Surf Life Saving NSW is to boost coastal patrols ahead of ANZAC Long Weekend following the deadliest Easter on record
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In the wake of the deadliest Easter weekend on record for coastal drownings in the state, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has intensified its emergency response efforts ahead of the upcoming Anzac Day long weekend.
The spike in patrols comes after a devastating Easter break that saw six individuals swept into the ocean from rock platforms, highlighting a growing concern about coastal safety during holiday periods.
According to SLSNSW, the risk of coastal drowning is more than four times greater on public holidays.
Prior to this year and dating back to when recording began in 2004, there had never been more than three coastal drownings on an Easter long weekend.
In response, SLSNSW has deployed additional jet skis and Rescue Water Craft to conduct proactive sweeps along the coastline.
People gather to watch large swell at Coogee Beach on Good Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
Surf Life Saving NSW has bolstered its response capability in the water ahead of the Anzac Day long weekend. Picture: SLSNSW.
This weekend marks the final patrols of the season for volunteer lifesavers, with flags set to come down on April 27, concluding a seven-month patrol period that began in late September.
So far this season, more than 3,200 rescues have been carried out by SLSNSW volunteers and Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguards.
Swimmers brave large swells at Coogee Beach on Good Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
An increased presence of jet skis and other Rescue Water Craft will be available to sweep the coastline. Photo: SLSNSW.
In general, coastal drowning risk is more than four times greater on public holidays. Photo: SLSNSW
However, 47 people have drowned since July 1, 2024, all at unpatrolled beaches or outside of patrol hours.
While surf conditions are not predicted to be as dangerous as those seen across the Easter long weekend, swells of 1-1.5m are predicted for Friday and Saturday, rising potentially as high as 3-4.5m on the back of a southerly developing on Sunday.
Surf life saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce, urged beachgoers to avoid unnecessary risks, particularly on rock platforms, a hotspot for recent tragedies.
'This is particularly important for those thinking about visiting a rock platform to view the ocean or rock fish this weekend,' he said.
'After the weekend we just had, I really want to implore the public not to gamble with their lives, the lives of their family members, or the lives of our volunteers this weekend.'
'Let's end the volunteer patrol season on a high note and send everyone who visits the beach home with their families.'
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