By Ron Lane
Another happy weekend on our three beaches Peregian, Sunshine and Noosa- no major incidents. Changes of wind conditions on Noosa’s Main Beach created minor sea changes which resulted in patrol members giving advice to some tourists. Lifesavers at Noosa were required to call the paramedics when a lady suffered a fall on land away from the beach and the call was made as a precaution.
Noosa IRB training team continued their crew training, and their final assessment is almost here; one more Saturday of lectures and boat before they conduct their final assessment.
Training team spokesman Chris Grandmange said, “At the completion of this course, it will give us another nine crewies and this is exactly what we need. With courtesy patrols still on the go, we will always need crewies.”
With the 2017 surf season now underway, it’s that time of the year again when we at Noosa Today take the opportunity to refresh your mind regarding those all-important facts of beach safety. There are two major areas of concern- our beaches (patrolled and unpatrolled) and that beautiful family walk National Park.
Starting at the three patrolled beaches, the basic rules are the same. Your protectors are the people in the red and yellow uniforms. Their duties are not only to perform rescues, but also to answer any questions you may have regarding beach safety. Remember don’t be too shy or embarrassed to ask- it’s part of the job. Most important for those of you who are planning a family walk through the National Park, talk to the patrol people before you start, be it from Noosa or Sunshine Beach.
Those who take off from Sunshine Beach to walk to National Park will no doubt be impressed by the beauty of Alexandria Bay (A Bay). Usually, a beautiful rolling surf with crystal clear waters, and if it is a hot day very inviting, but here in lies the danger-there are no patrols. If you must refresh, knee deep, no more.
However, if per chance you possess a stubborn arrogant streak and decide to venture for a swim in this Devils Playground, please do the lifesavers a favour, and leave your family on the sand. For our lifesavers to have to do a body recovery on adults is not nice, but do it for a child or even worse children, is un-forgivable.
If when you arrive on the beach and by chance see people in trouble, remember that there are two Emergency Radio Beacons– one at the northern entrance to the Bay and a second at the southern entrance. Follow the instructions on the label next to the button. Don’t panic, they are very easy to follow.
Our next reminder is regarding the walk itself. Winding paths along the beautiful cliff tops, proudly well kept by our council and easy to walk; and of course those small beautiful sandy beaches. However, as with A Bay, unpatrolled.
As with every season, the occasion will occur that a person, family, or runner on a fitness kick, will see people in the surf in trouble.
First rule, grab a mobile (yours or a passer-by) stay on the spot and call triple-zero. Then give location, then problem. By this we mean number of people, how far out, are they being supported by someone or board rider and above all- stay where you are. Next grab a towel or your T shirt. This you can wave to attract attention and if need be, help direct the rescue team; but again stay where you are. Remember when talking to triple-zero, stay calm and above all speak slowly. If fast and jumbled, you will have to repeat and this will waste time. Remember response time is the all-important factor. Your safety is our concern.
