supervisor. Search and Rescue Squads There are 18 Search and Rescue Squads in Northern Region that are registered with SLSNZ and the NZ Police. They are able to be tasked 24/7 through SurfCom to incidents occurring at beaches or along the coastline in their local area. SAR Squads are made up of senior lifeguards from each of SLSNR's 18 clubs, with the club's SAR Coordinator responsible for organising regular training opportunities and ensuring all members meet SLSNZ's minimum standards. SurfCom SurfCom is a 24/7 service based out of the Auckland Marine Rescue centre. Its main role is to provide Search and Rescue coordination for surf lifeguards and to act as the communications link between Surf Life Saving Northern Region and other emergency services. SurfCom Operators are responsible for tasking assets during an incident including Surf Life Saving patrols, Emergency Callout Squads, Rescue Water Craft, Duty Officers, Peer Supporters and other emergency agencies. Operators also monitor incident information coming through its communication applications and keep a detailed log of all notable interactions. SurfCom monitors the region's Radio Network and ensures Surf Life Saving procedures and minimum standards are being met. Operators process patrol information collected over the radio or the Surf Patrol App and use this to identify beaches that may be in breach of their Patrol Operating Manual or may struggle to meet demand, such as those with low numbers of lifeguards but high beach-user numbers. They are then able to organise additional support for these patrols to ensure they meet the necessary standards. SurfCom manages initial inquiries from media and members of the public and package incident information for press releases. It also monitors weather and water-quality updates to ensure lifeguards and the beach-going public are kept safe and up to date about the best places to swim. Operators update Auckland Council's Safeswim website to notify the public of hazards at patrolled beaches such as large swells, strong currents, high winds, jellyfish, sharks or sea lice. Duty Officers The Duty Officer service is made up of some of Northern Region's most skilled lifeguards, who lend their knowledge and experience to SurfCom and patrols during major incidents. Alpha 1 Alpha 1 is the operational call sign for the Duty Officer based in the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre. Their main role is to support SurfCom Operators and patrols to carry out their duties. During major incidents, the Alpha 1 liaises with