Surf life savers are frustrated as beachgoers continue to swim at unpatrolled beaches or fail to swim between the flags.
On Saturday 11 swimmers had to be rescued at an unpatrolled section of south Blueys Beach after getting into difficulties.
The swimmers were lucky rescue water craft (RWC) operator, Jerrad Allen was conducting a high visibility patrol around beaches in the Pacific Palms area when he spotted the group who were stuck in a rip.
Mr Allen swung into action quickly returning the swimmers to shore without incidence.
"This is an example of what can happen whilst swimming at unpatrolled locations especially if you don't have the knowledge of identifying rips," Lower North Coast Surf Life Saving Association lifesaving branch director, Nathan de Rooy said.
This is an example of what can happen whilst swimming at unpatrolled locations especially if you don't have the knowledge of identifying rips.
Nathan de Rooy
"I'm extremely proud of every patrolling member in our branch.
"From dealing with fires last season, to the influx of visitors that normally would reflect Christmas New Year numbers, our patrollers on the beach, jet skis and duty officers are all doing an amazing job," he said.
Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club administration director, Jason Woods is calling on members of the community to become volunteers with the movement.
Mr Woods said many clubs struggled to find people who were willing to put aside a few hours on a weekend to help keep beaches safe.
"Anywhere outside of Sydney or Newcastle find it hard to get enough volunteers," Mr Woods said.
"We are only just able to patrol this year."
He said on busy days (during the summer months) council provided paid lifeguards to assist volunteers.
Mr Woods said volunteers extended beyond surf life savers, and could also help with a number of roles.
Please ensure
- You swim at patrolled locations;
- You swim between the red and yellow flags;
- If you get stuck in a rip, relax, float and wave for assistance, and
- If you see someone in trouble, dial triple 000
CheckoutSurf Life Saving beach safe page today find out more information about the beach you are planning on going to visit.
