Red and yellow lifesaving army preparing to win summer water safety battle
Civic-minded youngsters continue to storm Tasmania’s beaches, where a surge in nipper participation at surf lifesaving clubs has boosted volunteer numbers ahead of a potential summer scorcher.
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Civic-minded youngsters continue to storm Tasmania’s beaches, with a surge in surf lifesaving nippers providing a much-needed boost to volunteer ranks at clubs across the state.
And with families preparing to down tools for what is forecast to be a hotter than usual summer break, Surf Life Saving Tasmania issued a timely warning about the dangers lurking along the state’s beautiful yet deadly coastline.
SLST chief executive, Tony van den Enden, said the 800 volunteers ready to conduct the first patrols of the season on Sunday would work to ensure the upcoming summer was marked with less tragedy than last year.
Mr van den Enden said that following a year in which coastal drownings and rescues increased across Tasmania, beachgoers were being urged to take all necessary precautions to make their time by the water safe.
Of the 10 drownings that occurred in Tasmanian coastal waters last year, nine occurred more than 1km from a patrolled beach, highlighting the need for beachgoers to swim between the flags.
“Tasmania has some of the best beaches in the country which also means we have some of the best beaches anywhere in the world, and we want everyone to enjoy their time in the surf and on the sand this summer,” Mr van den Enden said.
“However we can’t ignore the statistics which show a disproportionate number of rescues and fatalities occurred last season across our state.”
“Our wonderful volunteers are incredible at what they do but they simply cannot be everywhere, so we encourage everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags.”
Mr van den Enden said SLST had experienced a surge in membership over the last five years, with the more than 3000 Tasmanian volunteers drawn by the opportunity to learn new skills, and give back to their communities.
Last season, life-savers clocked more than 23,000 hours patrolling Tasmania’s beaches, with countless more spent on administration, training, and cleaning.
“We are fortunate to have over 1000 nippers coming through for the future, and we have other people join the organisation to be involved and give to the community,” Mr van den Enden said.
“It’s something the whole family can get involved in, and there’s something for everyone, whether you like getting in the water, you just want to learn skills and get fit.”
State Minister for Sport and Events, Nick Duigan, urged Tasmanians to observe safe behaviours this summer in waterways across the state.
Mr Duigan said National Water Safety Day on December 1 was a reminder to swim between the flags, read all safety signs, and ask lifeguards for safety advice.
“While it’s important that Tasmanians get active and enjoy themselves in, on and around our beautiful waterways, we also need everyone to be aware of safety and of their role in keeping themselves, their friends and family safe,” Minister Duigan said.
“Let’s make water safety a priority this summer.”
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Originally published as Red and yellow lifesaving army preparing to win summer water safety battle
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