With hot summer days coming for the Australia Day long weekend it is expected many will choose to take their celebrations to the beach.
“Spending time at the beach is an iconic Australian past time,” said Surf Life Saving WA General Manager Chris Peck. “While we love people recreating on our coast, we also want them and their friends and families to go home safely”.
“With beaches expected to be very busy, we ask that beach goers are respectful of the requests of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, who are there to keep them safe, as well as of other beachgoers” said Mr Peck.
“Our message this Australia Day is not a new one – swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. This is the safest place and where our lifesavers can best see you” said Mr Peck.
Surf Life Saving WA are reminding beachgoers the ocean is a dynamic environment and conditions can change very quickly.
“Relax and have fun, but also remember to keep an eye out for friends and family, especially small children, around the water” said Mr Peck.
Surf Life Saving WA is also urging beach-goers to be mindful of the hot conditions and to regularly apply sunscreen, keep hydrated and remember that consumption of alcohol impairs physical responses and decision making processes and anyone that has consumed alcohol should not enter the water.
People travelling over the Australia Day long weekend are urged to take extra care and take a few extra minutes to plan their trip and find out where patrols are scheduled.
“Beach-goers who are unfamiliar with patrolled beach locations and local conditions and hazards may be more at risk of a drowning incident, so making informed decisions about where to swim or fish is really important,” said Mr. Peck.
For a full list of beaches patrolled over the Australia Day long weekend, visit the Surf Life Saving WA website at www.mybeach.com.au
To keep up to date on current hazards and warnings follow SLSWA on Twitter @slswa
For further information, please contact
Megan Jones, SLSWA Media
T: (08) 9207 6666 E: media@slswa.com.au
SLSWA Media Phone – media are reminded of the SLSWA Media Phone that is manned at the SurfCom radio operations base. Please call this number with media enquiries, particularly over weekends and Public Holidays: 0448 025 339
