Providing an increased level of safety on Australian beaches.

A patrol captain strolls over to the beach shelter and taps her handheld device (eg IPAQ or Palm Pilot ) that is encased in a "ruggedised" protective plastic cover. She loads the Patrol Sign On template and ticks that all equipment is available on the beach, rates the performance of the IRB, selects the surf and beach conditions from drop down menus and logs the information in real time with a tap of a stylus. The information is then sent to Surf Rescue Command in Bondi either instantly or when CMO Guard is synchronised via an infrared or bluetooth docking station. Information is then accessible via the internet to appropriately authenticated users.

Previously SLSA made the transition to portable radios in plastic covers, now its time for Surf Lifesaving to move on to wireless, web enabled CMO Guard.

The CMO Guard system allows an unprecedented level of consistency and efficiency in the distribution of information between clubs, state centres and national headquarters.

CMO Guard may contain the following modules:

Patrol sign in and out Incident Reports Patrol Rosters Patrol Attendance and Season Hours SLSA Updates to clubs Easily updatable reference manuals

These modules could integrate with existing IT projects at all levels of SLSA. For example, CMO Guard could integrate with the Incident Reporting Database (IRD) that is currently being tested. It could also integrate with the Australian Beach Safety & Management Program (ABSMP). Notably, CMO Guard is hardware and software independent, and would use the latest Web Services technology to integrate with existing databases.

CMO Guard could make reference material such as first aid manuals available and updatable in a cost effective, user friendly manner. The application would remove the need for post event data entry, eradicating paperwork and ensuring data integrity in life saving situations.

CMO Guard provides patrol leaders, clubs and national headquarters with:

Improved organisation Time efficiencies Reduced administration No waste Improved level of service

CMO Guard would ensure that Surf Lifesaving remains vigilant in their consideration of how to apply new technology in an affordable manner to improve the level of service to the Australian community.

Understandably there is always an acceptance process with Surf Lifesaving concerning any change to procedure (especially new technology) due to the various age groups involved in providing the Surf Lifesaving service and the tradition throughout the movement. The only short-term change and expense required from clubs is the introduction of the handheld device with the CMO Guard Software.

CMO Guard looks like another radio and the Bronzies would take to it immediately. CMO Guard is a clear improvement and the strategy for deployment involves minimal commitment on the individual club's behalf.

With a CMO Guard in each club, Surf Lifesaving Australia can provide an improved level of safety on Australian beaches. For further information, please contact a CMO Global e-Business Consultant, and we will be happy to demonstrate how CMO Guard can benefit surf lifesavers everywhere!

You can download a CMO Guard product sheet here