Central Coast surf club leads the way with safety vests

An Australian Surf Life Saving first has seen the introduction of high visibility competitor safety vests at a junior surf carnival.

The safety vests were used by juniors at a Terrigal surf carnival over the weekend, with open and masters competitors set to follow suit across the Central Coast this summer.

The introduction of the vests follows a recommendation by Queensland Coroner Michael Barnes that lifesavers wear inflatable life jackets following an inquest into the death of competitor Saxon Bird, at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in 2010.

Following the death of another competitor, Matthew Barclay, this year, Surf Life Saving Australia had been accused of ignoring critical recommendations made by the Queensland Coroner with delays accompanying testing and design of suitable flotation vests for competitors.

Undeterred, Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) introduced high visibility competitor safety vests for surf club competitors, with SLSCC Chief Executive Chris Parker telling the Central Coast Express Advocate "from the start of the 2013/14 season the state and national governing bodies have mandated that the competition safety vests be worn by all competitors in all water competition.

"So to be the first branch in NSW to introduce the vests is a real credit to all the club presidents and Surf Life Saving Central Coast officials who moved to bring in the new safety measures one year earlier.

"Everyone knows that the ocean can be unpredictable and we want to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our competitors. So this is a preventative measure, by having them wear the fluorescent pink competition safety vests. In the event of an emergency they'll be easier to locate."

"The introduction of the vests was welcomed not only by the competitors on the weekend but also parents and officials, who all commented that they felt it was a good move."

For more information go to www.slscc.com.au/surf/index.php

Article amended 4th April 2013.

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