Representatives from across the state’s emergency services sector gathered at the Surf Life Saving NSW Headquarters on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Monday ahead of what promises to be another busy summer.
In the second such meeting of its type this operational briefing is viewed as an opportunity to have honest and open dialogue about the realities of working on and off the coastline.
The NSW Police, NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Surfing NSW, volunteer state duty officers, and the Bureau of Meteorology were among a host of attendees.
Throughout a number of presentations delivered in the briefing a constant theme was the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with interagency cooperation an important talking point.
Surf Life Saving NSW outlined its capability to respond to coastal emergencies with lifesaving manager Matt du Plessis explaining in his presentation that the 20,000 active members along with jet skis, helicopters, and newly installed drone fleet are available to be tasked to any situation.
Last season temperatures in parts of the state soared to well above average and with experts suggesting another hot summer is on the way, emergency services are taking no chances in their preparations.
Lifesavers are advising beachgoers to take simple steps to beat the heat by ensuring they stay hydrated, continuously reapply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Should a beachgoer become distressed they are encouraged to seek medical aid from a lifesaver or lifeguard
SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce was delighted to host today’s interagency briefing.
“It’s important for us an organisation to continue to work closely with the other agencies in ensuring the safety of the public on the coast.
“These briefings are crucial in understanding the capabilities of each agency and to help develop the relationships that come to the fore in a real-world environment,” said Mr Pearce.
“All agencies take their responsibilities seriously and what did come out of today is that we need to be prepared for a busy summer,” he said.
Monday 29 October 2018