A program to involve local surfers to keep beaches safe this summer is underway.
Surfers Rescue 24/7 equips local surfers with life saving techniques so that they are able to assist in keeping beaches safe.
The program has been running since 2019 has had more than 3000 surfers skill up in life saving board rescue and CPR techniques.
“Surfers are at the beach all year round and frequent non-patrolled locations such as Bells Beach, Point Addis, Flinders, Beacon at 13th Beach and Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island,” Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said.
“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.
Courses will be held at Ocean Grove on January 18 and Torquay on January 22 and February 5 and 26.
Registrations: surfingvic.com/surfers-rescue-24-7
