The Lakes Beach at Budgewoi is one of 14 beaches in NSW set to receive a new jet ski thanks to a $23M investment in Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) by the State Government.
Accounting for roughly 13 per cent of rescues conducted by SLSNSW volunteers last year, jet skis play a key role in keeping people safe.
The arrival of the new jet skis will support an expected surge in beachgoers this Summer.
Jet skis can be used in a range of rescue missions, including offshore searches for missing persons and rescues in proximity to rock platforms.
As part of the $23M package, $18M will be allocated through the NSW Rescue Capability Grant for additional resources and equipment, including 67 new jet skis to be delivered over four years.
The new jet skis will replace a large part of the current fleet, ensuring standardisation across NSW and providing modern watercraft for surf life savers.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for surf lifesavers.
“I’d like to thank our volunteers who help keep beach goers safe,” he said.
“We want to ensure a day at the beach is safe and enjoyable, and I’d encourage swimmers to follow the advice of lifesavers and swim at patrolled locations.
“With 14 new jet skis, our 300 trained Surf Life Saving NSW jet ski operators will also be better equipped to keep our shores safer during the festive season and beyond.”
Lifesavers and lifeguards are reminding people to take care on the state’s waterways and swim at patrolled locations, with more than 646 rescues conducted since Christmas Eve (as at January 3).
Since the start of the patrol season in September, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers have conducted 1,360 rescues, with almost half (646) of those since December 24.
The Government is also urging people to practise water safety and swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce said swimmers should look for the red and yellow flags.
“If our lifesavers can’t see you they can’t save you” he said.
“Jet skis are the backbone of our Support Operations response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.
“It’s great to see our operator numbers expanding and in particular more female jet ski drivers coming on board.”