Port Kembla, Sandon Point, Scarborough and Woonona Boardriders Clubs are among 50 who have been given emergency first aid kits customised for shark attacks.
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As part of the shark incident response program, 14 Illawarra Shoalhaven clubs have been allocated the medical kits, which are part of a $500,000 funding announcement from Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.
The funding also includes 20 drones which will be deployed to surf events in areas where there are no lifesaving facilities.
"Sadly, most recent shark attack victims have been surfers, so this investment is about doing everything we can to ensure they get help quickly," Mr Marshall said.
"Every surfer in NSW will now have access to first-aid training through Surfing NSW's Surfers Rescue 24/7 program, while customised medical kits and training will be supplied to more than 110 NSW boardrider clubs and 55 surf schools.
"To help keep surfers even safer, an additional fleet of 20 drones will be used by Surfing NSW to patrol their events, in addition to our world-leading fleet of shark-spotting drones already delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW.
"NSW has the largest shark management program anywhere across the globe and this is just another tool to help keep swimmers and surfers safe at the best beaches in the world."
Nick Squires from Illawarra Surf Academy in East Corrimal said: "It is something we do not ever want to happen, but as surf school and a surfer, to have this 'just in case' first aid equipment there is very valuable and gives someone a chance of living if that was ever to happen. Hopefully we never have to use it."
Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said partnering with the NSW Government would upskill surfers to ensure they had the knowledge and tools needed in dire situations.
"I think I speak for a lot of surfers in this state, when I say that we're grateful for this support that will ultimately benefit all NSW surfers," Mr Madden said.
"These skills and resources could prove life-saving, especially in remote regions where emergency services may be some distance away.
"Every one of us wants to make sure we have the skills and tools we need so that if the worst happens to one of our mates, we can do everything we can to save them."
The following Illawarra Shoalhaven clubs will receive the emergency first aid kits:
- East Corrimal Boardriders Club
- Goat's Creek Longboarders (Port Kembla)
- Port Kembla Boardriders Club
- Sandon Point Boardriders Club
- South Bridge Boardriders Club, Warilla
- Illawarra Surf Academy
- Australian Surf Tours
- Dave Hyslop Surf Coaching
- Huskie Standup Paddleboard Club
- Ulladulla Boardriders Club
- Culburra Boardriders Club
The NSW Government encourages beachgoers to be SharkSmart when entering the ocean and download the SharkSmart app. For more information, visit www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au.
Gayle Tomlinson
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
