Summer safety set to take off

Beach safety measures in our south-west will kick up a notch next week as Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) aerial and beach patrols ramp up ahead of what’s expected to be a busier than usual summer season.

Currently conducting patrols on weekends only, SLSWA’s south-west based Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will move to daily patrols as of Monday, through until 31 January before returning to weekends only.

Based out of the Busselton Margaret River Airport, the state government-funded service patrols from Bunbury in the north to Hamelin Bay in the south including Busselton, Meelup, Bunker Bay, Prevelly and Gracetown.

Lifeguards will also commence daily patrols at Bunker Bay and Meelup Beach and, with Leavers activities set to start this weekend, they are expecting to be kept busy.

“Our south-west is traditionally busy over this time as we see many Leavers heading down south to celebrate the end of their school year,” said Surf Life Saving WA general manager of Lifesaving Chris Peck.

“We do however anticipate a busier than usual season as, with the uncertainly around travel and ongoing restrictions, we expect more West Australian’s to holiday at home, and for many that will include travelling south.”

While all of these patrol resources provide a level of assurance, SLSWA continues to urge beachgoers to limit the risks by observing basic beach safety behaviours.

“We remind people to choose a patrolled beach where they can swim between the red and yellow flags under the watchful eye of our lifesavers and lifeguards, to swim with a friend, and always to keep an eye on children around the water,” said Mr Peck.

“We’re watching over your beach this summer and, by observing these behaviours, we are hopeful that the season can pass without incident,” said Mr Peck.

For further information about beach safety and details of patrolled beaches visit SLSWA’s website mybeach.com.au, follow SLSWA on Twitter @slswa, or download the free Sharksmart WA app.

Key Notes

• Through their shark mitigation strategy, the state government provides $3.8 million in funding each year to support the delivery of beach and aerial surveillance including the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service and Lifeguard patrols at a number of metropolitan and south-west beaches.
• The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is proudly partnered by Westpac.

– ENDS –

For further information or to arrange an interview or photo (Lifeguards can be available at relevant south-west beaches), please contact;
Megan Jones, Marketing & Communications Officer, Surf Life Saving Western Australia
T: 9207 6666     E: media@slswa.com.au

Photo credit: Caleb Hotz