Bystanders at four beaches in Clarence and Sorell now have access to rescue tubes, under a new program aimed at helping people in trouble when lifesavers are not on patrol.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania have installed the public rescue equipment stations at Clifton Beach and Bellerive Beach in Clarence and Carlton Beach and Park Beach in Sorell.
Each station holds a rescue tube, instructions and a unique location code to help emergency services find the site of an incident.
The equipment is designed to support bystanders while emergency services are on their way, particularly outside patrol hours.
The federal government funded the project through its Beach Drowning Blackspot Reduction Program and Surf Life Saving Tasmania delivered it in partnership with the City of Clarence and Sorell Council.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania chief executive Tony van den Enden said many drownings happened at beaches or at times when lifesavers were not on patrol.
“These game-changing stations mean that if someone gets into trouble, a bystander has a rescue tube and clear instructions right there, while help is on the way,” he said.
He said calling for help remained the priority.
“But the most important thing anyone can do in an emergency is call Triple Zero (000) first and never put themselves at risk.”
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Bellerive and Clifton beaches were popular with locals and visitors.
“We are incredibly fortunate here in Clarence to have some of Tasmania’s most beautiful beaches right on our doorstep,” he said.
“Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s new Public Rescue Equipment stations at Bellerive Beach and Clifton Beach are important safety resources and will be of great benefit to the community.”
Sorell Mayor Janet Gatehouse also welcomed the stations at Park and Carlton beaches, saying the equipment is a valuable resource that could help save lives.
Last month, the National Drowning Report found Tasmania recorded 10 drowning deaths in 2025/26, 25% above the state’s 10-year average.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania said it was working with Kingborough Council and other organisations to expand the program to more locations.
