More to fear than shark attacks, warns SLSWA

20.08.2010

SURF Life Saving WA has suggested all surfers should know basic first aid and carry first aid kits in their car or packs.

 

The advice comes after the death of surfer Nick Edwards earlier this week. The 32-year-old was mauled by a shark – believed to have been a white pointer – near Gracetown on Tuesday.

"Every death along our coast is tragic, whether it's caused by a rip, large waves crashing over rocks or on a rare occasion, by a shark," SLSWA beach services coordinator Matt du Plessis said.

"SLSWA believes the focus of the community and governments needs to be on reducing coastal drowning along the WA coast.

"Whilst shark attacks do occur, they are low in frequency when compared to near miss incidents or deaths from people caught in rips or swept off rocks when rock fishing."

The association has issued a list of safety measures people can take to lessen their chance of being attacked by a shark.

It has advised people to always swim or surf with a friend and to avoid swimming or surfing near schools of fish, in murky or silt-laden waters, river mouths, creeks, deep channels or canals.

People who are bleeding should also avoid the water. Entering the water after dusk, at night or before dawn could also increase the risk of attack.

Mr du Plessis said patrolled areas marked by the red and yellow flags remained the safest place for beach users to swim or surf but beachgoers who are prepared to deal with emergencies could help save a life.

"If we can provide surfers with basic rescue, resuscitation and emergency care skills to be able to initially manage injuries that may occur, be it a drowning, reef injury, shark bite, surfboard fin cut etc, outcomes of these incidents can be improved," he said.

"Ideally, it would be great if every surfer along our coastline had basic first aid skills and carried adequate first aid kits in their vehicles or packs.

"Even under these circumstances, dealing with a major trauma often requires more advanced equipment/training."

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will re-commence weekend aerial patrols of the Perth metropolitan coast from October.

The helicopter will operate mid-week patrols from mid December until the end of February.