Tasmania’s surf lifesavers have launched their latest patrol season for the start of summer with a somber reminder of the “disappointing” increase in coastal fatalities this year.
Over the last 12 months ten people drowned off the state’s coast, a 70% increase compared to the 10-year average.
According to Surf Life Saving Tasmania, 90% of these fatalities occurred more than one kilometre from a patrolled beach.
CEO Tony van den Enden said this emphasises the need for those in the water to swim between the flags.
“Tasmania has some of the best beaches in the country which also means we have some of the best beaches anywhere in the world,” he said.
“We want everyone to enjoy their time in the surf and on the sand this summer.”
“However we can’t ignore the statistics which show a disproportionate number of rescues and fatalities occurred last season across our state.”
Van den Enden encouraged beachgoers to be aware of the risks and to swim only at patrolled locations.
“Our wonderful volunteers are incredible at what they do but they simply cannot be everywhere,” he said.
“So we encourage everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags.”
Surf Life Saving Tasmania has nearly 3,200 registered volunteer members across 15 clubs, seven volunteer marine rescue units and multiple support operations.
Last year, they performed more than 23,000 patrol hours, 83 rescues, over 2,000 preventative actions and treated 182 first aid cases.
