Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are reminding people to take care on our waterways and swim at patrolled locations, with more than 646 rescues conducted since Christmas eve.
Since the start of the patrol season in September, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers have conducted 1360 rescues, with almost half (646) of those since 24 December 2023 during the busy holiday period.
As people head to coastal waterways over the warmer months, the NSW Government is also urging people to practice water safety like swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
To support lifesavers, 14 new jet skis have been deployed to NSW beaches, following the Minns Labor government's record $23 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).
Accounting for roughly 13% of rescues conducted by SLSNSW volunteers last year, jet skis play a key role in keeping people safe. The arrival of these new jet skis supports an expected surge in beachgoers this summer.
Jet skis can be used in a range of rescue missions, including offshore searches for missing persons and rescues in proximity to rock platforms.
In September 2023, the NSW Government announced the biggest funding commitment ever made to SLSNSW, pledging an additional $23 million over 4 years to help keep NSW beaches safer.
As part of this package, $18 million will be allocated through the NSW Rescue Capability Grant for additional resources and equipment, including 67 new jet skis to be delivered over 4 years.
The new jet skis will replace a large part of the current fleet, ensuring standardisation across NSW and providing modern watercraft for surf life savers.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for surf lifesavers, and I'd like to thank our volunteers who help keep beach goers safe.
"We want to ensure a day at the beach is safe and enjoyable, and I'd encourage swimmers to follow the advice of lifesavers and swim at patrolled locations.
"With 14 new jet skis, our 300 trained Surf Life Saving NSW jet ski operators will also be better equipped to keep our shores safer during the festive season and beyond.
"As more and more people head to the beach, the Minns Labor government is committed to helping volunteer organisations like Surf Life Saving NSW focus on their important work."
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce said:
"We're just really urging potential beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don't swim at unpatrolled locations - look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can't see you they can't save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.
"Jet skis are the backbone of our support operations response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.
"It's great to see our operator numbers expanding and in particular more female jet ski drivers coming on board."
Beach safety tips
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information.
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water.
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm.
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe website or download the app.
The new jet skis will be stationed at key locations across the NSW coastline, including:
- Brunswick Heads
- Nambucca
- Scotts Head
- Blackhead
- Pacific Palms
- Hunter - Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie
- The Lakes
- Dee Why
- Freshwater
- Malabar
- Coledale
- Windang
- Tuross Beach
- Tathra.
