Safety & Rescue

WA coastal drowning deaths up by 31% on last year

Western Australia saw a 31% increase in coastal* drowning deaths last year, according to figures just released by Surf Life Saving WA, the state’s peak coastal safety organisation. The statistics revealed that 17 lives were lost on the WA coast last year* and that males continue to be overrepresented at…

Increased coverage as heli patrols kick off for the season

Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) state government funded Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will return to the skies as of this Sunday, 1 September 2019­ through to 30 April 2020, with increased flying coverage and patrol hours across the coming season. This season’s operations will see the south west service, based…

Search team efforts recognised

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) would like to commend the efforts of our Wesfarmers Emergency Response Team (WERT) volunteer jet ski operators for their outstanding efforts in a search and rescue operation carried out last month. At approximately 1.30pm on Sunday 7 July, Esperance Surf Life Saving Club was advised…

Meet the man behind the drone

While most members patrol on land and sea, our Support Operations Volunteer of the Year, Tony Greenfield, is our eye in the sky through the Drone Patrol program. Joining Mullaloo SLSC 21 years ago, Tony has proven to be one of our most ambitious and driven members, contributing significantly to…

Acts of bravery recognised at annual awards

Matthew Percy, who went to the aid of a friend when he was attacked by a shark while surfing near Gracetown last year, was one of 23 individuals recognised at last Friday’s Coastal Bravery Awards, presented by Surf Life Saving WA. Now in their third year, the awards recognise those…

Lifesaving reaches new heights in City of Joondalup

Another two lifesaving observation towers have been unveiled at Mulalloo & Sorrento beaches this week, as part of a $750,000 Lotterywest grant. Significant funding was received by Surf Life Saving WA through a $750,000 Lotterywest Grant for the installation of 10 towers at select WA beaches; The towers at Mullaloo and…

Beach patrols keeping you safe over Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day

We hope you all have an egg-stra safe and happy Easter long weekend! If you are planning on heading to the beach over the break we ask that you please be beach-safe, remembering that many volunteer weekend patrols have finished for the season. Check out below the eleven patrolled beaches where…

Fishers & lifesavers praised with positive end to season

Surf Life Saving WA is praising both lifesavers and fishers as the final West Coast Zone abalone fishing session, held on Saturday 9 March, signalled the end to what could be deemed a successful season resulting in zero fatalities.  With five drowning deaths since 2012 during the scheduled west coast…