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News

October 2009

Lifesavers Rescue Hundreds in Hectic Weekend at Beaches

Volunteer surf lifesavers had a very busy weekend as people flocked to the beach on the first hot day of the summer season.

The temperature hit 37C on Saturday and the beaches were packed as people headed to the beach in droves to escape the heat. The large numbers of beach goers faced difficult swimming conditions, with many rips occurring due to winter swells hanging around with big holes in sandbanks creating conditions that many swimmers are not used to.

In total volunteer surf lifesavers performed approximately 230 rescues on the weekend.

October is historically one of the busiest months for surf lifesavers, last season just over 25% of the season’s 420 rescues occurred during this month. A large number of rescues occur due to shifting banks and bigger swells. Both serve to create rips and other dangerous swimming conditions which many beach users aren’t prepared for.

Surf lifesavers were busiest at Scarborough where over 200 people were plucked from the water by volunteers on jetskis, boats or boards.

SLSWA Beach Services Coordinator Matt du Plessis said they had to go into the water to guide another 288 people away from dangerous rips.

"We had swimmers heading into dangerous currents and we told them to get out or swim away before they got into a rescue situation themselves,'' he said.

Mr du Plessis said the second worst beach for rescues was Secret Harbour, with 20 rescues performed at the beach on the weekend.

"There were also a lot of rips. A lot of people were swimming 100-200 metres outside of flagged areas and that is where most of our rescues were done.''

A number of SLSWA volunteers not rostered on to duty turned up to various beaches to help out.

This is yet another reminder to the public of the importance of swimming between the flags and not going beyond your own abilities in the water.

It was also a busy weekend for the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter who carried out patrols along the metro coast and spotted a number of incidents, including a near rescue situation at Trigg beach. Lifesavers on the ground were able to assist in time to avoid the helicopter having to perform the rescue. No sharks were spotted during patrols.

"Whatever It Takes" Piano Score available now

Are you one of the many Australians who have viewed the Whatever it Takes ad that has featured on television or You Tube and have been mesmerised by the composed piano music that plays in the background?

If so, a copy of the sheet music can now be requested by simply sending us an email with your request at foundation@lifesaving.com.au or by free calling 1800 642 925.

The composer of the music for the Whatever It Takes ad is Christopher Elves. From classical piano recitalist to hit rock musician to multi-award winning screen composer – Christopher’s prolific career covers an eclectic range of music and sound design which is in constant use around the world on Radio, TV and

Lifesavers in the Workplace

Thousands of Australians are alive today thanks to the efforts of not only patrolling lifesavers, but of off duty lifesavers.

According to a recently released survey of 500 members of Surf Life Saving, 39% of lifesavers have, at some stage, used their beach-honed skills to save a life in the home or workplace.

"Volunteer surf lifesavers don't stop working when they leave the beach, they are realistically on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said Scott Wood, National Academy Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia.

Now Surf Life Saving is about to make an even bigger impact off the beach. Australian Lifesaving Academy, a division of Surf Life Saving Australia, is launching a program to teach everyday Aussies to be 'lifesavers in the workplace'.

"Workplace accidents are happening far too often in Australia," says Scott. "We run first aid and emergency care courses because it's never too late to learn these skills."

The Australian Lifesaving Academy's First Aid and Emergency Care course is fully accredited and delivers the essential skills and knowledge to manage emergency situations, including how to perform CPR. The Academy also offers courses especially designed for both large and small businesses with fully qualified instructors visiting the workplace to teach employees how to perform lifesaving techniques. Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Public Safety and Beach Administration courses are also available.

With 71% of lifesavers admitting to using their First Aid skills in the workplace or home in the past 12 months, Surf Life Saving's First Aid and Emergency Care courses are sure to be successful and vital to the well-being of our family, friends and colleagues.

For more information please visit the website at www.ala.edu.au or call 1300 766 257.

Surf Life Saving WA

"Whatever It Takes" Piano Score available now

Lifesavers in the Workplace