Surfers Learn Important Skills
The statistics are staggering. According to the National Drowning Report*, 125 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, representing 44% of the national drowning burden. 75 drowning deaths were recorded at beaches, a 29% increase from the 10-year average. More than half had been swimming or wading prior to the incident (56%), followed by bystanders attempting to rescue someone in distress.
Rip currents remain the number one hazard at beach locations, known to be a causal factor in at least 37%of beach drowning deaths. More than half occurred during summer months, and 39% were locals, living within 10km from the drowning location.
Cronulla RSL is located on the beautiful waters of Bate Bay. From our iconic location, we can see people enjoying the water from dawn until dusk. Unfortunately, incidences involving drowning or near drownings are not uncommon in Cronulla.
a woman was pulled unconscious from South Cronulla Beach in December 2022 by bystanders, and had to be revived by paramedics.
One one weekend alone in February 2023, volunteer lifesavers and council lifeguards pulled 20 people from the surf in a mass rescue at North Cronulla beach.
In January 2023, a 44-year-old father of six Talitiga Taupau drowned at nearby unpatrolled Shelley Beach, trying to save two strangers from a rip. Two others were pulled unconscious from the water.
An international student drowned in August 2023 after being swept off the rocks at Cronulla beach.
In November 2023, member of Cronulla RSL Phillip McGowen, was enjoying a beverage in our Sunroom. When he noticed a swimmer in distress in the water, after being washed up on the rocks after walking into a rip. At this time, the lifeguards had finished for the day. He ran from the Club, down to the beach, and guided the nearest boardriders to rescue the woman and bring her safely to shore. The quick-thinking actions of this man saved the woman’s life.
Whilst we have incredible volunteer and professional lifeguards monitoring our beaches in Cronulla, they are unable to patrol every hour of the day or every inch of the beach. Only 4% percent of all beaches patrolled by professional and volunteer lifeguards.
Surfing is a huge part of our society, and recreational surfers from all walks of life have been instrumental in helping to keep our beaches safe. We know local surfers are in the water 365 days per year and responsible for 1000’s of unsung rescues. Surfers are an important asset when saving lives.
SURFERS RESCUE 247
Cronulla RSL, deeply moved by the unfortunate spate of drownings and near-drownings during the previous summer, has undertaken a heartfelt initiative to ensure the safety of its local community. The Club allocated funds to Surfers Rescue 24/7, motivated by a collective desire to prevent a recurrence of the tragic events that unfolded the previous year.
Developed by Surfing NSW, the Surfers Rescue 247 program is directly involved in the NSW State Government’s Shark Mitigation Program and provides free CPR and board rescue courses and programs for Board riding Clubs, Surf Schools and the surfing community as a whole. Beach usage, whether for sport, recreation or competition, comes with inherent risk – the program aims to minimise this risk through the provision of free training to the surfing community.
“From our iconic location, we see the community enjoying Bate Bay from dawn until dusk, and that our fantastic professional and volunteer lifeguards can’t always be on patrol all hours of the day” said Club Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins.
Cronulla RSL acknowledges that surfers are an asset when it comes to responding effectively in a potentially life-threatening situation.
“We have a staff member that knows this first-hand, being rescued herself by a surfer during an accident in the waterways” said Natalie.
Isabelle White, The Club’s Customer Service Manager, was rescued from the water by a surfer after sustaining a blow to the head by her board during a surfing incident at the far end of a patrolled beach. If it wasn’t for the quick-thinking actions of a nearby surfer, Isabelle may not be with us today.
“The Club places immense value on the support of this Surfers Rescue 24/7 Board Rescue CPR Course. We recognise the critical role it plays in empowering community members with lifesaving skills and contributing to the overall safety and resilience of our coastal community” Natalie said.
Cronulla RSL support Surfers Rescue 247 photo: John Veage
CPR & BOARD RESCUE COURSE
In October 2023, members of the Cronulla RSL community participated in a Surfers 247 CPR & Board Rescue course, and learnt proven surf board rescue techniques that may prove to be crucial in times of need and could ultimately save a life. Simple yet proven rescue techniques learnt, were designed and endorsed by NSW Professional Lifeguards, The Australian Lifeguards Service (ALS), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), and some of the world’s most elite surfers. The Club provided facilities for the CPR component of the course.
Cronulla RSL supported a Surfers Rescue 247 CPR & Board Rescue Course in Cronulla
Locals participate in the board rescue component of the course
Trauma Course
Cronulla RSL further provided funding for the Surfers Rescue 247, for local boardriding clubs to participate in the Surfing NSW Trauma training course presented by TacMed Australia. This one of a kind course is a complete overview and training for trauma & bleeding control in an ocean based environment. The boardriders leant how to control bleeding and deal with other trauma related injuries after a shark attack, fin chop or other incidents.
Surfers Rescue 247 have running this course for various coastal communities up and down the NSW Coastline. Cronulla RSL encourage other Clubs to get involved.
Board riders participate in the TACMED component of the course.
Surfers Rescue 247 Trauma Course
Stuffing a wound. Part of the trauma course.
TRAUMA KIT
Cronulla RSL is now home to a Surfers Rescue 247 trauma kit. This kit will be on-hand to rapidly deploy in the event of a life-threatening trauma event on the beach, if our wonderful professional & volunteer lifeguards aren't on patrol.
Developed by Surfing NSW, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) as part of the Shark Smart program, these kits have been purpose-built by TacMed Australia Paramedics and Military Medics.
Cronulla RSL has a Trauma Kit on hand, to use in the event of a life threatening situation at the beach.