Surfing WA secures new partnership to boost surf safety

Surfing Western Australia has announced a new three-year partnership with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries), to expand ocean safety initiatives and keep surfing events safe.

The partnership will support the continued delivery and expansion of Surfing WA’s Surfers Rescue 365 program, increase drone and jet ski surveillance at surfing events, and deploy trauma kits at popular surfing locations between Esperance and Geraldton.

Surfers Rescue 365 is a free, face-to-face course that empowers surfers with essential first aid and rescue skills, including board rescue techniques and CPR. Since its launch in 2017, more than 1,500 surfers across Western Australia have completed the training. With the support of this new partnership, the program will now expand into regional communities and schools, with a new online version developed to make lifesaving skills more accessible than ever.

To improve emergency response and shark hazard mitigation during events, Surfing WA will expand its drone and jet ski services across the state, responding to the growing popularity of local competitions. Working in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Shark Response Unit, Surfing WA will also determine suitable sites for the installation of trauma kits, providing critical support in the event of an emergency at remote surf locations.

Surfing WA will also team up with local surf ambassadors to promote the SharkSmart WA app and website, delivering important water safety messaging across the surfing community.

Surfing WA Chief Executive, Mark Lane commented "surfers are often the first responders when emergencies happen, especially in remote locations.

“Expanding our Surfers Rescue 365 program into regional areas and schools means more surfers will have the training to save lives when every second counts.

“It also allows us to strengthen safety at events by expanding drone and jet ski coverage and rolling out trauma kits at popular surf breaks between Esperance and Geraldton.

“Together with SharkSmart, these initiatives are helping to create a safer surfing environment right along the WA coast.”

Image (from left): Surfing WA's Mark Lane, Western Australian Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Response Manager Michael Burke make the partnership announcement.