Surf Life Saving comms to be explored at Comms Connect Melbourne

On day two of Comms Connect Melbourne, Surf Life Saving NSW’s (SLSNSW) Andrew Ugarte will detail his organisation’s journey designing a communications network with the capability to perform in remote, rugged and urban spaces with clarity and reliability.

SLSNSW has a dedicated network of over 70 sites linked across 11 subnetworks, servicing a fleet of 3000+ radio terminals across both urban and remote environments. As Communications Systems Manager, Ugarte is in charge of designing, building and maintaining SLSNSW’s mission-critical communications systems, including building out the digital mobile radio network and integrating it with the NSW Government’s Public Safety Network (PSN).

While his presentation will primarily focus on the design of the network, Ugarte will also provide updates on various SLSNSW comms initiatives including the integration with the PSN. Indeed, SLSNSW has recently initiated seven new colocations with the NSW Telco Authority — five of which will be multicoupled with the PSN.

Another update will cover SLSNSW’s recent receipt of $80,000 from the NSW Government to fund the installation of rescue tubes at emergency response beacon locations along the NSW coast — particularly at remote and unpatrolled locations. The rescue tubes will be alarmed and monitored, providing immediate notification to SLSNSW when a tube is deployed. SLSNSW is planning to place several of these units across the South Coast, including a number in the Eurobodalla LGA, over the next six months.

“The installation of alarmed rescue tubes on emergency rescue beacons is a game changer in our efforts to enhance coastal water safety at unpatrolled locations, giving a first responder access to a vital floatation device if they decide to attempt a rescue,” said NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, when awarding the funding.

Register now to join over 1500 critical comms and public safety regional and global leaders this month in Melbourne: https://melbourne.comms-connect.com.au.

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