Kiama Council marks World Drowning Prevention Day with acknowledgement of lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers

To mark World Drowning Prevention Day (25th July), Kiama Council has paid tribute to its lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers who serve the community with Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald stating their vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety were evident, often under difficult and unpredictable conditions.

Mayor McDonald noted "Our Council lifeguards logged 375 patrol days this summer, keeping an eye on more than 285,000 visitors to our beaches.

"Despite their exceptional efforts, the season was marked by the tragic loss of four lives.

"While our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims, it's also important to acknowledge the emotional toll such events can have on our frontline responders, especially our lifeguards and lifesavers."

Mayor McDonald said the fatalities were also a reminder of the importance of ongoing education, preparedness, and respect for beach conditions and added "In February, Kiama Council voted to support a surf awareness campaign targeting the communities of South Western and Western Sydney.

"I'm pleased to be able to report that Surf Life Saving NSW is rolling out more than 30 workshops, including classroom and practical sessions, throughout Western and Southern Sydney.

"They're also targeting the Illawarra, with workshops at Port Kembla as well as here in Kiama."

Kiama Council is also taking part in a Rock Fishing Remote Surveillance Project being run by Surf Life Saving NSW.

The 14-month trial at Blowhole Point will use remote surveillance and artificial intelligence to track rock shelf use and create alerts when someone falls or is washed into the ocean at these sites.

Kiama Council is hosting the Rock Fishing Safety Skills Workshop at The Pavilion on Sunday 16th November.

These workshops targeted people from non-English speaking backgrounds and those interested in fishing but with limited experience.

They include presentations and guest speakers covering topics such as the correct safety equipment to wear while rock fishing, fitting a life jacket, as well as tips on how to fish better.

Supervising Beach Lifeguard Craig Bowley said rock fishing was a significant problem for local lifeguards and lifesavers and added "Kiama, particularly Blowhole Point, is the second-most deadly place for rock fishing in NSW. We've had 11 deaths in the past 15 years just from rock fishing.

"We had a double fatality at Storm Bay last August, and there have been several near-miss incidents in the past 6 months, where lifesavers and lifeguards have preventing further fatalities from occurring."

Mayor McDonald said “I'd also like to again acknowledge the significant contribution of our volunteer surf lifesavers at our three local surf clubs who by their continued efforts make our beaches safer and thank them for their service to the broader community.”

Image: Kiama Council lifeguards with paddle board, used for rescues.