Members of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) recently conducted safety trials for the use of a popular pink rescue buoy at Manly Beach.
The tests were done to determine whether such a rescue device, which was developed by South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute, would be useful for beachgoers during emergencies when there are no lifeguards patroling the waters.
Thus, lifeguards were not asked to conduct the trials. Instead, regular beachgoers and swimmers from the surf club were enjoined to participate for two days.
A study from James Cook University revealed that about five Australians a year accidentally die when trying to save someone in the water. Authorities at Manly Beaches want to ensure that beachgoers remain safe even as they try to help drowning swimmers.
“The pink rescue buoy programme was rolled out by the NSRI in November 2017,” prevention manager Andrew Ingram told the press.
“Since then 424 buoys have been placed between Port Nolloth and Richards Bay (South Africa),” Mr Ingram added. “These buoys have already assisted 43 people in danger of drowning, 15 of them were people who went in to save others.”
Apart from the pink rescue buoys, SLSNSW members also tested four other safety devices for its viability.
The trial was conducted with the help of NSW’s Water Safety Blackspot and Surf Live Saving Australia (SLSA). After an evaluation, these agencies will be rolling out the safety devices across the beaches in New South Wales.
