Surfers playing a critical role in ocean safety

A NEW study from La Trobe University researchers has found that surfers play a critical role in keeping aquatic users safe, potentially saving hundreds of lives on unpatrolled beaches each year.

Across Victoria, more than 550 surfers were surveyed as part of a partnership between Surfing Victoria and La Trobe’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact to gain data on the vital work that surfers do to promote aquatic safety.

The survey data found that in a 24-month period, surfers helped to prevent drownings by giving safety advice 2500 times.

The data also proved more than 250 people were rescued, while first aid was administered to a further 100 patients.

Local Jan Juc resident James Wilson Browne said he values the importance of ocean safety, particularly after rescuing three people in a rip in Cape Conran in 2022.

“Whilst running some surfing programs, I was panickily pulled aside by a mother whose family was in trouble,” Wilson-Browne said.

“I paddled out to them and when I got there they were absolutely exhausted – they were all sharing the one boogie board to stay afloat.

“The Surfing Victoria Surfers Rescue 24/7 free board rescue and CPR program that I had done provided me with the knowledge and confidence to do a rescue with success.

“The general public is looking to surfers, like they did in this instance – initiatives like Surfers Rescue 24/7 are vital to making sure that people stay safe.”

Surfing Victoria’s Liam Robertson said quantifying surfers and their impacts would hopefully draw more support to programs like the Surfers Rescue 24/7 safety initiative.

“Surfers perform hundreds of rescues year-round and compliment the incredible work that lifesavers do over the summer period,” Robertson said.

“Surfboards are the perfect floatation device to assist in a rescue and surfers have a strong knowledge of the ocean allowing them to perform rescues safely.

“The research that La Trobe University is undertaking reiterates the importance of the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program and how surfers can keep our beaches safe.”

The Surfers Rescue 24/7 program has already trained over 3500 Victorian surfers, helping to provide crucial training to surfers when faced with emergency.

Those interested in participating or donating to the program can find out more information via www.surfersrescuevic.com