Project Blueprint is a NSW SLS drowning prevention initiative that aims to assess every accessible coastal beach and rock platform in NSW and identify drowning risks.

Project Blueprint draws specific focuses on accessible beaches and rock platforms and those in the Shellharbour and Kiama area will each be assessed as part of the project.

From July 2005 there have been five coastal drowning’s in Shellharbour, nine in Kiama and 30 in NSW just in the last 12 months.

Shellharbour City lifeguard supervisor Mitch Copas said the project was one of the first of its kind and was unlike other drowning prevention programs.

“Changing conditions is a significant difference in the nature of coastal areas,” he said.

“Yesterday it was one foot in the morning and by the afternoon it was six foot.

“On the coast the risk assessment changes hourly, unlike a backyard pool where the risks don’t tend to change in their nature.”

Mr Copas said the community consultation would bring together all beach users in Shellharbour to discuss concerns and problems on the regions beaches.

“There are rescues that we often don’t hear about from a whole range of beach users, like surfers, fisherman, swimmers or regular divers off Bass Point and these often aren’t reported,” Mr Copas said.

“They might have something to bring to table in terms of looking at risk areas and this will be a really good platform for us to gather that sort of local information.”

CoastSafe coastal risk manager, Luke Stigter said they would visit beaches from Windang to Gerroa to look at signage, access and hazards, such as submerged rocks and rips.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 6.30-8pm at Shellharbour SLSC or join in discussions online by completing surveys at coastsafe.org.au/blueprin