Water Safety Video To Help Prevent International Student Drownings
Surf Life Saving NSW has partnered with NSW Police, Royal Life Saving NSW and Northern Beaches Council to create a new water safety video to help save international students from drowning on the NSW coastline this summer.
Funded by Study NSW, the new water safety video features six students who share their experience of the water to help raise awareness and save lives.
Among them is international student Manisha Gautam from Nepal, whose boyfriend tragically drowned a year ago in Bents Basin in Sydney’s west.
“He was trying to save his friends. He didn’t have any idea about safety procedures and measures. With so many peoples’ help they couldn’t save him,” said Manisha Gautam.
“It’s such a loss for the whole family and friends. It gives me a different idea about the importance of educating ourselves in water safety,” she said.
The new video, which is subtitled in eight different languages, encourages international students to enrol in swimming lessons and familiarise themselves with water safety when swimming in the ocean, rock pools, rivers and pools or when rock fishing.
Some of the recommended safety tips include:
- Swimming at patrolled beach locations
- Swimming between the red and yellow flags at the beach
- Wearing a life jacket when fishing and boating
- Avoiding alcohol around water and not drinking if you plan to swim
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero - Police
- Use the Beachsafe website or download the App for information about beach patrol locations
International students who come from landlocked countries and have limited experience with Australian water conditions are at the greatest risk of drowning.
“I think it is important for international students to adapt to the water culture in Australia because it is very different from where we are from. And this means there are also different dangers and types of risks,” said international student Manuella Sella, from Brazil.
“People are not expecting the currents to be so strong… but it is really dangerous,” she said.
Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW said he wanted international students to enjoy the beautiful NSW beaches but to understand the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled locations or rock fishing without a lifejacket and other safety equipment.
“It’s important to remember that beach safety starts long before you set foot on the sand – it starts at home. By using the Beachsafe App you can look for the safest beach, understand the dangers and make sure that the beach you go to is patrolled by lifesavers,” Steven Pearce said.
“Remember just because the water looks calm does not mean that it is safe. Make sure you and your friends are safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags where the lifesavers can see you.
“Surf lifesavers are there to help you and love to chat with beachgoers. When you get to the beach go and say hello to the lifesavers – they are looking forward to meeting you,” he said.
The Surf Life Saving NSW Community Education Team runs education workshops on beach and water safety for international students and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. More information is available on the SLSNSW website.
The new water safety video for international students can be viewed in multiple languages on the Study NSW website.
BEACH SAFETY TIPS
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police
- For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or download the App.
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Marine Rescue NSW: Boating Safety 2020-2021 Season
The increasing traffic on all our waterways makes it more important than ever for safety on the water to be the highest priority for all boaters.
Log On & Off with Marine Rescue. It’s quick, simple and free.
Log On whenever you’re heading out on the water and Log Off when you return. We’ll stand watch. If you don’t Log Off as planned, our volunteers will start searching for you. To Log On, call your Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free MarineRescue App. You can download the App at the App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for Androids. Click on images below to download:
You can always Log On, whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a day trip around your local area or cruising along the coastline. And it doesn’t matter if you’re on a tinnie, a cruiser, a yacht, a kayak, a canoe or a jet ski. When you Log On via, our radio operator will ask you for some basic information about your vessel, your destination and contacts. You’ll enter the same details on your smartphone or other device if you’re using the MarineRescue app. If you don’t Log Off, this information will help us find you, whether you’ve simply forgotten to Log Off when you returned to shore or you’re caught in an emergency and need help fast.
Tell us:
- Your boat registration number
- Where you’re leaving from
- Where you’re heading
- What time you plan to return
- The number of people on board
- Your mobile phone number
If the fish are biting and you decide to stay out longer, simply call the base on VHF Ch 16 or use the MarineRescue App to update your arrival time. Remember to Log Off when you’re back on shore. If you haven’t let us know you’re back safely, we’ll start to look for you. We’ll try calling you first up, just in case you’ve forgotten to Log Off and headed home with your catch. That’s the best outcome. If we get no answer, we’ll step up the response.
When you Log On via the App, choose the live safety tracking option so your position is updated in our vessel tracking system every 30 minutes. This means that in an emergency, our rescue crews will have a starting point for a search operation, based on your last known position, saving valuable time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Skeds
If you’re travelling along the coastline, we encourage you to establish a voyage plan with Marine Rescue NSW and an offshore tracking schedule for you to check in (to ‘sked’) with our bases along your route. This lets us know that you’re travelling safely, on schedule and not in need of emergency help. We’ll keep track of your progress until you safely arrive at your destination in NSW or we hand you over to the marine rescue service in the next State if you’re travelling further north or south.
