Rescue forum outcomes look to lifeguards

A recent meeting to discuss possible options for a “community-based” coastal rescue service was described by participants as “positive” despite no clear outcomes. The August 17 meeting was brokered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson responding to a series of Times reports about veteran surfers calling for help. The most recent shark incident in Margaret River – on July 24, when NSW man Jack Frost was swept from his board off Gnarabup – sparked renewed calls by local surfers frustrated the region still lacked a dedicated jetski-led fast action response capacity despite rapid population growth and international marketing of the coast. At the meeting, Margaret River Recreational Surfers president Jim Ross reiterated the only solution backed by surfers was the Hawaii model where professional heavy water rescue experts were part-funded to be at the ready during peak times to help ocean users getting in trouble. “We need to copy what they do in Hawaii and bring an instructor from there to train our own people up to their standards,” Mr Ross said. “There is a duty of care here for those who promote this area as a surfing destination, with the facilities at Surfers Point set up to encourage an influx of tourists, many not having any experience in heavy water, and consequently they get into difficulty. “It gets worse every year, and local surfers can’t be relied on to help.” Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club president Aaron Mc Rae said the meeting gave all groups a chance to clarify their resources and areas of responsibility. “The issues around water safety along our coastline are very complex and there are many agencies involved,” he said. However, most of the emergency groups were staffed by volunteers which would always put a limit on response times, Mr McRae said. He believed some considerations would now be communicated to the Minister for further action. “I believe that there will be more collaborative discussions to develop a more comprehensive response,” he said. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson confirmed he would receive a full briefing, with hopes for more meetings. “The first meeting was productive,” he said. “Attendees were able to share their various concerns, challenges, and experiences with one another.” The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River did not respond to inquiries before deadline. Mr Ross reiterated the call for the Shire to upgrade Spectur alarms either side of Gnarabup so oceangoers could hear and see the alerts, with response times for activation of the Shire-run alarms also a bone of contention.