Lifeguard patrols at the popular Margaret Rivermouth Beach will commence for the season this Friday, 20 December and, while the red & yellow uniform will remain, the service will now be delivered by Surf Life Saving WA under a new contract to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
The service will see lifeguards patrolling 7 days per week, 10am – 5pm through until 30 April 2020.
Surf Life Saving WA General Manager Lifesaving Chris Peck said the organisation was delighted to be awarded the contract.
“As the largest provider of professional lifeguard services in WA, it means the local community and visitors to the popular beach receive a seamless and integrated beach safety service with the consistent application of standards, procedures and equipment,” said Mr Peck.
“With a number of Surf Life Saving WA assets based out of the south west including our Busselton based Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, Wesfarmers Emergency Response Jet Ski teams, as well as a number of local surf life saving clubs delivering weekend patrols, the addition of this service will only further strengthen the interoperability between existing services in the region and ultimately deliver improved outcomes for beach goers.”
Shire Recreation Services Manager Dylan Brown said he looked forward to having SLSWA on board for the busy summer beach season.
“The beach is a great place to recreate and enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, surfing, diving, fishing, and paddling,” he said.
“While it can be a great place to create many happy memories the ocean environment does come with some risks.
“Surf Life Saving WA’s highly competent lifeguards are there to help manage those risks and educate the public about safe water recreation practices.
“They are friendly and approachable people and are only too happy to help answer questions about beach safety.
“We also urge beachgoers to please heed their advice, swim between the flags, surf outside of the flags, and refrain from drinking alcohol before entering the water.”
For further information and to find your nearest patrolled beach, visit mybeach.com.au
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For further information, please contact
Megan Jones, SLSWA Media
T: (08) 9207 6666 E: media@slswa.com.au