Don’t risk it: lifejackets save lives
Whenever you’re heading out on the water, make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket. Lifejackets are mandatory for all MRNSW crew members and passengers on board our vessels. The reason is simple: lifejackets save lives.
But any lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. It’s the simplest precaution you can take to protect yourself, your family and friends. An emergency can happen suddenly on the water. You could easily be incapacitated by a medical crisis or unable to reach your lifejacket if the boat is sinking.
A lifejacket won’t ruin your day on the water but it can prevent it ending in tragedy. Lives are lost in recreational boating emergencies every year but many of these victims could still be alive today if they had been wearing a lifejacket, especially in smaller, unstable vessels, which can easily capsize in rough conditions such as those on coastal bars.
Modern lifejackets come in a range of models, including jackets, vests, yoke or bag styles. They are more slim-fitting and comfortable than in the past and won’t restrict your movement, whether you’re boating, fishing or riding a jet ski. It is also safest to wear a lifejacket whenever and wherever you are rock fishing.
The choice of manual or automatic inflation will depend on what is most comfortable and what you are doing. An auto-inflating jacket will inflate as soon as the inflation mechanism gets wet, while a manual jacket’s CO2 inflation is only activated by hand. Auto-inflating lifejackets must be serviced every year or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
NSW laws require lifejackets to be worn in many situations. For more information on NSW lifejacket laws, visit rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/safety-equipment/lifejackets
Marine Radios
Marine Rescue NSW provides continuous radio coverage along the NSW coastline from Point Danger in the North to Eden in the South.Marine radio operators in our network of Search and Rescue Coordination Centres and Marine Radio Bases monitor marine radio frequencies around-the-clock to ensure boaters in trouble receive help – fast.
Our radio services include:
- 24/7 marine distress monitoring along the entire NSW coastline.
- Rapid emergency response activation and coordination.
- The State’s only Log On service to keep watch while you’re on the water. Make sure you always Log On when you head out and Log Off when you return. If you’re not back when expected, we’ll start searching for you.
- Weather forecasts and warnings at regular times or any time upon request.
- Radio checks to help you know the strength and clarity of your radio signal.
- Marine radio training courses. See Radio courses.
Marine radios and range
VHFVHF is the choice for safer boating. Newer technology, it offers greater range, clearer reception with less interference from static and help at the push of a button. Marine Rescue NSW recommends that boaters make the switch from the older 27MHz technology.
The effective range of a VHF radio is up to 20 nautical miles and often much further, depending on the elevation of land-based receiving stations. A VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and GPS functions will provide you with even greater safety and convenience.
MRNSW radio bases monitor both VHF and 27MHz marine radio channels along the NSW coastline but a VHF radio will maximise the likelihood of your call being heard around-the-clock and of help arriving swiftly. Learn more: Australian Communications and Media Authority at acma.gov.au or the ACMA Youtube channel.
27MHzA
27MHz radio is a basic entry level marine radio with an effective range of 10-15 nautical miles, usually limited to “line of sight”. This frequency is highly susceptible to static and has significantly reduced radio coverage compared to VHF.
MF/HF
Designed for offshore and overseas cruising, the more costly MF/HF radio has an effective range of up to 200 nautical miles but can reach considerably further depending on conditions, antennas and frequencies used. MF/HF distress frequencies are monitored by a commercial contractor, Kordia, engaged by NSW Maritime rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime
Network
MRNSW owns, operates and maintains the NSW marine radio network used by recreational boaters, other emergency services and a range of commercial boaters.
The organisation has invested heavily in upgrading marine radio network infrastructure and radio base equipment in recent years, particularly on the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and the Far South Coast. This has eliminated blackspots in reception and provided consistent marine radio coverage along the coastline, extending 20 to 30 nautical miles out to sea, significantly improving the safety of boating offshore and on enclosed coastal waters.
The network of Marine Rescue NSW Search and Rescue Coordination Centres and Radio Bases is connected via a central communications backbone, linking our radio bases over the internet and ensuring that radio traffic to all bases can be monitored remotely should any facility be off the air.
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Lisa Blair Joins RPAYC's Women's Twilight Fleet
December 2020: by Katie Pellew, RPAYC
On a perfect evening for sailing; the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club RPAYC Women’s Twilight race welcomed a very special guest, Lisa Blair, who joined the racing fleet and then spoke afterwards on her Antarctic record & signed copies of her new book ‘Facing Fear’.
