Arrival of summer brings safety plea from Surf Lifesavers

Summer has arrived, and, following one of their worst summers on record, WA’s peak coastal safety organisation is pleading with the public to be aware of the dangers and take necessary precautions when heading to the beach.

Between 1 December 2024 and 28 February 2025, 13 coastal drowning deaths were recorded at WA beaches, a more than 115% increase on the previous year, while lifesaving services performed more than 770 rescues across this same period.

Surf Life Saving WA General Manager, Chris Peck, said they were continuing to see too many people taking unnecessary risks, putting both their own lives and those of friends and family in danger.

“Last summer was one of our worst on record, and we’re desperate not to see a repeat of those statistics again this year. That’s why, we are asking beachgoers to really consider their personal safety before going in the water.”

“100% of coastal drowning deaths last season occurred away from the red and yellow flags and our lifesaving services.”

Top locations for rescues performed by Surf Life Saving WA services last season were:

• Scarborough
• Trigg
• Secret Harbour
• City Beach
• Fremantle

“Our message to people heading to the beach this summer is to follow the STOP, LOOK, STAY ALIVE safety message, especially if they’re heading to a location where we don’t have lifesaving services in place.”

“That means, when you arrive at the beach, stop before you enter the water. Look for the red and yellow flags, or if at an unpatrolled location, look for any signage that can give you information about the hazards and risks at that beach.

Look at the conditions and the weather forecast.

Look for rip currents and other dangers and then make a choice to stay alive.

Are the conditions suitable for your skill level, or that of friends and family with you? If it’s unsafe, don’t go in. Choose another location more suitable, and importantly, don’t go alone!”

Of the 13 coastal drowning deaths recorded last summer:

• 77% male
• 40-49-year-olds were identified as high-risk, accounting for 46%
• 100% were at unpatrolled locations, away from SLS services.
• Rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard – contributing to 86% of WA’s beach drowning deaths (drowning deaths occurring on beaches).
• Swimming/wading was the leading activity prior to drowning (31%), followed by bystander rescue (23%) and boating/scuba diving equally (15%).

Surf Life Saving Australia’s summer safety messaging:

STOP: Before you enter the water

LOOK:

• For the red and yellow flags to swim between. Find your nearest location at beachsafe.org.au
• For signs and warnings about the ocean
• At the conditions and weather forecast
• For rip currents and other dangers

STAY ALIVE:

• Assess the conditions based on your own ability
• If it’s unsafe, don’t swim
• Don’t go alone
• Complete the free online Beach Passport for basic training and education on water safety – visit beachsafe.org.au

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• Always supervise children in, on and around water
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
• Check the conditions, including weather forecasts
• Complete the free online surf education by visiting beachpassport.org.au