THERE’S no doubt that surfboard riders have saved hundreds of people from drowning or getting into difficulty at our unpatrolled beaches over the years.
In most cases their efforts, at warning visitors not to go swimming, or paddling across and helping them to safety, go unnoticed and that’s exactly the way most want it to be.
But the fact is, if it wasn’t for the timely intervention of these community-minded individuals, people with an instinct and a respect for the dangers that exist, the numbers of drownings would be fearfully higher than they are already.
So, it was gratifying to see GippSport partnering with Surfing Victoria and local clubs Bass Coast Boardriders, Phillip Island Boardriders and Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club to offer two sessions of
Surfing Victoria’s water safety program: Surfers Rescue 24/7, during the week.
Not only was it a welcome initiative for surfers and others to upgrade or reinforce their rescue skills after the summer we’ve just had, but it was a positive sign that authorities are responding, on a multi-agency basis, to meet the challenge.
Two sessions were offered, one at the Phillip Island Boardriders Club last Tuesday, March 19 and also at the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Clubrooms on Wednesday March 20.
Island Boardriders’ official Adrian Sorati led the session at Newhaven with an on-water demonstration at Cleeland Bight Beach, Cottesloe Avenue.
He stressed a number of key points for various scenarios including rescuing conscious and unconscious swimmers.
“It’s all about prevention, intervention and education,” said Sorati, the easiest option being to encourage people not to got into dangerous waters in the first place.
“Say something like ‘I have surfed here for 10 years and it’s too dangerous to swim, don’t go in’
“If there is an emergency, we want you to participate to the level of your abilities not above.
“And remember, there is no obligation to do anything beyond calling for help.
“Should you decide to assist, do not attempt any rescue without a floatation device, either a surfboard or boogie board to assist you.
“If you don’t have a floatation device, get help. In fact, if you decide to intervene, tell the others around you in the water what you are going to do, so they can keep an eye on you, or tell someone to go for help if you are going out into the water.”
Mr Sorati got the participants to demonstrate how they would rescue someone on a board and when to provide CPR to an unconscious person.
If you would like to know more about improving your rescue skills in the surf contact Gene Parini at gene@gippsport.com.au or 0428 358 335
La Trobe University research in partnership with Surfing Victoria supports the anecdotal evidence that surfers play a critical role in keeping people safe on unpatrolled beaches each year and complement the incredible work of the local surf lifesavers.
GippSport identified that this course would be a proactive way to upskill local surfers across the Bass Coast.
“Research shows that surfers are often first responders and although this training doesn’t intend to replace formal emergency rescue training or surf lifesaving services, in partnership with Surfing Victoria we hope to equip local surfers with the knowledge and education to perform rescues safely at beaches where they often know the risks particularly well from their presence and local knowledge,” GippSport Executive Officer Dan Poynton commented.
Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free Board Rescue and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course for all surfers and recreational water users. It provides vital training to assist in an emergency situation and could ultimately save a life.
It is likely to be offered again in the lead up to next summer.