Lisa is the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica. Seventy-two days into her circumnavigation, when Lisa was more than 1000 nautical miles from land, the mast of Climate Action Now came crashing down in a ferocious storm. In freezing conditions, Lisa battled massive waves and gale-force winds, fighting through the night to save her life and her boat. Following her ordeal, Lisa relied on her unbreakable spirit to beat the odds and complete her world record. With unwavering focus and determination, she sailed home, completing her journey after 183 days.
The book’s title, ‘Facing Fear’, centres around the lasting effect of trauma from the serious accident and Lisa’s brave determination to overcome this in order to complete her trip. Her book is available online here.
The RPAYC Twilight Fleet has grown which now regularly sees in excess of 100 Women take to the water fortnightly to compete in the ten races series over two divisions. A new addition to the program this year has been the SheSails Development Training available to competitors on the alternate Tuesday to racing. This program is aimed at those with reasonable sailing ability who want to improve knowledge and technique, in particular, those already part of or looking to join a women’s twilight crew, or any crew. Conducted on the Club’s fleet of Elliott 7 Keelboats, the training sessions are coached by Niall Powers, the RPAYC Senior Head Instructor, and Juliet Costanzo, an experienced Youth Development squad member and match racing champion.
After a spectacular Twilight race starting in an exciting 20 knots and ending in a very pleasant 10 knot southerly, Lisa Blair took Line Honours onboard the 50ft Crowther Catamaran ‘Top Gun’. Lisa spoke during dinner on her Antarctic Record, journey so far and her new book. With over 120 female sailors present the evening was a huge success, everyone agreeing that Lisa’s story is enthralling while she remains so humble about her achievements and love of sailing.
Photo by Robert McClelland
Huge Weekend Of Surfing At North Narrabeen
The nudie Australian Boardriders Battle central NSW regional qualifier and the Northern Beaches Open – the final stop on the Australian Open of Surfing series – will form a gigantic long weekend of surfing on Sydney’s northern beaches when it all gets underway from Saturday, 12th December 2020.
The nudie Australian Boardriders Battle will see 14 boardriders clubs competing for the chance to qualify for the national final which will take place in 2021, while the Northern Beaches Open will see approximately 110 competitors surfing across the male and female divisions.
The nudie Australian Boardriders Battle will run on Saturday, December 12th, 2020 and the Northern Beaches Open will run Sunday 13th – Monday 14th December 2020.
The prime locations for the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle and the Northern Beaches Open is North Narrabeen with backup locations of Collaroy, Dee Why, Long Reef and Curl Curl.
All competitors are advised to ring the event hotline (0458 247 212) by 6.45am on the days of competition to confirm location and running order.
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING SERIES
The entire Australian Open of Surfing series features eight events that will take place in the latter months of 2020 and provide professional and aspiring surfers with the opportunity to win prize money and gain momentum going into 2021.
Each event in NSW will see a total $7000 prize purse with $1500 going to the winner of the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
In addition to a larger prize purse, all events on the Australian Open of Surfing series will be webcast live through surfingnsw.com.au and the Surfing NSW Facebook.
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing series will see events in:
- Sunshine Coast, Qld – 19th – 20th September 2020
- Gold Coast, Qld – 31st October – 1st November 2020
- Cronulla – 8th – 9th November 2020
- Port Macquarie – 14th – 15th November 2020
- Kiama – 22nd – 23rd November 2020
- Coffs Harbour – 29th – 30th November 2020
- Far South Coast Open – 5th – 6th December 2020
- Northern Beaches – 13th – 14th December 2020
All events will adhere to strict COVID-19 policies and regulations outlined by the Australian Government and council protocols.
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing NSW Series is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is also supported by Destination Kiama, Coffs Harbour City Council, Sutherland Shire Council, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Northern Beaches Council.
ABOUT THE NUDIE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE
For more information on the Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series head over to www.australianboardridersbattle.com
nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series Eight Schedule:
- ABB – EVENT 1 – Gold Coast, QLD – August 22, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 2 – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA – Sept 5, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 3 – Trigg, WA – Sept 19, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 4 – Clifton Beach TAS – Oct 3, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 5 – Phillip Island, VIC – Oct 17, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 6 – NSW Sth – Kiama, NSW – Nov 21, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 7 – NSW Nth – Coffs Harbour, NSW – Nov 28, 2020
- ABB – EVENT 8 – NSW Central – North Narrabeen, NSW – Dec 12, 2020
- ABB – National Final – TBC
Now in its eighth season, the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event, involving more than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs and $112,700 in prize money.
The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (Men and Women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
Adding to the high stakes at the State qualifying events will be two speciality awards. The Oakley Prizm Performer will be awarded to the standout surfer, while the Surfing Australia Innovation Award ($1000) will be presented to the surfer who performs the most innovative manoeuvre.
