Surfing Western Australia is pleased to announce a new three-year partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries), supported by the Cook Government, to expand ocean safety initiatives and keep surfing events safe throughout WA.
The partnership will support the continued delivery and expansion of Surfing WA’s Surfers Rescue 365 program, increase drone and jet ski surveillance at surfing events, and deploy trauma kits at popular surfing locations between Esperance and Geraldton.
Surfers Rescue 365 is a free, face-to-face course that empowers surfers with essential first aid and rescue skills, including board rescue techniques and CPR. Since its launch in 2017, more than 1,500 surfers across WA have completed the training. With the support of this new partnership, the program will now expand into regional communities and schools, with a new online version developed to make lifesaving skills more accessible than ever.
To improve emergency response and shark hazard mitigation during events, Surfing WA will expand its drone and jet ski services across the State, responding to the growing popularity of local competitions. Working in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Shark Response Unit, Surfing WA will also determine suitable sites for the installation of trauma kits, providing critical support in the event of an emergency at remote surf locations.
Surfing WA will also team up with local surf ambassadors to promote the SharkSmart WA app and website, delivering important water safety messaging across the surfing community.
“Surfers are often the first responders when emergencies happen, especially in remote locations,” said Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane.
“Expanding our Surfers Rescue 365 program into regional areas and schools means more surfers will have the training to save lives when every second counts.
“It also allows us to strengthen safety at events by expanding drone and jet ski coverage and rolling out trauma kits at popular surf breaks between Esperance and Geraldton.
“Together with SharkSmart, these initiatives are helping to create a safer surfing environment right along the WA coast.”
For more information visit Surfers Rescue 365 and SharkSmart.
Pictured above: Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane, Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Response manager Michael Burke at Surfer’s Point.
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