NSW lifeguards issue warning after 1200 rescues in just seven days

“It was a perfect storm and what we’re really worried about is that [the fact] it’s only the first week [January].”

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Pearce said the drowning figures have been compounded by the number of people trying to avoid crowds by visiting unpatrolled beaches.

“We are seeing mass flooding along the NSW coast right now which is great for communities but is a drain on lifeguards,” Pearce said.

“As long as this hot weather lasts we will see the crowds. We’re just very concerned that this will drive people into unsupervised places and that the number of drownings will increase.”

With forecasts pointing to drier weather this summer, Surf Life Saving NSW prepared ahead of December by increasing the number of rescue jet skis and helicopters and dispatching lifeguards from Sydney to regional areas.

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The organization also expanded drone technology and made more resuscitation equipment available to crews.

Pearce said he would never blame a parent for trying to save a drowning child but urged them to use a flotation device in a rescue.

“You never see a lifeguard who doesn’t carry a rescue board or tube when performing a rescue,” he said.

“It just comes down to the fact that you need a flotation device for a rescue attempt because when you get out to them you need something to hold on to.”

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