Surf Life Saving NSW urge Easter water safety

Easter is a notoriously high-risk holiday for drownings and surf lifesavers are on standby for what they expect to be a busy Easter/Anzac Day period on NSW beaches.

Over the last three seasons, NSW has averaged a coastal drowning every 8.9 days. During the Easter long weekend this spikes to a drowning every two days. This period accounts for approximately 5% of the total drownings for the entire season in just four days (Easter Friday to Monday).

Volunteer lifesavers perform between 300-500 rescues on average over Easter. Emergency callouts also increase significantly and incidents are between 3 and 5 times more likely to occur over the Easter long weekend than an average patrol day.

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steven Pearce advised “lifesavers and lifeguards will be out in force this Easter and Anzac Day period but we need the public to also take responsibility for their own safety.

“If you’re heading to the beach over Easter please take care. Only swim at a patrolled location, check the weather and tide forecasts, and wear the correct safety gear including a lifejacket if you’re fishing from rocks or boating."

With above average temperatures expected across much of the coast, many people will be looking to make the most of the break and head to the beach or inland waterways to keep cool.

Pearce added “sadly there have been 32 coastal drownings in NSW since July with 19 over summer alone. These figures are very concerning and highlight the need for us to remain vigilant and make sensible decisions for ourselves and our families."

The volunteer surf life saving season ends on Sunday 28th April 2019.

Beach Safety Rules

• 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 Police

For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.