Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                          19 JANUARY 2026




8. Integration of Emergency Beacons with Rescue Tubes/Rings
The NoM requests Council explore the possibility of using SLSQ’s emergency beacons with rescue
tubes/rings. This would allow beachgoers to contact emergency response by pressing a button, and
the tubes/life rings would have clear location markings, including access numbers, to assist
emergency responders.
Response: SLSQ has advised the planned upgrade of the Alexandria Bay emergency beacon will
incorporate a rescue tube box mounted on the beacon pole as a combined unit. Furthermore, SLSQ
is investigating additional integration opportunities across Queensland.
9. Legal and Insurance Considerations
Legal
The NoM rationale for the rescue tube program is clear but the program would create a liability risk
for Council if not undertaken with care and diligence. The starting point of consideration for potential
liability is identification of Council’s duty of care. Council owes a duty of care to those individuals
“closely and directly affected” by Council’s actions including:
     •   Persons for whose benefit rescue tubes are provided (swimmers in distress).
     •   Persons who may use the equipment (bystanders/Good Samaritans).
In essence, Council must take reasonable steps to:
     •   Ensure equipment is fit for purpose - Meets Australian Standards (e.g., buoyancy, tensile
         strength, durability).
     •   Provide clear instructions and warnings - How to use and how not to use the devices and
         warnings of dangers inherent in rescue attempts and site-specific hazards (e.g., rips,
         submerged obstacles).
     •   Educate users - Signage at the site and supplementary information (e.g., website videos,
         public awareness campaigns).
     •   Maintain infrastructure - Regular monitoring of cabinets, signage, and equipment to prevent
         misuse, vandalism, or absence of rescue gear.
No general legal duty exists for bystanders to rescue a person in Australia (except NT Criminal
Code). However, once a rescue attempt begins, the rescuer owes a duty of care to the person in
distress and take reasonable care in the attempt. Council should also warn that attempting a rescue
creates legal and personal risk.

Insurance and Liability
The NoM requests consultation with Council’s insurers to ensure support for the initiative and confirm
that no additional liability would be incurred should the unit be damaged, or stolen, or an incident
occur while using the rescue tubes
Response: Council's liability for compensation arising from Council's involvement in Council
activities and functions (including the supply and installation of rescue tubes) is covered under the
liability cover provided pursuant to Council's LGM Liability membership subject to the Scheme Rules
and relevant Wording.

Condition 5.7 of the Protection Wording notes that Council must take all reasonable precautions to
prevent personal injury and damage to property and the onus is on Council to take reasonable
precautions and a robust risk assessment is noted as a critical risk control measure. A more detailed
risk management analysis is discussed later in this report.




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