Extended lifeguard patrols at Tathra Beach during February brought many benefits recent ALS report finds

"The addition of weekday patrols throughout February in Tathra provides that extra piece of mind for local resident and visitors alike," Far South Coast director of lifesaving Cheryl McCarthy said.

"It's a great initiative by the Tathra business community to support their local community and keep all beach goers safe."

A report released by the Australian Lifeguard Service, with insights on Tathra Surf Life Saving patrols through February, showed that Tathra Beach received over 5000 visitors as well as several positive outcomes from the service.

One of the main ones being the significant decrease in rescues required, down from 17 in February 2021 to just eight in February 2022.

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Australian Lifeguard Service public safety business development manager, Chris O'Rorke said a reduction in rescues performed was the goal of the ALS, as "we preach proactive patrolling techniques and preventative actions rather than "successful" rescues".

In addition to the eight rescues performed, lifeguards also conducted 175 preventative actions and 32 first aid treatments, the vast majority of which were for minor cuts or abrasions and minor marine stings.

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Another benefit that was realised in the ALS report, was the increase in school groups and sporting groups that travelled to Tathra Beach as a result of extended lifeguard patrols, many travelling from Western NSW and further beyond.

Tathra Beach House Apartments owner and coordinator of the business houses' donation Rob White said the increase of school groups visiting from further afield was a pleasant and unexpected outcome.

"All of a sudden we noticed that school groups from western NSW were coming along and benefited from the service but also being educated on water safety by the lifeguards on duty," Mr White said.

"Getting a degree of beach safety from a professional lifeguard before they ventured into the ocean was great," he added.

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Mr White said he hoped the school kids that visited Tathra will wish to return with their families in future, bringing more visitors to the region.

For the last seven years the local business community with the help of the Tathra Lions Club have pooled together funds to extend lifeguard services for the month of February at Tathra Beach.

In 2022 the extended lifeguard initiative was financially supported by the Tathra Lions Club, Tathra Hotel, Tathra Beach Bowling Club, Tathra Beach Country Club, Tathra Beach House Apartments, Tathra Beachside, Tathra Big4, Tathra Beach Eco Camp, Kianinny Bush Cottages, The Gap Tathra, Tathra Beach Real-estate and the Tathra Chamber Of Commerce.

"On behalf of the Australian Lifeguard Service, we wish to thank the Tathra business community, and in particular Rob White at the Tathra Beach House for driving the efforts to provide extended lifeguard services at Tathra," Mr O'Rorke said.

Weekend patrols by NSW Surf Life Saving have now come to an end, with the last day of the season on Anzac Day, Monday April 25. Patrols by Surf Life Saving will return in October for the long weekend.

In the meantime visit the Surf Life Saving NSW website to learn more about beach safety including tips on how to spot a rip current in the ocean.

Ms McCarthy also reminded the general public that emergency callout response will be available seven days a week, all year round.

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