass
• syringes
• sharp shells
• fish hooks

Living things, including:

• jellyfish and octopus
• dogs
• stingrays

Natural Elements

• sunburn
• cold (exposure)
• high winds and sand storms

Traffic

• gaining access to beach
• cars, bikes, cyclists and boats
• beach cleaning machinery

Retrieval of rubbish

• Heavy weights
• Sharp objects

Trips and falls

• Beach walls

 

This list is not necessarily exhaustive and members are advised to report in any hazards or incidents.

Managing these hazards

Safely entering the beach requires being aware of traffic – cars, cyclists and pedestrians – and giving way.

Cuts are avoided by always wearing gloves – preferably the heavy duty gloves. Syringes and needles must be handled so as not to stab anywhere on the body.

Living things are best avoided – simply do not handle them. This applies especially to jelly fish and octopus. Leave jelly fish and octopus alone. Beware that some dogs may be aggressive.

Sunburn is best managed by avoiding the high UV times of day (say 3 hours either side of noon) and wearing appropriate protection – “Slip Slop Slap”. Sunglasses are good to wear for eye protection.

Cold is managed by wearing extra clothing. High winds are best avoided.

Response Plan

It is intended that all members enjoy themselves for a safe and happy time whilst beach cleaning. However, if there is an incident or injury, please note the following places where medical attention may be sought.

• Mills St Medical Clinic, Mill St Albert Park (near corner of Richardson Street)
• Port Melbourne Medical Clinic (near tram terminus at Station Pier)

 

In urgent cases telephone 000 and calmly answer questions. Please take note of your location and preferably be able to name the streets you are between.

Enjoy a safe and happy time on the beach!