NSW aims for safest Surf Life Saving season

Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW will reinstate the red and yellow flags on beaches up and down the coast this weekend with the NSW Government hoping for the safest season to date.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today joined surf lifesavers and Nippers at Maroubra Beach to launch the volunteer Surf Life Saving season and NSW Coastal Safety Report which shows a 46 per cent reduction in drownings since last year.

“From nippers to senior patrollers, the 75,000 volunteer surf lifesavers provide an amazing service to the people of NSW and ensure visitors and locals are able to enjoy a safe day in the water,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“NSW volunteer surf lifesavers performed almost 5,000 rescues, 127,000 preventative actions and 15,750 first aid treatments last year. While one drowning is too many, thanks to the good work of our lifesavers coastal drowning deaths are down from 53 to 31.”

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant thanked surf lifesavers across the State for their enormous contribution to water safety.

“Surf Life Saving has an enormous impact beyond the red and yellow flags in water safety education, engaging our young people, encouraging healthy outdoor lifestyles and helping build strong and resilient communities,” Mr Grant said.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving water safety and reducing drownings in seasons to come. While our beaches are world-class they can also be unpredictable and dangerous.”

SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce thanked the NSW Government for its support of Surf Life Saving to ensure volunteers have the support they need to do their work.

“Without the contribution of volunteer surf lifesavers and our extensive network of support operations services and callout teams ready to respond, there would be many more drowning deaths and serious injuries each year across NSW,” Mr Pearce said.