Beachgoers will again be given a valuable lesson in surf safety this summer holidays when surf lifesavers release fluoro dye into the surf to highlight rip current movements at Avoca, Terrigal, Umina, MacMasters and Killcare beaches.
Many people are unaware of the dangers of rips, how to spot them and what to do if they are caught in one. Over 20 people die from rips throughout Australia annually, more than bushfi res, cyclones, fl oods and sharks combined. The new initiative is part of Surf Life Saving Central Coast’s (SLSCC) strategy to improve beachgoers’ understanding of rips and build better community surf awareness in order to reduce coastal injuries and drowning along the coastline. In total, there will be eight rip awareness demonstrations across the Central Coast. Lifesavers will be handing out educational fl yers, and will also provide rescue demonstrations and commentary as part of the events. According to Surf Life Saving statistics, the number one cause of coastal drowning is people caught in rips and the majority of rescues performed by surf lifesavers are due to people caught in rip currents. SLSCC CEO Mr Chris Parker emphasised: “The most important thing beachgoers can do to avoid rips is to swim between the red and yellow fl ags. “Surf lifesavers place the fl ags in safer areas, away from rip currents. “And if beachgoers are in doubt, they simply shouldn’t go out into the surf,” said Mr Parker.
Media release,
16 Dec 2014
Chris Parker, SLSCC