Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club is gearing up for the coming patrol season as they took possession of their first jet ski this week.
Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club President Dan Humble said the new jet ski was a fantastic asset not just for the club but for the local community.
“It enhances our ability to expand our patrols, not only for water safety but in an emergency capacity when helping the community,” said Mr Humble.
“We can also work with Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club. Being one of the busiest stretches of beaches in WA, to now have an additional jet ski on this stretch of sand will only be a positive for the community, for both clubs, and our members.”
Jet skis were introduced to WA beaches in 2003 and are now becoming more commonplace, thanks to a partnership with Wesfarmers and support from the WA state government which is assisting in the placement of new craft and jet ski teams along the WA coast.
Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Coordinator Nick Pavy said that jet skis had quickly become an important tool for lifesaving patrols, with their rapid response capabilities and manoeuvrability making them ideal for patrol and search and rescue activity.
“We currently have jet skis at 22 locations across the state, utilised by our clubs and lifeguard services for both their regular scheduled patrols, as well as being tasked by WA Police and other emergency service organisations to assist in search and rescue activity,” said Mr Pavy.
“It is fantastic to now have Trigg Island on board this year, as our 20th WA club involved in the Wesfarmers Jet Ski Program.”
“Access to a Jet Ski will prove significant in enabling them to respond to beachgoers’ needs and extending their patrol footprint further up and down the coast”, said Mr Pavy.
Trigg Island and Scarboro Surf Life Saving Clubs will recommence volunteer lifesaver beach patrols in October.
