Lifeguards will be fulfilling a wide range of contracts with operating times and patrolled locations dependent on each council’s requirements. Most lifeguards will be on patrol on weekdays from early-morning, providing a valuable service for members and visitors of each community.
It’s been a busy off-season for the ALS who recently acquired the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Professional Lifeguard contract for the next five years. This now means that ALS Lifeguards are patrolling all council areas, with the exception of Coffs Harbour, between the Tweed Shire and Port Stephens, which allows consistency and standardisation of service that had not previously been possible.
Lifeguards have finished their annual proficiency tests with all recruits demonstrating an exceptional level of fitness, a passion for the ocean and many showing their seasons of experience in the ocean.
ALS NSW Lifeguard Manager Brent Manieri said one of the key roles lifeguards need to master is to communicate with the public.
“At the ALS we pride ourselves on delivering a positive and safe beach experience for the public regardless of whether they are a local or a visitor. Over the years we have built strong relationships with each Council, and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy their time in the ocean environment,” Mr Manieri said.
“As part of this, we place an emphasis on preventative actions and our interaction with beachgoers. Our lifeguards are always monitoring their surroundings and providing advice on conditions to ensure that a situation doesn’t escalate to the point a rescue is required.
“When you are on holiday at a beach you might only visit a few times a year, it’s therefore important that you have peace of mind that there is someone who knows the environment watching over you and your family. That is why we strongly urge your guests to make that extra effort and swim at a patrolled location,” he concluded.
The ALS will be patrolling the following beaches throughout NSW during the September/October school holiday period.
Friday 23 September 2016