Ahead of the Easter holidays and with predicted warm weather across multiple states, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is pleading with the public to stay away from the beach, in support of the Federal Government's advice to stay home and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission.
Surf Life Saving services across the country are working with local council authorities, with many beaches already completely closed to the public and many patrolling services finishing early.
Last Easter surf lifesavers and lifeguards were fully operational and performed more than 535 rescues across the Easter school holidays with rescues on public holidays (Easter long weekend and ANZAC day) accounting for 75% of the total rescues which also tragically saw nine lives lost along the coastline. With patrolling services reduced this Easter, there are concerns people who choose not to adhere to the Government's advice and go to an unpatrolled beach, may find themselves in trouble with limited assistance available.
Surf Life Saving Australia President Graham Ford AM, said supporting the Government's efforts to slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission is the number one priority. But the public also need to know that when the red and yellow flags aren't flying, it simply isn't safe to swim.
"Traditionally the Easter school holidays is a time when large numbers of people gather on our beaches across the country," said SLSA President Graham Ford AM.
"Surf Life Saving Australia is urging the public to adhere to the Government warnings and restrictions, particularly with respect to social distancing.
"Surf lifesaving services across the country are not operating as usual, many beaches are closed due to COVID-19 and some services have been modified from what the public would normally expect.
"The beaches won't be as safe in or out of the water these holidays with the reduced services and the risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19," added Ford.
"We all need to play our part and the message is really simple; the easiest and best way to stay safe this Easter long weekend and school holidays is to stay home."
Surf Life Saving patrols and Government messages may differ in each State and Territory – to find out specific information in each jurisdiction:
Surf Life Saving New South Wales
https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-resources-slsnsw-members
Surf Life Saving Queensland
http://lifesaving.com.au/covid19/
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory
https://www.lifesavingnt.com.au/covid-19/
Surf Life Saving South Australia
http://www.surflifesavingsa.com.au/news
Surf Life Saving Tasmania
https://www.slst.asn.au/clubs-members/club-member-resources/covid-19-information/
Surf Life Saving Western Australia
https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/covid-19/
For further detail and information relating to SLSA and COVID-19 please click here.
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