revisiting stories from the past lifesaving
Case Study
Revisiting Stories from the Past
RIPSAFE Project
2004–14: Percentage of Rip-current-related Incidents The average number of coastal drowning deaths from 2004 to 2014 is 93 per year. The percentage of rip-current-related incidents has decreased from 34% to less than 16% over this 10-year period.
Following three years of field research, surveys and interviews, as well as collaboration and consultation with scientists and water safety colleagues internationally, the RIPSAFE project has delivered valuable insights and evidence to support our drowning prevention efforts.
40
140
35
120
30 25 20 60
15
40
10
20
5
0
0 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14
Number of Coastal Drowning Deaths Percentage of Rip-current-related Incidents
Percentage (%)
Number (n)
100 80
Since 2011, SLSA has been conducting a collaborative research project with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to investigate the rip current hazard and inform the development of evidenced-based drowning prevention interventions. A multi-disciplinary team was established to investigate the physical and social sciences associated with rip currents.
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any stories in the last nine issues showcased the amazing achievements of the industry and the dedicated people behind who make it up—we’ve updated a few of them here. Issue 1 ‘Surf Emergency Response Times Slashed by 13SURF’
Then: The 13SURF hotline had been in operation for one year in New South Wales and was touted as a great example of how the volunteer and professional services could work together for a more coordinated approach to patrolling the coastline.
The research has revealed that rip currents are far more dynamic and variable than previously understood in the scientific literature. Their flow behaviour can either be offshore, directed or circulating, and vary from time to time, place to place, or in some cases minute to minute. This unpredictability has significant implications for key messages in education.
Now: Since its inception, the Surf Emergency Response system has expanded nationally with all states using or working towards a single point of contact for coastal and surf incidents.
To support the development of evidence-based drowning prevention strategies, the project has delivered a suite of Rip Current Survival Principles. These principles are set into two categories: avoidance and survival. They emphasise that avoidance of the hazard is paramount, but also describe the options available to people if they are caught in a rip current.
‘Working Together Attitude: Sutherland Shire Lifesaving Partnership’
The responses of floating, swimming parallel and seeking help are all presented as survival options, noting that the person should regularly reassess the situation and adopt an alternative response if necessary. This reflects the latest evidence including the complex nature of rip currents as well as the reported experiences of people who have been caught in them.
Then: Bondi Rescue
Issue 2 Then: We took a look at the special relationship between the lifesavers and the lifeguards of the Shire. Brad Whittaker, Manager Beach Operations, said, ‘It doesn’t matter to the public who is providing the service, they just want someone to be providing it’. Now: In Issue 5 (2011) we featured another Shire initiative, the ‘Working Together Development Program’, a joint venture between Surf Life Saving Sydney and Sutherland Shire Council which sees young lifesavers gaining more experience with lifeguards in a structured holiday program. This program continues today. Then: Fiona Borg
Now: Fiona is still a very popular lifeguard with Randwick City Council. Nicola Atherton is employed in a full-time capacity at Waverley Council. Nicola has plenty of experience in the water, she was a professional surfer for 10 years, winning the World Junior Surfing Championship at the age of 20 in 2007.
Issue 5 ‘Sunlight, Camera, Action—It’s Bondi to the Rescue’
Then: In 2011 Bondi Rescue was in its sixth season and Dean Gladstone gave us an insight into how the show had changed lifeguarding down on Australia’s most famous beach. ‘It’s turned into more of a career, as opposed to a summer job for beach bums,’ quipped Gladstone. We also interviewed a keen kiwi in Harrison Reid who had come over from NZ to participate in the Bondi Lifeguard Academy that season. Now: Bondi Rescue has signed on for its 10th season, the boys are narrating the show themselves, Bruce Hopkins has opened a themed cafe, there’s a range of Bondi Rescue merchandise and Harrison Reid is now a full-time lifeguard and one of the most popular stars of the show.
Issue 7 ‘Inspirational Story: Zane Ludlow’
Then: We spoke to Manly Council lifeguard Zane Ludlow about his life-changing gastric band surgery that helped him lose 76 kg over a period of 12 months. ‘My lifestyle has changed dramatically—I’m doing a job that I’ve always wanted to do,’ Zane said. ‘Next up for me is to get some major plastic surgery … once that’s sorted I’ll be as good as gold.’ Now: Zane has continued to keep the weight off, he’s still loving his dream job on the beach and he’s started up his own jetski water safety business, ‘Zane’s Water Safety Services’, providing services to ocean swims, surf comps and film shoots. Oh, and his beloved Rabbitohs won the grand final! Now: Zane Ludlow
Issue 4 ‘Females In Lifeguarding’
Then: We talked to Randwick lifeguard Fiona Borg about why we don’t see more females as lifeguards and the challenges women faced in a male-dominated industry. In a competitive industry ‘it’s a little harder [to become a lifeguard as a female], you need to be equal if not better than the guys in the ocean to make it’, said Borg. 10 th edition Australian Lifeguard Magazine 59