Western Australia's coastal waters witnessed a significant and concerning spike in marine emergencies over the recent festive period, with lifesavers and emergency crews pulling a staggering 205 people from danger.
Festive Season Sees Dramatic Spike in Incidents
The data, released by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA), covers the critical period from December 22 to January 26. This timeframe, encompassing school holidays, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, is traditionally a peak period for water-based activities. The 205 rescues represent a substantial operational load for volunteer and professional lifesaving services across the state.
In addition to the rescues, the statistics reveal a broad spectrum of incidents that required intervention. Lifesavers performed over 1,300 first aid treatments for injuries and medical issues. Furthermore, they attended to more than 5,000 lost children, highlighting the crowded and sometimes chaotic conditions at popular beaches.
Key Incidents and Response Efforts
One of the most serious incidents occurred at Port Beach in North Fremantle, where a major search and rescue operation was launched. A 49-year-old man was successfully pulled from the water but was later pronounced dead in hospital, underscoring the ever-present dangers.
Another significant event unfolded in the state's South West, near Busselton. A boat carrying five people capsized, leading to a complex rescue operation. All five individuals were located and rescued from the water, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated emergency responses.
SLSWA's general manager, Chris Peck, provided a breakdown of the figures, stating that volunteers alone were responsible for 144 of the 205 rescues. The service also reported issuing 17,000 safety advice notices to the public, a proactive measure aimed at preventing incidents before they occur.
Authorities Issue Stern Safety Warning
The surge in incidents has prompted a strong safety message from marine authorities. Mr Peck emphasised the non-negotiable importance of wearing a life jacket while on a boat. He pointed out that many of the serious incidents and fatalities could have been prevented if this simple safety step had been taken.
"We can't stress this enough," Mr Peck said, highlighting the critical role of personal flotation devices. The message extends beyond boaters to swimmers, with advice to always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. Key safety reminders from SLSWA include:
- Always wear a life jacket when on a boat, kayak, or paddlecraft.
- Swim only at beaches patrolled by lifesavers and between the red and yellow flags.
- Check weather and ocean conditions before entering the water.
- Supervise children at all times in, on, and around the water.
- If in doubt, don't go out.
The festive season data serves as a stark reminder of the powerful and unpredictable nature of Western Australia's coastline. While the efforts of lifesavers saved hundreds from potential tragedy, the ultimate goal remains prevention through education and personal responsibility.
