- Cook Government providing $300,000 over three years to support Surfing WA shark hazard mitigation initiatives
- Surfers Rescue 365 program to be expanded into regional areas and online
- SharkSmart education messages key part of WA's shark hazard mitigation strategy
The Cook Government has today announced $300,000 towards several shark hazard mitigation initiatives to help keep Western Australian surfers safe in the ocean.
The funding will be provided to Western Australia's peak surfing body Surfing WA over the next three years to continue to deliver the Surfers Rescue 365 first aid program, expand drone and jet ski surveillance at surfing events and deploy trauma kits at popular surfing locations along the WA coastline between Esperance and Geraldton.
The Surfers Rescue 365 program is a free face-to-face program to train surfers in lifesaving board rescue, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid skills.
More than 1,500 surfers have participated in the first aid program since it commenced in 2017.
The funding provided by the Cook Government will enable the program to be expanded into regional areas and an online portal launched for school students and surfers who are unable to attend the in-person courses.
To continue to support ocean safety at State-wide surfing events, Surfing WA will expand its drone and jet ski services, catering for the increased demand and popularity of local surfing events.
Surfing WA will work closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Shark Response Unit and other relevant stakeholders to determine suitable locations for trauma kits which could prove vital during an emergency.
Surfing WA will also work with a number of local surfing ambassadors to promote the SharkSmart WA app and website and help deliver key water safety messages across the community.
For more information visit the Surfing WA website and SharkSmart .
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Many of Western Australia's most spectacular and remote beaches provide excellent surfing conditions so it can be crucial, and often lifesaving, knowing what to do in case of an emergency situation.
"With a network of 25 boardrider clubs and 23 affiliated surf schools around the State, Surfing WA are key partners helping to deliver SharkSmart safety messaging directly to the surfing community.
"The Surfers Rescue 365 program is a fantastic initiative delivering first aid skills to surfers, and the Cook Government is pleased to provide this additional funding so more people can take part in the training in-person and online.
"The SharkSmart WA app and website are key initiatives of the Cook Government's shark hazard mitigation strategy, and Surfing WA continue to be a great ambassador in promoting the water safety message."
As stated by Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane:
"This funding marks a major step forward for ocean safety in Western Australia.
"Surfers are often the first responders when emergencies happen, especially at remote beaches.
"Expanding our Surfers Rescue 365 program into regional areas and schools means more surfers will have the training to save lives when every second counts.
"It also allows us to strengthen safety at events by expanding drone and jet ski coverage and rolling out trauma kits at popular surf breaks between Esperance and Geraldton.
"Together with SharkSmart, these initiatives are helping to create a safer surfing environment right along the WA coast."
