Surf Life Saving WA have announced that beach patrols will continue across WA beaches to maintain public safety and prevent drownings as the state comes to grips with the growing Coronavirus crisis.
While many people are self-isolating and public gatherings or more than 500 people in outdoor spaces have been banned, visiting the beach does not fall into the category of organised mass public gathering.
Despite the cancellation of all their events through to 30 June including the state championships, Surf Life Saving WA’s General Manager Lifesaving, Chris Peck said that, as a coastal safety organisation first and foremost, lifesaving services are essential activity and where possible, will continue to be delivered through until the end of the season.
Those services that will continue include paid lifeguards, volunteer lifesaver patrols, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service, drone patrols and emergency response teams.
“While we are continuing to see days of warm weather, and with the school and Easter holidays just weeks away, we know that people will continue to visit the beach over this period,” said Mr. Peck. “What we don’t want to see is an increase in drowning or accidents if these services cease or are wound back too far.”
“We continue to encourage beachgoers to seek out a patrolled location and swim between the flags, all while implementing social distancing as well as possible.”
Mr Peck also expressed his thanks to the members and volunteer surf lifesavers who continued to put themselves on the front line to deliver patrol services.
“Here in WA we have more than 22,000 members and in excess of 5,000 volunteer surf lifesavers at our 31 clubs,” said Mr. Peck.
“Obviously their health and wellbeing remains extremely important also, as they continue to serve the needs of the greater community through this difficult period.”
“Where necessary, our surf life saving clubs will make adjustments to patrol numbers and configuration in efforts to support the health of our members as they serve the public.”
