With no volunteer lifesavers on patrol and thousands of Tasmanians expected to flock to beaches and waterways this long weekend, Surf Life Saving Tasmania is urging people to take water safety into their own hands.
SLST general manager Alison Stubbs said public holidays consistently saw more water-related incidents.
“Public holidays are a time when people relax, travel and spend more time around the water, but they also come with an increased risk,” she said.
“With our volunteer patrol season now concluded, it’s more important than ever that people make safe decisions and look out for one another.”
The organisation is calling on Tasmanians to assess conditions before entering the water, actively supervise children at all times and wear lifejackets when boating, paddling or rock fishing.
Stubbs said people regularly overestimated how well they could handle open water, particularly at unfamiliar locations.
“Even strong swimmers can get into trouble if they underestimate currents, cold water or hazards,” she said.
Alcohol is another major concern over long weekends, with impaired judgement and slower reaction times contributing to water incidents.
SLST said conditions at Tasmania’s beaches and rivers could change rapidly and swimmers should be honest about their ability before getting in.
“Easter is a great time to unwind, whether that’s camping, spending time with family or enjoying the outdoors,” Stubbs said.
“But water safety should always be part of the plan. Simple actions can make a lifesaving difference.”
