Cronulla RSL Helps Equip Locals with Life-Saving Skills

The statistics are staggering. According to the National Drowning Report, 125 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, representing 44 per cent of the national drowning burden. 

Seventy-five drowning deaths were recorded at beaches — a 29 per cent increase from the 10-year average — and more than half had been swimming or wading prior to the incident (56 per cent), followed by bystanders attempting to rescue someone in distress.

Cronulla RSL is located on the beautiful waters of Bate Bay. From the Club’s iconic location, people can be seen enjoying the water from dawn until dusk. Unfortunately, incidences involving drowning or near drownings are not uncommon in Cronulla. 

Here are some recent examples:

• A woman was pulled unconscious from South Cronulla Beach in December 2022 by bystanders and had to be revived by paramedics. 
• One weekend alone in February 2023, volunteer lifesavers and council lifeguards pulled 20 people from the surf in a mass rescue at North Cronulla beach.
• In January 2023, a 44-year-old father of six drowned at nearby unpatrolled Shelley Beach while trying to save two strangers from a rip. Two others were pulled unconscious from the water.
• An international student drowned in August 2023 after being swept off the rocks at Cronulla beach.
• In November 2023, member of Cronulla RSL Phillip McGowen, was enjoying a beverage in the Cronulla SLS Club sunroom when he noticed a swimmer in distress after being washed up on the rocks from walking into a rip. At this time, the lifeguards had finished for the day. He ran from the Club, down to the beach, and guided the nearest board-riders to rescue the woman and bring her safely to shore. The quick-thinking actions of this man saved the woman’s life. 

Only four per cent of all beaches are patrolled by professional and volunteer lifeguards. The beach is a huge part of Cronulla’s society. Recreational surfers from all walks of life have been instrumental in helping to keep beaches safe and are responsible for thousands of unsung rescues. Surfers are also an important asset when saving lives. 

Cronulla RSL has provided funding to Surfers Rescue 24/7 to assist with providing potentially lifesaving skills to the local community to help ensure there isn’t a repeat of the sad circumstances that occurred over the 2022/2023 summer. 

Developed by Surfing NSW, the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program is directly involved in the NSW State Government’s Shark Mitigation Program. Thanks to funding from the NSW Government and DPI, Surfers Rescue 24/7 provides free CPR and board rescue courses.

Beach usage, whether for sport, recreation or competition, comes with inherent risk — the program aims to minimise this risk through the provision of free training to the surfing community. In October, members of the Cronulla RSL participated in a free board rescue and CRP course. The course provided the participants with crucial training and knowledge that they can use to assist in an emergency situation, which could ultimately save a life.

In addition, in November, members of local board riding clubs participated in the Surfers Rescue 24/7, Surfing NSW Trauma training course, presented by TacMed Australia. This one-of-a-kind course is a complete overview and training for trauma and bleeding control in an ocean-based environment. The board riders leant how to control bleeding and deal with other trauma related injuries after a shark attack, fin chop or other incidents.

Cronulla RSL is also home to a Surfers Rescue 24/7 trauma kit. This kit will be on-hand to rapidly deploy in the event of a life-threatening trauma event on the beach. Surfers Rescue 24/7 have provided these kits free to surf clubs, schools and coaches, as part of the program. 

“From our iconic location, we see the community enjoying Bate Bay from dawn until dusk, and that our fantastic professional and volunteer lifeguards can’t always be on patrol all hours of the day,” said Cronulla RSL Club Community Projects Manager Natalie Hawkins.

"Surfers are one of our biggest assets when saving lives. The techniques taught are so important and may prove to be crucial in times of need and could ultimately save a life,” she said. 

Cronulla RSL encourages other coastal clubs to support Surfers Rescue 24/7 to help provide these programs for surf clubs and communities in their area.