NSW surf lifesavers are gearing up for a big Australia Day on beaches across the state. While everyone else enjoys a public holiday to celebrate our national day, thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers will be hard at work to ensure the safety of big numbers of beachgoers.

Thousands of rescues and incidents since Christmas including the tragic drowning of five people, has left lifesavers concerned about Australia Day, which is one of the busiest days of the year on NSW beaches.

“Our surf lifesavers are bracing themselves for a busy day and we’re imploring the public to exercise caution and swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches,” said SLSNSW Lifesaving Manager, Dean Storey. Surf Life Saving NSW has joined forces with the NSW Police over the summer, promoting the Play Safe, Stay Safe public awareness campaign targeting preventable drownings.

Surf conditions are forecast to be small to moderate (2-3 foot) on Australia Day, however lifesavers are warning people not to be complacent.

“Often when the surf seems benign, we end up with a large number of incidents and rescues,” said Storey.

“Many people feel confident taking to the water, particularly at tempting unpatrolled locations, then find themselves in trouble when they over-estimate their abilities and underestimate the power of rip currents on even small surf days.”

The public is also urged to use common sense when mixing alcohol and the ocean. “Don’t drink and swim,” says Storey, “alcohol impairs good judgment which can be lethal when you are dealing with something as unpredictable as the ocean.”

At some popular locations, patrol hours may be extended and the SLSNSW support operations network will be on high alert, all emergency response Duty Officers are on standby and equipment including jetskis, rescue boats and helicopters are ready to respond.

For patrolled beach locations / times and multi-lingual beach safety information visit www.beachsafe.org.au