Surfers Rescue 24/7 Program skills up Victorian surfers to protect beaches this summer

The Surfers Rescue 24/7 Program delivered by Surfing Victoria is skilling up local surfers in life saving techniques to protect beaches this summer.

The program has been running since 2019 and has had over 3000 surfers skill up in life saving board rescue and CPR techniques.

Surfing Victoria Chief Executive Adam Robertson notes “Surfers are at the beach all year round and frequent non-patrolled locations such as Bells Beach, Pt Addis, Flinders, Beacon at 13th Beach and Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island.

“Surf Life Saving Australia noted in their annual coastal safety report that 49% of drownings happen more than 5km away from a life saving service.

“By training up surfers in lifesaving techniques, we are increasing the level of beach users who are able to assist in an emergency situation and ultimately save lives.”

Surfers who complete the course are trained in how to spot a person in trouble in the water, rescue that person using readily available floatation devices such as a surfboard and perform CPR. All courses are led by professional First Aid and Water Safety instructors.

Upcoming courses are available for free with limited spaces available in each course.

• Ocean Grove – January 18th, 2023

• Torquay – January 22nd, 2023

• Torquay – February 5th, 2023

• Phillip Island (PIBC Members only) – February 15th, 2023

• Phillip Island – February 16th, 2023

• Torquay – February 26th, 2023

Surfers Rescue 24/7 is an initiative of Surfing Victoria and supported by the Victoria Government and Emergency Management Victoria.

Registrations are open via www.surfingvic.com/surfers-rescue-24-7

Image: Surfers across Victoria are set to help keep beaches safe this summer with the Surfers Rescue 24/7 Program skilling local surfers up in life saving techniques. Credit: Surfing Victoria.