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Leading ocean safety experts from around the country will come together later this week to address the alarming rise in the number of Australians who drowned in the nation’s waterways and beaches over the last summer.

Following one of the deadliest seasons on record for drownings - during which 86 lives were lost, an increase of 30% from the previous summer - the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguards Association (APOLA) will be hosting their annual conference at Sandon Point in Wollongong on 6th and 7th May.

Among those presenting will be Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, President of Surf Educators International (SEI), who will be calling for immediate change in how swimmers are advised to act when caught in an ocean rip.

Hopkins, who is Chief Lifeguard at Waverley Council with over 30 years of experience and who also appears on the hit TV series, Bondi Rescue that has run for 16 seasons, will be launching SEI’s ‘Float to Survive’ campaign at the conference aimed at providing swimmers with a simple but effective safety strategy should they encounter difficulties.

He explains “I’ve witnessed too many drownings occurring by people trying to swim or struggle when caught in a rip - our philosophy is if you can float you will have a much greater chance of survival.

“Floating is the single most important lifesaving skill that we can teach people because it allows them to conserve their energy and gives them vital time either to be rescued or to reach safety.

“We cannot have another summer like the one that has just passed - it is such a senseless waste of lives.”

Ken Holloway, founding member and life member of APOLA Inc, said there needs to be increased lifeguard services and improved water safety messages, with more people flocking to our beaches every summer.

Holloway noted “this is something local, state and federal governments really need to address as our cities get busier with growing population. We can’t just rely on what has been done in the past.

“Coastal Councils are the main provider for lifeguard services (but) under the current funding model for water safety, councils receive minimal funds while demand for local council lifeguard services increase. The current funding model needs to be reviewed. ”

Also presenting at the conference is Warren Young, the recently retired former Chief Lifeguard for the Gold Coast City Council who will reflect on his almost 50-year career.

William Koon, a former Lifeguard with the Californian State Parks, who is currently completing his PhD in coastal studies, will share his research into the effectiveness of water safety messages and education programs.

The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association Inc (APOLA Inc) is the non-profit peak ocean safety association for local council employed beach inspectors and ocean lifeguards. It promotes and supports best practice in ocean water safety and beach management in consultation with councils and those working in the industry.

Click here for more information on the APOLA conference.

Images: Professional lifeguards at Coffs Harbour (top) and Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins (below).

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