Volunteer surf lifesavers will lower the flags on NSW beaches on Tuesday, April 25 after an action-packed and demanding season, which began in September.
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The 21,000 active patrolling members have collectively given over 560,000 hours of their time to ensure beachgoers around NSW were protected throughout the season.
Favourable weather over the summer holidays and recently over the Easter long weekend has seen an estimated six million people visit a beach this season.
A key focus this season has been lifesavers intervening in situations before they became potentially dangerous, and as a result over 111,000 preventative actions were undertaken.
These actions include things such as asking swimmers to swim between the flags, and communicating to the public, hazards such as sandbars, submerged rocks and powerful currents.
Sadly there have been 31 coastal drownings since the start of July which is below the ten-year-average but it still a concern.
Key Season Stats
- 15,141 First Aids performed
- 3,907 Rescues
- 111,594 Preventative actions
- 569,571 Volunteer hours
Surf Life Saving NSW Operations Manager Andy Kent praised all the volunteers for their commitment to surf safety, while also reminding people to stay safe along the coast during the cooler months.
“The dedication and commitment shown by all our volunteer lifesavers has been fantastic, and we thank them very much for their efforts. They have certainly had a busy season and have risen to the challenges along the way,” Mr Kent said.
“Although the official season ends this Anzac Day our members will be winding down but will be ready to respond throughout the winter months to any coastal incidents through our Surf Rescue Emergency Response System. And we know these efforts are appreciated by the public, NSW Police and other emergency services.”
Mr Kent also highlighted the many opportunities for surf life saving members to hone their skills over the break.
“Many of our members will also use the winter to keep their skills sharp by competing in the Inflatable Rescue Boat Series and to further their education by taking part in a range of refresher or advanced rescue or first aid training courses.”
Some beaches across the state will continue to be patrolled by lifeguards throughout winter. For patrol times and further information, please visit www.beachsafe.org.au.
The 2017/18 patrol season will commence on September 23, 2017.
