Surf Lifesavers will be out in force across the state from Good Friday and are urging people looking to make the most of the Easter break to exercise caution while at the beach.


Temperatures are expected to range in the mid-20s throughout much of the weekend, and with thousands of people including young families looking to make the most of their time together, coastal activities and the beach is shaping up as the place to be.



It has been a challenging season for the 21,000 frontline volunteer lifesavers who have carried out more than 3,500 rescues, performed over 115,000 preventative actions, and watched over nearly six million visitors since the flags were raised on the patrol season last September.



Sadly there have been 31 coastal drownings since July including the death of a 13-year-old in a boating accident at Moruya on the state’s Far South Coast last weekend, with these numbers remaining a concern for everyone in the lifesaving community.



It is these sobering statistics that are at the forefront of lifesavers’ minds as they continue to push their surf safety messages to beachgoers across the state.



“Lifesavers and lifeguards will be out in force this Easter but we need the public to take some responsibility for their own safety,” said SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce.



“We make no apologies for continuing to push our safety messages out to the public because our number one goal will always be for everyone to enjoy their time on our beaches and return home to their families.



“If you’re heading to the beach during the Easter period there are number of tips we encourage everyone to remember, such as swimming at a patrolled location, checking the weather and tide forecasts, and wearing the correct safety gear  including a lifejacket if you’re going fishing from rocks or a boat,” he said.



Volunteer surf lifesavers will be patrolling NSW beaches from Good Friday through to Easter Monday. The 2017/18 season concludes on Sunday 29 April.



Beach Safety Tips




  • Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website

  • Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information

  • Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water

  • Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm

  • In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police

  • Don’t forget to be sun safe by remembering to: Slip on some protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on a pair of sunglasses, Seek some shade and Sip on lots of water to stay hydrated.

  • For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.



Thursday 29 March 2018