Public rescue equipment

Outline of a clipboard with a blank sheet of paper in the center.

Issue Reporting

Have you found missing or damaged Public Rescue Equipment? Report it via SMS to 0456 15 33 44 or email us.

Silhouette of binoculars in black against a white background.

Check Beach Conditions

View beach safety information and find your closest patrolled beach at beachsafe.org.au.

Telephone image with emergency symbols: ambulance, medical kit, and fire flames.

Emergency

Call Triple Zero (000) for urgent assistance.

A female and male surf rescue team members standing on the beach next to a yellow rescue pole and emergency signs, smiling at the camera with buildings and greenery in the background.

Overview

Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) stations provide access to lifesaving equipment at selected coastal locations where a lifesaving patrol may not be present.

The stations are designed to support emergency response by providing capable bystanders with access to a rescue tube, clear safety instructions and location information that can be provided to emergency services.

PRE stations do not replace lifesaving patrols or professional emergency response. The safest place to swim remains between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach.

A yellow rescue tube station at a beach with step-by-step instructions for water rescue, including calling emergency services, removing the rescue tube from the canister, placing the strap over a shoulder, swimming to the patient and staying calm, and waiting for help.

Using Public Rescue Equipment

A rescue tube should only be used where it is safe to do so. Before considering entering the water:

  • Call Triple Zero (000) and provide the PRE station location code.

  • Check whether a lifesaving patrol, lifeguard or other trained responder is already available.

  • Only enter the water if you are a confident and capable swimmer in coastal conditions.

  • Consider the surf, currents, weather and your own ability before attempting to assist.

  • Do not place yourself in danger.

If you are not confident entering the water, remain on shore, keep the person in difficulty in sight and provide information to emergency services. Rescuer safety comes first.

Locations

These locations represent the initial Round 1 installations. SLST is continuing to work with councils, land managers and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations and progressively install additional Public Rescue Equipment sites across Tasmania.

Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) steps

In an emergency call 000. If you cannot swim, do not use this device. Do not go in the water.

  • Red emergency phone call sign with white telephone icon and partially visible text indicating to call 000 in an emergency.

    Step 01.

    Call 000 and ask for police. Quote the location code on the top of the sign.

  • Yellow diamond-shaped warning sign with a black exclamation mark in the center.

    Step 02.

    If you cannot swim, do not use this device. Do not go in the water.

  • A diagram showing a yellow and red stick with a black arrow pointing downward.

    Step 03.

    Remove rescue tube from cannister.

  • A simplified graphic of a person with a surf rescue buoy.

    Step 04.

    Place the strap over a shoulder.

  • Simplified illustration of two figures on water, one holding a red paddle in a yellow and red watercraft

    Step 05.

    Swim to patient and stay calm.

  • A simplified illustration of two people on the water, one on a kayak and the other waving.

    Step 06.

    Wait for help to arrive or swim back to shore.

  • Why Public Rescue Equipment matters

    Tasmania has an extensive coastline, with many beaches and waterways located away from patrolled areas.

    At unpatrolled and higher-risk coastal locations, immediate access to appropriate rescue equipment can provide an additional layer of safety while emergency services are responding.

    Surf Life Saving Tasmania is introducing PRE stations at identified locations as part of a broader approach to reducing coastal drowning risk and improving access to lifesaving equipment across Tasmania.

    SLST works with local councils, land managers and surf lifesaving clubs to identify appropriate locations, install equipment and support its ongoing inspection and maintenance.

    Two surf rescue team members in yellow and red uniforms support an injured person coming out of the water at a beach.

  • Important safety information

    Public Rescue Equipment is intended for use in an emergency and does not make an unpatrolled beach safe for swimming. Always:

    • Swim at a patrolled beach whenever possible and stay between the red and yellow flags.

    • Check beach conditions and hazards before entering the water.

    • Never attempt a rescue that is beyond your ability.

    • Call Triple Zero (000) as early as possible during an emergency.

    • Follow the instructions provided on the PRE station.

    Two surf rescue team members wearing yellow shirts and red shorts running down the beach towards the water while holding rescue surfboards with rainbow designs and 'SURF RESCUE' written on them.

  • Help us keep PRE rescue ready

    PRE stations rely on the community to help keep equipment available when it is needed. You can help by:

    • Leaving rescue equipment at the station unless it is required in an emergency.

    • Returning equipment after use where it is safe and practical to do so.

    • Reporting missing, damaged or used equipment.

    • Reporting damaged signage or other issues with a station.

    • Encouraging others to choose patrolled beaches and understand local coastal hazards.

    If you find a PRE station with missing, damaged or used equipment, please report it to SLST so it can be inspected and replaced as soon as possible. You can make a report by sending an SMS to 0456 153 344

    A woman in a yellow jacket and red life vest wearing a red and green helmet at a beach location. She is standing in profile with a focused expression.

  • Contact

    Resources
    Coming Soon

    Contact:
    For general enquiries, feedback or suggestions regarding Public Rescue Equipment locations, email coastalsafety@slst.asn.au or phone (03) 6216 7800.

    Contact & Resources
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Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) is provided for emergency use by members of the public. Individuals should consider their own safety and capabilities before using the equipment and avoid placing themselves at risk.

While reasonable steps are taken to ensure equipment is appropriately installed and maintained, its availability does not guarantee a successful rescue. SLST and participating organisations do not accept liability for injury or loss arising from a person's independent decision to use the equipment.