The Pool Enclosure Company
Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures
read moreToday marks the return of thousands of volunteer lifesavers to beaches along the NSW coastline and with high coastal visitation expected following large-scale lockdowns, state border closures and international travel restrictions, Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales says volunteers are well prepared to provide a safe environment for beachgoers.
Shales notes “NSW is blessed to have beautiful beaches, with many of them patrolled by Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers and our 129 clubs.
“We have invested significantly over time in member education and training to upskill our members and ensure our beaches are as safe as they can be, but we are also imploring the public to know their limits and to avoid placing themselves or their families in harm’s way unnecessarily.”
The NSW and National Coastal Safety Reports released last week detail an alarming increase in drownings in Australia, including some findings around a spike in incidents and drownings that have occurred following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Shales advised “our real fear is that the risk of coastal drownings will increase coming into summer, as restrictions ease and people flock to the coast for recreation or holidays.”
Like last year, there will be some significant challenges for lifesavers this season, with volunteers in metropolitan and many parts of regional NSW beginning the season under COVID-19 restrictions.
Across the state, surf clubs are prepared and safety measures are in place to protect volunteers, including a large scale rollout of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of face masks, gloves, eye protection and sanitiser. Modified training, first aid and CPR procedures are also in place and it has been recommended to clubs to reduce the number of lifesavers on patrol for the time being, to keep members as safe as possible.
Shales added “the safety of our members is paramount, however we are concerned that if lifesavers are not present on our beaches, lives will be lost. While it’s not an ideal start to the season in many ways, we are confident the measures we have in place will enable lifesavers to continue to provide frontline beach safety services safely.”
While volunteer lifesavers will not be tasked with enforcing social distancing, Surf Life Saving NSW will be assisting authorities and coastal councils to provide real-time information on overall beach attendance and help coordinate beach closures if required. UAVs will also be available to be used to estimate numbers of people on beaches and identify other hazards to the public if requested.
The role of volunteer surf lifesavers this summer includes:
The volunteer Surf Patrol season runs until Anzac Day 2022.
11th September 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW begins next phase of training program with Korean Lifesaving Association
9th September 2021 - Partnership between DHL Express Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia extended to 2024
8th September 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW releases new report offering beach safety warning ahead of COVID restrictions easing
17th July 2021 - Australian Surf Life Saving Championships secured for Queensland with 10 year deal
7th June 2021 - NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs receive funding boost to support facility upgrades
10th May 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia reports success of its inaugural Officials Scholarship
6th May 2021 - Surf Life Saving Queensland’s volunteers save more than 950 lives over the 20/21 patrol season
10th April 2021 - Australian Surf Life Saving Championships ready for Sunshine Coast return
29th March 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW partners with Madimack to run CPR course
25th March 2021 - Surf Life Saving Queensland receive $36 million funding commitment
25th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia warns drowning deaths more likely on public holidays
5th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving drones prove to be successful at keeping swimmers and surfers safe
17th December 2020 - Surf Life Saving Australia highlight the dangers of rip currents along Australia’s coast
16th November 2020 - Surf Life Saving NSW deploys drones to keep Sydney’s northern beaches and parks COVIDSafe
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.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreWith industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…
read moreWith its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read moreContact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375
read moreCompliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions
read moreWelcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!