Beach lifeguarding season will open in Margaret River from this Saturday 16 December with patrols to operate at the Rivermouth Beach in Prevelly from 10am to 5pm every day until Friday 27 April 2018.
Over the season, veteran Shire of Augusta Margaret River lifeguards Mick Short and Dave Alp will be joined by Jerome Forest, together with new lifeguards Jed Mattinson and Finn Haslau.
The five-strong team have undertaken Surf Life Saving lifeguarding training in order to update and refresh their skills including their Bronze Medallion, Senior First Aid and Beach Life Guarding Certificate.
Senior Lifeguard, Mick Short, said as well as monitoring the beach and water, time will be spent educating people about the coastal environment.
“Beachgoers need to be aware of hazards including swell, rips, rocks, sand banks and other water users,” he said.
No question is too silly when it concerns your health, safety and wellbeing. Have fun, be responsible and do not enter the water if you have consumed any alcohol.
- Mick Short, Senior Lifeguard
“The yellow flags will show the safest place to swim, and their location can change depending on ocean conditions.
“The rule of thumb is to stay aware of your surrounds and swim within your limits.”
Mr Short encouraged people to ask questions and exercise caution over the holiday season.
“Please come up and have a chat to find out the conditions before you head in the water,” he said.
“No question is too silly when it concerns your health, safety and wellbeing. Have fun, be responsible and do not enter the water if you have consumed any alcohol.”
Shire Recreation Operations Manager Dylan Brown said lifeguards had carried out a number of preventative actions last season.
“Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our lifeguard team, we have helped ensure that potentially dangerous situations are dealt with before they escalate.
“I think our community can be proud of their service.”
