They’re back! Far North Coast Surf Lifesavers headed back to the beaches at the weekend, as the start of the surf lifesaving season in NSW got underway.
To mark the start of the season, some members of the Tweed clubs headed south to Ballina for the flag raising ceremony – which marks the start of the season.
Surf Life Saving NSW, in partnership with local councils, provides safe swimming areas as well as being prepared for any rescues, undertaking first aid treatment and providing surf and beach safety advice.
Lifeguards contracted to local councils and a support operation fleet of rescue jet skis, duty officers, the Surfcom Communication Centre and the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat, join volunteers from Far North Coast clubs in protecting beaches from Duranbah through to Yamba on the NSW Far North coast.
“Our lifesaving services play an important part in ensuring the northern NSW coast remains one of Australia’s top summer destinations,” said Michael Gibbs, Media and Public Relations Liaison from the Far North Coast Branch.
“Make sure that you only swim at patrolled beaches. Stay between the red and yellow flags which mark the safe swimming locations. Surf lifesavers and lifeguards are there to make sure you stay safe but it so important that people share the responsibility by not taking silly risks,” said Mr Gibbs.
“Each beach on the North Coast has varying surf conditions that can sometimes be dangerous to those who are unfamiliar with a particular beach or break and, by following some common sense rules, swimmers can avert a tragedy, especially with the School holidays, which sees an influx of visitors to the region.
“We always advise that you swim between the flags, and obey the directions of a Surf Lifesaver or Lifeguard when swimming. Should anything happen, our Lifesavers are in immediate contact with Surfcom, our radio communications centre who can summon and coordinate help immediately,” said Mr Gibbs.”
Beach patrols will continue through the summer season and continue until the end of the autumn school holidays next year. With the Tweed Coast now becoming a popular destination, and an alternative to the crowded Gold Coast beaches, this summer is expected to be very busy, with reports from the Bureau of Meteorology, of a warm and hot summer and the return of the sand to Kingscliff.
“Throughout the season we always get enquiries from members of the public about how to become a surf lifesaver or a lifeguard, and we’re definitely always on the lookout for new members. And now is a great time to join up. Most surf lifesavers start their training with the Bronze Medallion, which enables them to patrol the Beach,” Michael said.
If you are interested in joining, simply speak to your beach patrol.
