Sutherland Shire Council’s lifeguards are gearing up for the official start of the summer season as they undertake their annual fitness drills and testing on the sands of the beaches at Cronulla.
Each year, in preparation for the coming season, the lifeguards brush up on advanced resuscitation, spinal care and defibrillation. Every three years, each lifeguard undertakes a requalification of their first aid certificates. The fitness tests include an 800 metre ocean swim; an ocean course with board; and rescue tube proficiency tests.
The council’s lifeguards patrol throughout the year in conjunction with volunteers of the local surf lifesaving clubs. The council lifeguards are highly trained professionals and are there to ensure that the beaches are safe, friendly and clean places for all who want to visit them.
As well as the lifeguards, the council’s beach unit provides surf education programs to help improve water safety and awareness. Last year more than 1,200 children and young adults took part in the programs.
The helicopter rescue component of the training was led by Paul Featherstone, who is famous for playing a key role in the rescue of Stuart Diver from the Thredbo landslide and Todd Russell and Brant Webb from the Beaconsfield gold mine.
Securing our Taxi Ranks
Security guards are to be posted at major taxi ranks in Sutherland and Cronulla as part of a trial extension to make ranks in the area more secure.
Each secure taxi rank will be staffed by three security guards, providing extra security for those waiting for a taxi.
Beginning on October 12, Flora St Sutherland and Cronulla Plaza on the Kingsway have been chosen as secure ranks, with security guards staffing the Sutherland rank between 11.00pm and 5.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Cronulla Plaza rank will have security guards present from 11.00pm to 4.00am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
There are now 29 secure taxi ranks across NSW, with the locations chosen in consultation with the taxi industry, councils and police.
Cronulla Chamber of Commerce chairman, Rob Stanley-Jones, welcomed the initiative, which was supported by local hotels and clubs, St George Cabs and the Sutherland Shire Council.
It is hoped that the new security arrangements, which were offered by the NSW Ministry of Transport, will encourage visitors to the area and prevent anti-social behaviour.
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