Free rescue course for recreational surfers
A free rescue course for surfers will be held at Umina Beach from 9am on Saturday, December 2.
The Surfers Rescue 24/7 course is a surfboard rescue and CPR course for NSW recreational surfers run by Surfing NSW.
The course aims to teach crucial board rescue techniques that can be used to assist in an emergency situation and could ultimately save a life.
"We know surfers are in the water 365 days a year from dawn until dusk and are most often the first to assist in emergencies," said Surfing NSW education manager Mr Adam Seminara.
"With only four per cent of all beaches patrolled by professional and volunteer lifeguards, surfers are our biggest asset when saving lives.
"The techniques taught have been proven to save lives using the ready-made rescue tool already on hand - your surfboard!
"We are encouraging recreational surfers of all skill levels to do the Surfers Rescue 24/7 course to learn these techniques, as well as be trained in CPR.
"With less than 10 per cent of all Australian's being trained in CPR, these skills can be used anywhere to help save lives."
The course spends 90 minutes on basic rescue techniques using the surf board and two hours on resuscitation.
Participants must be competent with handling, paddling, and surfing on a surfboard.
They must be a competent swimmer, and able to swim 100 metres unassisted in open water.
Registration is available online through the Surfing NSW website https://surfingnsw.com.au/.
SOURCE:
Website, 24 Nov 2023
Surfing NSW