Shaun Hollis, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
There have been more than 5700 surf rescues recorded across the nation since the start of summer, but there are no records for Yorke Peninsula.
Statistics for drowning rescues on the peninsula are not known because there are no surf lifesaving clubs.
Surf Life Saving South Australia lifesaving and emergency operations manager Sean Faulkner said the organisation is a not-for-profit, not a fully funded government agency, and therefore does not have a permanent presence on YP due to limited resources and the remoteness of the region.
“Water safety on Yorke Peninsula is primarily managed by SAPOL,” Mr Faulkner said.
“In the event of an incident anywhere in the state, SLSSA is notified by SAPOL, upon which we will provide any additional support, or advice, within our capabilities.”
SLSSA works with police and other state government departments, such as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Department for Infrastructure and Transport and Department for Environment and Water, as well as councils, to maintain and improve water safety on the peninsula.
“Initiatives and activities include implementing signage at beach access points and the review of hazardous locations,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Access points may be permanently closed based on the frequency of fatal drownings.”
SLSSA also runs 11 VACSWIM water safety programs for 3 to 15 year olds on YP, and the Department for Education runs water safety aquatics programs at beaches including Port Vincent and Berry Bay.
One group which does rescue people who get into trouble in the powerful surf of Berry Bay is the Yorkes Junior Surf Club, with volunteers found on the picturesque beach most days running safety, swimming and surfing lessons for children from across the state.
President Brian “Squizzy” Taylor said many parents and volunteers have been trained in surf safety.
“We’ve got some people with the skills and knowledge to help anybody out if they get into trouble,” Mr Taylor said.
“There’s been occasions when club members have come to the aid of other beach users who have needed a bit of advice or a bit of help.”
Mr Taylor said the club would be fully supportive of a surf lifesaving club in the region but the population probably could not support it yet.
“In the future it would probably be nice to see a surf lifesaving club originate down the bottom end here,” Mr Taylor said.
He said Berry Bay would probably be the most logical spot.
“A lot of the waves around Marion Bay are in the (Dhilba Guuranda- Innes) National Park so you’re a bit sort of stuck there with a surf lifesaving club,” he said.
“Berry Bay’s becoming more renowned as a learn-to-surf, and pretty nice, beach.
“In time it may happen.”
Mr Taylor said the volunteers loved training kids to help keep them safe and healthy.
“As a junior surf club, we conduct the community surf rescue (training) which teaches the volunteers in the club important rescue skills,” he said.
“The first part is reading the beach and having the knowledge about the safe areas, and how to act with the dangers as well as controlling your equipment, getting in and out of the surf breaks safely, surfing with crowds (and) wiping out safely.”
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 19 March 2024.
