Study highlights surfers’ importance to beach safety

A FIRST-of-its-kind study has shown the critical contribution surfers make to beach safety in Victoria.

Researchers from La Trobe University collected data from 562 recreational surfers from 2020 to 2023.

They found for every 100 surfers, respondents on average gave beachgoers safety advice 11.6 times, first aid 0.43 times and assistance in the water 1.1 times.

Researchers estimate this could equate to more than 70,000 assists and almost 25,500 cases of first aid provided by surfers annually.

La Trobe Business School’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact research fellow Kiera Staley said the study clearly demonstrated the value of surfers to those having trouble in the water.

“The results of this study provide an important and much-needed estimate of the rate of safety actions of Victorian surfers to beach users and the wider community.

“Surfers are a potential resource for safety action to support other beach users.

“When it comes to assisting people experiencing difficulty in the water, surfers are generally proficient swimmers with good beach hazard knowledge.

“This research can inform future beach safety strategies and educational initiatives.”

More than 95 per cent of Australia’s beaches lack professional lifeguard supervision, leaving bystanders and surfers as the primary emergency responders in unpatrolled locations.

The study showcased the benefits of first aid and board rescue training on surfers’ ability and willingness to assist.

Those with a board rescue qualification provided beach safety advice 29 per cent more often and first aid three times as often as those with such training.

Since 2018, Surfing Victoria has run a free board rescue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course for all surfers and recreational water users in Victoria.

Close to 5,000 surfers have completed the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program all over the state via public sessions, local boardriders clubs and surf schools.

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said surfers were fully aware of their impact on beach safety.

“This study highlights the extent of that role and the contribution surfers make each year to water safety.

“Surfers are in the water all year round and often at unpatrolled beaches, while also in possession of a surfboard, which is the perfect flotation device to assist in a rescue.

“Teaching surfers and beachgoers how to keep themselves safe – and how to perform a rescue if required – is key to keeping beaches safe across the country.”