Life Saving - Patrols have been busy to the start of the season

Patrols have been busy at the start of this 2020/2021 surfing season.

Conditions have varied over the first 6 weeks or so.

Only last weekend our volunteer lifesavers were busy with 2 incidents -

Our future lifesavers in training for their Bronze Medallion, witness an unfolding drama with a male calling for help after been caught in a rip current, 150 metres from the flagged area. The male was rescued on a rescue board and returned to waiting lifesavers on the beach before first aid and oxygen therapy was administered. NSW Ambulance was called and treated the person.

A few minutes later another drama was unfolding with a female caught in another rip current, at the southern end of Bulli beach which was also an unpatrolled location. A member of the public assisted the female prior to responding lifesaver on a Jetski (RWC) and lifesavers from Woonona & Bulli SLSC’s on ATV’s.

Other assets including Surf Life Illawarra Duty Officer and Wollongong Council Lifeguard Supervisor attended the incident.

Woonona lifesavers provided first aid and oxygen therapy was administered, before been transported in the Lifeguard ATV to waiting Ambulance crews at Bulli Surf Club.

Incidents like today highlights the importance to only swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. Not for the quick response from lifesavers , incidents like this can have tragic outcome for individuals in the surf/water environment.

Thanks to the extraordinary work by volunteer lifesavers today and assistance from Wollongong Council Lifeguard Supervisor.