Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Sutherland Shire lifeguards complete training in time for summer season  

Sutherland Shire lifeguards complete training in time for summer season  
September 26, 2019

Marking the start of the official summer season in NSW, Sutherland Shire Council's professional lifeguards have completed their annual pre-season training and have resumed patrols at Cronulla’s four designated swimming beaches located at Cronulla beach, North Cronulla beach, Elouera beach and Wanda beach. All four are patrolled daily throughout the summer season (end of September to end of April).

Sutherland Shire’s lifeguards are trained using the Australian Qualification Framework - Lifeguard Education and Training pathway, and combined with tools and equipment including jet skis, ATV’s, drones and a complete coastal safety CCTV network that covers all areas of Bate Bay, and are considered to offer the best possible protection to swimmers at the Shire’s beaches.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said Council lifeguards have already been kept busy with the weather warming up ahead of summer, advising “just this weekend our lifeguards were involved in the successful search and rescue of a kite surfer reported missing from Silver Beach, Kurnell on Saturday morning.

“With the weather warming up, it’s no surprise that people want to get out on the water and enjoy our beautiful beaches, but please swim at patrolled beaches, in between the red and yellow flags and if there is a ‘beach closed’ sign or you don’t see the flags, please stay out of the water.

“Also, if you’re heading out beyond the whitewash, make sure someone knows where you are and when you’re due to arrive home.”

Council lifeguards work alongside Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers across weekends and public holidays and last summer were involved in 804 rescues across Bate Bay beaches, nearly double the number of rescues from the previous season.

Mayor Pesce added "the amazing thing about that statistic is despite the high number of rescues, no lives were lost at our patrolled beaches thanks to our hardworking lifeguards.”

Sutherland Shire is home to over five kilometres of stunning beaches that attract more than seven million people per year and while it’s known for some of the best surfing breaks in Australia, it’s also fast becoming a hot destination for other water sports.

Mayor Pesce  also advised: “To ensure everyone has a safe summer once again at our beaches, I’m pleased to welcomed an additional nine seasonal staff members and 25 casual staff who have spent the past week running through physical competency testing, reaccreditations and learning the latest rescue techniques at the forefront of the professional ocean lifeguard industry.

For more information go to www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/Outdoors/Beaches/Beach-Lifeguards

Image credit: John Veage photography.

Related Articles

16th September 2019 - Rising drowning deaths coincide with record summer temperatures

19th July 2019 - Sunshine Coast Council funding boost will see increased beach patrols

21st August 2019 - Former Surf Life Saving NSW executive charged over $2.7 million fraud

22nd May 2019 - Federal Government won’t deliver on APOLA funding plea to reduce drownings

29th April 2019 - Surf Life Saving Australia shares beach safety challenges

18th April 2019 - Surf Life Saving NSW urge Easter water safety

11th February 2019 - Politicians pledge funds but are they serious about water safety?

1st February 2019 - Surf Lifesaving NSW raises water safety awareness with pop-up beach

24th December 2018 - Surf message aims to keep multicultural community safe on the beaches and waterways

10th December 2018 - Lotterywest provides $700,000 to Surf Life Saving WA to support nippers program

24th December 2017 - Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association issues beach safety reminder

16th December 2017 - New Sutherland Shire Council lifeguard tower helps in rescue of three female swimmers

15th December 2017 - Leading professional lifeguard says swim between flags message is ‘desirable but unrealistic’


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Aflex Inflatables

Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business