It might say spring on the calendar, but lifeguards operating in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will get their first taste of summer this weekend when they are put through their paces at their annual proficiency and induction day.
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Approximately 30 lifeguards will be at Flynns Beach on Saturday, September 10 for the formal induction process and testing of their skills and fitness.
The aim is for the recruits to be in peak condition and able to respond to any coastal emergency during the 2016/17 season.
This season the lifeguards will be contracted by the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) following a decision made by council in July.
“This new agreement provides our community with greater value for money, improves efficiency and extends beach patrol hours thus increasing safety for locals and visitors alike,” said council director Tricia Bulic.
“As the swimming season approaches, our community can rest assured that we have the best in the business looking after our beaches, and importantly, many of the council lifeguards that have been working on our beaches in past seasons have the potential to enhance their skills under the guidance of the ALS,” Ms Bulic said.
Over the past months, the ALS have been busy recruiting lifeguards, cleaning and auditing gear, as well as finalising preparations for the new season.
Port Macquarie’s Town Beach will be the beneficiary of new equipment for the 2016/17 season.
ALS have taken possession of a new Rescue Water Craft (Jet Ski) and an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) which will play a crucial role in not only conducting rescues but preventing them throughout the course of the season.
Lifeguard supervisors from around NSW will also be in town this week when they gather at the SLSNSW Northern Operations Centre in Port Macquarie for their annual induction.
ALS NSW Manager Brent Manieri said the activities are an essential part of the preparation that is undertaken prior to the new season commencing.
“We are excited to be working with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council this season in delivering a professional lifeguard service for both the local community as well as visitors to the beaches of this region.
“This weekend is a chance for all this region’s lifeguards to come together to show their skill set and learn about the new service that will be provided to the community this season. I am sure that the lifeguards are looking forward to what again promises to be another busy season,” Mr Manieri said.
Following Saturday’s induction and testing, the lifeguards will return to the water on Sunday for RWC training, which will help sharpen up their techniques in readiness to use this vital rescue equipment.
Lifeguards from the ALS will be patrolling the following Port Macquarie-Hastings Council beaches in 2016/17:
- Town Beach (from September 24)
- Flynns Beach (from September 26)
- Lighthouse Beach (from September 26)
- Lake Cathie (from September 24)
- Rainbow Beach (from September 26)
- Camden Haven (from September 26)
