<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>329011</docID> <postdate>2024-09-13 08:56:42</postdate> <headline>More than 1000 deaths prevented by surf lifesavers</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-329012" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20210123001515500098-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Volunteers performed a record number of preventative actions over the season, saving many lives. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Alex Mitchell</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>More than 1000 deaths were prevented by lifesavers on Australia's coastlines in the past 12 month, as warnings ring out for caution at the beach this summer.</strong></p> <p>Surf Life Saving Australia's (SLSA) annual report was released on Friday and found a concerning 29 per cent spike in preventative actions needed by its volunteers last season.</p> <p>The study found that men were far more likely to drown than women, with males making up a whopping 86 per cent of drownings.</p> <p>There were 258 coastal deaths in the past season, with 150 of them due to drowning.</p> <p>But the organisation found its drowning burden could have been closer to 1700 without its lifesavers, with more than a thousand critical injuries prevented by their actions.</p> <p>SLSA CEO Adam Weir said the number of drownings was "alarming" and should cause everyone heading to the beach this summer to take notice.</p> <p>"I am however incredibly proud of the work of our volunteer surf lifesavers across the country who performed a record number of preventative actions which has ensured this drowning number was not significantly higher," he said.</p> <p>"As the Australian population continues to grow, more and more people are visiting the coast, and swimming away from Surf Life Saving services remains a major risk."</p> <p>Coastal drowning deaths were 64 per cent higher in February and March, and nearly a quarter above average through winter.</p> <p>Swimming and wading drowning deaths also increased by 49 per cent from the 10-year average.</p> <p>Lifesavers performed nearly 8900 rescues across the season, with 2.4 million preventative actions taken by volunteers to keep beachgoers safe.</p> <p>"We want to ensure everyone can enjoy our coastline safely and return home to loved ones," Mr Weir said.</p> <p>"Our message remains simple: swim at patrolled locations, know your limits and be aware of your actions and decisions around the water."</p> </body>