Stanwell Park records the highest number of surf rescues as season closes

THE Illawarra’s most northern patrolled beach recorded the highest number of rescues by volunteers over the summer swimming season, which comes to an end on Sunday.

The 2018/19 season for Surf Lifesaving Illawarra on its 17 volunteer patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park south to Windang, officially comes to an end on Sunday April 28, before the flags go back up on September 28.

From Monday, North Wollongong will be the only patrolled beach during the off season.

Illawarra Surf Lifesaving spokesperson Anthony Turner said volunteers preformed 281 rescues , and an incredible 7,091 preventative actions, advising swimmers to remain between the flags, during the 2018/19 season.

“Lifesavers attended to 416 first aid cases, ranging from marine stings to fractures, minor to major wounds , and spinal cases,” he said.

Helensburgh/Stanwell Park recorded the highest amount of rescues in the Illawarra, totalling 87 rescues. Austinmer followed with 31 rescues, with Thirroul 20, Coledale 15 and Coalcliff seven.

Mr Turner paid tribute to the tremendous efforts of the volunteers in keeping the public safe between the red and yellow flags and beyond.

“Tragically one person drowned at Stanwell Park beach on the opening weekend, 300 metres north of the unpatrolled location,” he said.

“Rescues ranged from swimmers, board riders, snorkelers, kite surfers, paragliders, broken down boats, jetski riders and searches.”