WATER SAFETY WARNING AFTER A CHRISTMAS RESCUE RUSH
With millions across NSW heading into the water over this holiday period, people are being urged to put water safety first by taking simple steps such as swimming between the flags and following the directions of our hardworking lifesavers.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this holiday period continues to be a high-risk time for swimmers, surfers and boaters across our state with over 600 rescues undertaken in the last three days alone.
“The sun is out and our beaches and pools are packed, but it has meant we’ve seen a spike in the number of swimmers getting themselves into strife in the water,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In the last three days we’ve seen 630 rescues on our waterways. Whilst it’s been great to see people across NSW flocking to the beach, the river or the pool these holidays, I urge everyone to continue to remain vigilant and stay safe in the water.
“There are simple steps families can take to stay safe. Please supervise children, swim between the flags, wear a life jacket when required and always listen to the warnings from emergency service personnel.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said Surf Life Saving NSW’s 75,000 members are out in force at 129 locations along the State’s coastline.
“We’re very thankful for the tireless work of our lifesavers, keeping locals and visitors safe on our beaches these summer holidays,” Ms Cooke said.
“Last season our lifesavers, lifeguards and support operations personnel rescued more than 4,000 people, spent more than 621,000 hours on patrol and responded to 791 emergency callouts.”
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said 55 people lost their lives at beaches, coastal waterways and rock platforms in 2021-22.
“Last year was the deadliest year on record and we don’t want to see this repeated again,” Mr Pearce said.
“One drowning is one too many. We want everyone to safely enjoy our beaches and waterways, and we want everyone to remember their holiday for all the right reasons.”
Surf Life Saving NSW’s beach safety tips:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags;
- Find information about patrol times, weather and patrolled beach locations on the BeachSafe app or website;
- Read the safety signs at beach entrances 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; and
- In an emergency call Triple Zero.
