The role surfers play in keeping other beachgoers safe is being recognised this October, with Surfing WA offering free first aid and ocean rescue training to all local board riders.
Delivered with the support of Surf Life Saving WA and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, the Surfers Rescue 365 program upskills surfers with first aid, CPR and on-board rescue techniques.
Shire Corporate and Community Services Director Annie Riordan said while the ocean can be a wonderful place for recreation, there are a number of risk factors.
“It’s not uncommon for accidents on injuries to occur at the beach and most of the time it’s minor and assistance isn’t required,” she said.
“Occasionally though there are situations where more serious incidents happen and help is urgently required.
“It might be that someone experiences a medical condition in the water, or gets caught in a rip or current, swims beyond their depth, interacts with a submerged object or marine creature, or sustains an injury as part of their sporting activity.
“This program will help those most frequent beachgoers and most capable water users provide a time-critical and potentially lifesaving response.”
Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane the beauty of the coastline and world-class local surfing conditions attract a people from all around the world.
“This course is designed around the fact that surfers are in the water 365 days a year all up and down the coast,” he said.
“Those surfers could save the life of another surfer or even a swimmer.”
Margaret River Surfers Rescue 365
Saturday October 14
9am – 12pm (2hr CPR/first aid, 1hr rescue techniques)
Gnarabup Beach, Margaret River
FREE for all surfers
To find out more or register for the course visit surfersrescue365.asn.au
