Far South Coast director of lifesaving Andrew Edmunds said this year sadly saw six fatalities recorded in the region, which stretches from Durras to the Victorian border.

“Last season we only had two drownings, so it’s very sad to see this number rising,” he said.

“Some incidents this year were result of medical issues; however we’re keen to prevent as many as possible by encouraging people to swim at patrolled locations, and take precautions such as wearing a lifejacket while boating or fishing.”

Mr Edmunds said volunteer surf lifesavers are due for a well-earned rest and passed on his thanks to all members for their contributions.

“Our members have been patrolling diligently since the season commenced in September and responding to coastal emergencies, performing 102 rescues, 185 first aid treatments and over 1000 preventative actions,” he said.

“Our members were also well supported yet again by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and rescue jet skis at Broulee and Pambula and worked well with other emergency services including police, ambulance and marine rescue.”

Lifesavers from Batemans Bay, Broulee, Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Tathra, and Pambula responded to 37 emergencies including missing people, rock fishing incidents, boating accidents, fall from height, capsized kayaks and swimmers in trouble.

While volunteer patrols will not resume until September at selected beaches, an after-hours emergency callout capability remains in place at all clubs. If you witness any in-water emergency be sure to call 000 and ask for the police.

Rescues 102

Attendance 57,477

First aid 185

Incidents requiring ambulance 6

Preventative actions 1049

Emergency Callout incidents: 37

Fatalities:

October 31, 2016: Man in his 50s died while scuba diving at Kianinny Bay south of Tathra

November 20, 2016: 43 year old Moruya man died at Pedro Point while diving.

December 1, 2016: 54 year old male drowned at Garden Bay, near Malua Bay after failing to return from 4pm swim.

December 27, 2016: Elderly female deceased after fall from height at Malua Bay.

January 6, 2017: Elderly male deceased offshore believed to have heart attack in boat. Retrieved by Marine Rescue and Police.

January 21, 2017: 54 year old Canberra man drowned after being swept off rocks while fishing at Tathra.

Batemans Bay SLSC

Rescues 19

Attendance 4669

First aid 18

Incidents requiring ambulance 1

Preventative actions 487

Bermagui SLSC

Rescues 0

Attendance 4735

First aids 48

Incidents requiring ambulance 0

Preventative actions 70

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Rescues 58

Attendance 20,267

First Aids 19

Incidents requiring ambulance 3

Preventative actions 274

Moruya SLSC

Rescues 0

Attendance 714

First Aid 0

Incidents requiring ambulance 0

Preventative Actions 0

Narooma SLSC

Rescues 3

Attendance 5552

First aids 29

Incidents requiring ambulance 0

Preventions 69

Pambula SLSC

Rescues 17

Attendance 9854

First aids 61

Incidents requiring ambulance 1

Preventative actions 131

Tathra SLSC

Rescues 5

Attendance 11,686

First aids 10

Incidents requiring ambulance 1

Preventative actions 18

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