“Additional signage is not the answer to getting people out of trouble. Swimming in unpatrolled locations is the issue.”
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This was director of Surf Life Saving for the Far South Coast Andrew Edmunds’ message in response to Tuesday’s article involving the call from two Tathra locals to erect signs at Tathra Beach to indicate rip locations.
Swim between the flags and stay safe, otherwise you’re just putting yourself at risk.
- Andrew Edmunds
“The reason signage is not permanently erected is due to the changing nature of the beach,” Mr Edmunds said.
“Flash rips can occur in seconds and signage could potentially mislead the public into thinking the areas are safe.”
Mr Edmunds also said that almost all drowning and rescues occurred away from patrolled locations.
"In our branch, which covers Batemans Bay to Pambula, no-one has drowned between the flags, ever," he said, speculating that might be the case for the entire state.
"Almost all of our rescues each year are when people are swimming outside of the flags.
“There's no need for extra signage. Our lifesavers do regular sweeps of the beach, monitor surf conditions and continually adjust flag locations to ensure it is in the safer places.
"Swim between the flags and stay safe, otherwise you’re just putting yourself at risk."
