COASTAL lifesaving clubs have made their return ahead of another action-packed summer.<\/p>\n
Last Saturday 57 surf lifesaving clubs across the state commenced patrol season for 2020\/21.<\/p>\n
Two million visitors were estimated to have visited the state’s beaches last season with lifeguards performing a total of 475 rescues.<\/p>\n
President of Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, Tom Cullen is anticipating an even bigger Summer following the easing of restrictions.<\/p>\n
“We do anticipate large amount of day visitors especially because people cannot travel internationally and there are some restrictions to the level which they can travel interstate,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Particularly over the holiday period we will be busier than ever because there is a pent-up need to get out and explore.”<\/p>\n
Despite reports of a drop in state-wide memberships, Anglesea has maintained strong numbers ahead of this summer.<\/p>\n
“In terms of club memberships, we are on track for about the same as past years if not potentially a little bit higher,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I know us and other clubs close by have actually had a positive if not slight improvement to memberships which is fantastic.”<\/p>\n
With some Covid-19 restrictions still looming, surf live saving clubs have had to comply with new training and regulations including smaller patrol teams.<\/p>\n
“We still have the capacity to deliver a top service to the same level as previous years,” said Mr Cullen.<\/p>\n
“Lifesaving Victoria have done a lot of work to ensure that our members are safe and looked after so I am very confident that as long as we do everything right will be free from illnesses.”<\/p>\n
With large numbers of people expected to frequent the coast this season, Mr Cullen says beach goers need to consider the hazards.<\/p>\n
“With more people getting down to the beach we need to remind them to swim between the flags and go to that extra effort to find a car park at a patrolled beach,” he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COASTAL lifesaving clubs have made their return ahead of another action-packed summer. Last Saturday 57 surf lifesaving clubs across the state commenced patrol season for 2020\/21. Two million visitors were estimated to have visited the state’s beaches last season with lifeguards performing a total of 475 rescues. President of Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, Tom […]<\/p>\n