Other Awards at the National Final include:
- Surfing Australia Air Show – $1000
- Surfing Australia Club Spirit Award – $1500
- Layne Beachley Medal
- Wayne Rabbit Batholomew Medal
NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and Surfing Australia’s commitment to comply with all State and Federal regulations, series dates are subject to change at any time.
The 2020/21 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by nudie, Oakley, Woolworths, Hyundai, Destination NSW, City of Newcastle, 2XP, WSL, mySURFtv and Surfing Australia.
Image Recent Far South Coast Open Champion Jordy Lawler (Narrabeen) will be representing his local club at the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle and hoping to claim back-to-back Australian Open of Surfing series titles when the Northern Beaches Open gets underway. Photo by: Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW
Sydney To Hobart 2020: Changes To The Shore-Side Aspects Of The Race
After what has been a difficult year for us all, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is overjoyed to be able to conduct the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
CYCA's utmost priority remains the safety of our Competitors, Members, Guests, Volunteers and People. As such, there are a number of necessary changes this year to the shore-side aspects of the race which are listed below.
These changes have been made after detailed and ongoing consultation with all stakeholders including Governments, Health departments, Councils, Competitors, agencies, industry and more.
Happily, other than Competitors applying COVIDSafe protocols, there are no changes to the water-side aspect of the race. Competitors will once again line up across four start lines in spectacular Sydney Harbour, tussle for position as they race to the Heads, then turn south and hunker down for their 634-nautical-mile adventure to Hobart. We are very pleased to report the integrity and rich history of the Great Race remains intact for this 76th edition.
Shore-side changes in SYDNEY
- Access to the CYCA, before 0930hrs 26 December, is limited to holders of an Official Race Pass (Competitors, Support Crew, Officials, Volunteers, Contractors, Guests). This is to minimise mass gatherings and allow the competitors time for final preparations and access to their boats.
- To assist with the flow of crew being dropped off at the CYCA, Rushcutters Bay Park will be used as a drop-off zone for competitors.
- At 0930hrs, the Club will be open to members and guests.
- Everyone is required to register via the QR codes at entrances which will be monitored by the Security Team.
- Although restrictions have been relaxed somewhat we still need to be observant of social distancing and as such there are still limitations as to numbers we can have within the Clubhouse (400) and on the Marina (1000).
- Although family and friends are welcome to the Club from 0930hrs we request that consideration is given to reducing the number of people on the marina.
- The official Spectator Vessel will depart from Kings Street Wharf to assist with reducing numbers on the Marina.
Shore-side changes in HOBART
Similarly to Sydney, there are changes to the shore side of the race in Hobart however we need to be conscious that each State Government has their own requirements and regulations and we need to ensure we meet both Governments expectations.
- Following the finish, each boat will be escorted to Murray Street Pier where they will be met by Biosecurity and TAS Health (or a TAS Health approved & trained representative) to complete health screening before proceeding to the dock for berthing.
- All competitors and support crew will require their Official Race Pass to access the marina, the Hobart Race Village, and media centre for the entire race period (27 December 2020 – 1 January 2021).
- There will be no access to these areas by the general public.
- The official prizegiving will be limited to two crew from each boat.
We are so grateful that we are able to have this year's Race and remind you that please at any time in Hobart or Sydney follow a directive given to ensure compliance with COVIDSafe regulations.
HOW TO WATCH THE RACE
Seven Network broadcast - live coverage of the start of the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will once again be broadcast on Boxing Day through the Seven Network and will be available Live and On Demand via the 7plus app.
Live stream - a live stream of the event will be available from 1245hrs Saturday 26 December:
Right here on rolexsydneyhobart.com;
via Facebook @RolexSydneyHobart; or
From the CYCA Clubhouse (COVIDSafe capacity limits will be in force).
On the water - If you have a boat or other vessel, you may watch the race from the water. Note an exclusion zone is in force around the racetrack on Sydney Harbour. Please take care when manoeuvring your vessel.
From the land - CYCA kindly asks spectators to please not gather along the foreshore of Sydney Harbour to watch the race. NSW Government's COVIDSafe guidelines remain in force, including a restriction on public outdoor gatherings to 100 people. You can keep up to date with the latest information on the NSW Government's COVID-19 latest news & updates page.
We urge all spectators to please watch the race on Network Seven, online or from the water.
CYCA thanks you in advance for your cooperation. The Club and our Community are extremely excited for the Great Race this Boxing Day!
Photo CYCA/Hamish Hardy
