SURFERS KITTED OUT TO TREAT SHARK BITES
CUSTOM first-aid kids and training to treat shark attacks will be deployed to more than 160 boardrider clubs and surf schools at NSW beaches as part of a $500,000 bid to keep surfers safe from sharks.
An extra 20 drones will also be used by Surfing NSW to patrol its events.
All surfers in NSW will have access to first-aid training through Surfing NSW, and customised medical kits will be supplied to clubs and schools to use at the state‘s beaches.
The kits will be given to more than 110 NSW boardrider clubs and 55 surf schools
“Sadly, most recent shark attack victims have been surfers, so this investment is about doing everything we can to ensure they get help quickly,” NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said.
Surfing NSW chief executive Luke Madden said the extra training and tools to deal with a shark attack could save lives, especially in remote locations.
“Every one of us wants to make sure we have the skills and tools we need so that if the worst happens to one of our mates, we can do everything we can to save them,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Marshall said NSW had the largest shark management program anywhere in the world.
The program includes a fleet of shark-spotting drones, listening stations, SMART drumlines, and 51 shark nets.
Surfer Eliza Wachholz, 18, welcomed the new training and firstaid kits.
“Often where we surf is away from patrolled beaches so it makes sense we need our own kind of shark protection,” Ms Wachholz said.
“I hope we never have to use it but I’m glad we have it if we need it.”
Seventeen-year-old Max Leedham has not seen a shark while surfing but his mates have had close calls.
“I’m keen to do the training so I know what to do if the worse was to happen,” Mr Leedham said.