Kiama lifeguards clocked 375 patrol days this summer. Photo: Kiama Council.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has honoured the tireless efforts of council lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers in keeping the community safe, using World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July) to acknowledge their service and the emotional toll of a tragic summer that saw four lives lost on its beaches.
Cr McDonald said it was being proactive for the coming summer season by delivering a suite of safety initiatives, including the rollout of a surf awareness campaign that will see more than 30 workshops held across Sydney and the Illawarra.
He said the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety shown by its lifeguards and volunteers were evident, often under difficult and unpredictable conditions.
“Our council lifeguards logged 375 patrol days this summer, keeping an eye on more than 285,000 visitors to our beaches,” he said.
“Despite their exceptional efforts, the season was marked by the tragic loss of four lives.
“While our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims, it’s also important to acknowledge the emotional toll such events can have on our frontline responders, especially our lifeguards and lifesavers.”
Cr McDonald said the fatalities were a reminder of the importance of ongoing education, preparedness, and respect for beach conditions, with council voting in February to support a surf awareness campaign targeting the communities of southwestern and western Sydney.
“I’m pleased to be able to report that Surf Life Saving NSW is rolling out more than 30 workshops, including classroom and practical sessions, throughout western and southern Sydney,” he said.
“They’re also targeting the Illawarra, with workshops at Port Kembla as well as here in Kiama.”
As reported earlier this month, Kiama Council’s other safety initiative involves taking part in a trial program of the Rock Fishing Remote Surveillance Project being run by Surf Life Saving NSW.
Part of a 14-month trial at Blowhole Point, it will use remote surveillance and artificial intelligence to track rock shelf use and create alerts when someone falls or is washed into the ocean at those sites.
Council will host the Rock Fishing Safety Skills Workshop at The Pavilion on 16 November, targeting people from non-English speaking backgrounds and those interested in fishing but with limited experience.
Presentations and guest speakers will cover topics such as the correct safety equipment to wear while rock fishing, fitting a life jacket, as well as tips on how to fish better.
Supervising beach lifeguard Craig Bowley said rock fishing was a significant problem for lifeguards and lifesavers.
“Kiama, particularly Blowhole Point, is the second-most deadly place for rock fishing in NSW,” Craig said.
“We’ve had 11 deaths in the past 15 years just from rock fishing.
“We had a double fatality at Storm Bay last August, and there have been several near-miss incidents in the past six months, where lifesavers and lifeguards have prevented further fatalities from occurring.”
Cr McDonald hoped the new initiatives would ensure a safer coming season.
“I’d also like to again acknowledge the significant contribution of our volunteer surf lifesavers at our three local surf clubs who by their continued efforts make our beaches safer and thank them for their service to the broader community,” he said.
