Beach and pool lifeguards took to the water last month as the gradual reopening of pools started and visitors began taking advantage of the warmer weather to make a beeline for the coast.
According to the City’s drowning prevention plan, lifeguards will be on duty at 32 swimming pools and 29 beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast this season. The City offers a number of safe swimming awareness drives and campaigns to prevent drownings.
Remember, alcohol is not permitted on City beaches or at public swimming pools. It results in slow physical reaction time should you find yourself in trouble in the water and reduces the impact of CPR. The consumption of alcohol also causes someone to misjudge their swimming abilities and lead them to take risks that they ordinarily would not take when sober.
Beachgoers are reminded to only swim where there are lifeguards on duty and where signs indicate it is safe to do so. Always supervise children near water, dressing them in bright colours to make sure that lifeguards can see them in the water. Remember that the best form of supervision is to be engaged with young children in the water when at play, rather than watching from a distance, which leaves them at risk.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags set up by lifeguards at the beach. These indicate safer, supervised swimming areas. Areas outside these flags might conceal dangerous currents and tides.
