Let’s all help keep our waterways safe

EDITORIAL

This week, our hearts go out to a family from Western Sydney whose 11-year-old son and brother was swept out to sea at The Entrance on November 3.

As we prepare to celebrate our waterways during the coming week’s Lakes Festival, let’s commit to safety for everyone who visits our shores.

Once again our beautiful Central Coast will welcome visitors and locals to our region in increasing numbers as we prepare for the warmer months.

Yet, as we enjoy of our waterways and coast, it’s important to remember that these same waters, if not respected, can quickly turn from a place of joy to one of tragedy.

Following the Coastal Water Safety Roundtable held earlier this year after a horror summer of drownings, there have been noteworthy new initiatives to prevent drownings.

Rescue tube boxes have been strategically installed from Patonga in the south to Frazer Park in the north, empowering bystanders to act swiftly in emergencies.

Education campaigns teaching rip current awareness and water safety are also underway, aimed at equipping every beachgoer with life-saving knowledge.

Our dedicated lifeguards, Marine Rescue volunteers and the volunteers of Surf Life Saving Central Coast perform incredible acts of bravery each season.

They respond tirelessly to emergencies, but they can’t be everywhere.

When our beaches are unpatrolled or conditions unexpectedly worsen, it falls to us as a community to look out for one another.

During the Lakes Festival and beyond, let’s make it our shared mission to prevent drownings by fostering awareness and understanding among friends, family and visitors alike.

We urge every Coastie to take time to educate loved ones and guests.

Talk openly about water safety.

Remind them to swim at patrolled beaches, recognise dangerous rips, log on with Marine Rescue, wear life jackets, and never swim or rock fish alone.

Emphasize that drownings all too often occur at unpatrolled locations, turning days of joy into heartbreak.

Let’s make this summer one of both celebration and caution, ensuring that our stunning lakes and beaches remain places of joy.

As a community, we can help prevent tragedy and keep our coast safe for all.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor