Geraldton surf lifesaving clubs to run extra patrols during break after nippers finish up for year

Swimmers in Geraldton will be able to take to the waves over the Christmas and new year break in safety, with extra surf lifesaving patrols running at Back Beach and Town Beach on Champion Bay.

Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club patrol captain Sue Britt said on Sunday beach safety has been good so far this summer and said people should keep taking precautions to stay out of trouble in the water.

“Just the standard ‘slip, slop, slap’,” Britt said.

“People should also swim between the flags.

“It (safety) has been pretty good.”

With nippers finished for the year, the next event for the club would be Australia Day activities, she said.

A spokesperson for Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club said the club would be running patrols on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the Christmas break.

The spokesperson said people should avoid drinking alcohol and swimming, swim in groups and be mindful of beach safety.

Champion Bay nippers won the club’s carnival last week, beating the Geraldton, Dongara Port Denison and Dampier teams.

Surf Lifesaving WA is asking people to show them their boardies and support beach safety by holding a Boardies Day.

The State body is asking schools, workplaces, community groups and individuals to plan beach events and send pictures of the day to raise funds.

“For every daring beach rescue, dedicated surf lifesavers spend hours on and off the beach, gaining the special skills they need to face any emergency,” it said.

“Surf lifesavers also need specialised training in equipment, like jet skis and surveillance drones, that are now an integral part of our lifesaving services thanks to the generous support of our community.”

More information can be found on the Geraldton and Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club social media pages and at boardiesdaywa.com.au.