By Ron Lane
The recent drowning of rock fisherman down south, is something of which, we in the lifesaving movement should be aware of and take note. The fact that these disasters did not occur “Between the Flags,” is no reason to stick our heads in the sand: the old days are dead and gone.
During the search and recovery of the fishermen, it was mentioned in the media, that the local lifesavers were involved. This comes about, when following a police call, the Emergency Response Groups are notified, their assistance is required. It is these groups known as the E.R.G.,that is on a 24 hour call out system regardless of the time. It could be daylight time or midnight: and in the pouring rain.
We cannot emphasize enough the dangers of night time rock fishing or night time stroll through the National Park. This area has not been without its share of tragedy. On at least two occasions, one group of two night time fishermen and another group of two night- strollers have been swept to their death off the rocks in the Park. We don’t bring this to peoples’ attention just to spoil their day: we do so to make them aware that it can and has happened. Above all, if those in the fishing fraternity still insist on night time fishing, we ask them to at least ware a life jacket, and also carry some type of small light beacon.
Always remember, despite their experience and dedication, our elite lifesavers of the E.R.G. can’t save you if they can’t see you.
To become a member of the E.R.G. you just can’t apply, you have to be invited. Those considered for membership, have to be highly experienced as a crewie or driver, know the coast line from North Shore to Sunshine Beach and above all, be familiar with the National Park area. When you look at the team membership, you will usually find that apart from this, they are often former members of the Jet Boat Rescue Service, Helicopter Rescue Team, or the Wave Runner Service. In other words, these little known select teams, who go quietly about their business, are the elite of your surf clubs: fit, experienced,( know the shore line of their district, like the back of their hand) dedicated and above all are prepared to carry out their duties regardless of the time, weather, sea conditions or circumstances.
It can at times be very frustrating. Last week two young girls, just on dark, reported to police that they saw a possible situation south of the Sunshine Beach Patrol area. Both Sunshine and Noosa E.R.G.crews were called in and search patterns were conducted in big seas: these searches were assisted by powerful spotlights mounted on rescue vehicles. After some time with no calls from concerned family members reported, and further questioning of those involved, it was deemed a false alarm and the search called off. Regardless of the results , the distress call, given in good faith, had to be followed up .All part of the job.
However, to think that matured aged men are prepared to risk their lives by rock fishing during big surf conditions, merely to catch a feed of fish, goes beyond all understanding. Then when you consider the three police officers who swam through the big seas, in one of the southern tragedies, with one being injured, it makes these incident even more unbelievable and tragic.
Add to this the New Years Eve Festivities. Do you know that on this occasion, while you were letting your hair down, a team of the E.R.G. were rostered to be on standby, at Noosa’s Main Beach from 6pm till 2am New Year’s Day: to cover the possibility of drunken fools, disappearing while on a midnight swim. So be honest, next time when the Noosa coast is being hit by big seas and you would kill for a feed of fish, the decision is yours, (ignoring of course the family pleas, don’t go daddy) go rock fishing or drive to your local fish shop. If you choose the latter you will be going home in the family car and not a body bag. This is just one of the problems that confront our modern- day lifesavers: so why keep it quiet. And by the way, don’t forget these people are unpaid volunteers.
