Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2019/20 patrol season for our South Australian Surf Life Savers, who will return to our beaches to protect the public.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard marked the occasion today by planting the first flag in the sand at Glenelg Beach to signify the start of the season.
“Around 2,500 volunteer surf lifesavers from 21 surf clubs will begin patrolling beaches across the state on weekends and public holidays from this Saturday, October 12th, through until April 13th (Easter Monday) 2020,” Minister Wingard said.
“An increase in drownings last season, up six from the summer prior, just proves how essential our surf life savers are to the community.
“Thirteen lives lost last summer is 13 too many and with this season expected to be a hot and dry one, Surf Life Saving SA is going to be on high alert.
“A staggering 300 people were saved from drowning at our beaches and coastlines last summer by our wonderful volunteer surf lifesavers.
“They put in more than 71,000 hours of patrol across the State which saw more than 8,000 preventative actions being taken, proving just how vital our surf life savers are to the South Australian public.
“I have the utmost respect for every single surf life saver, as well as Surf Life Saving SA for saving lives, saving families and creating a safe and fun environment for people to enjoy the beautiful beaches our State has to offer.
“I echo the message from Surf Life Saving SA that South Australians should always remember to swim between the flags, stop, look and plan, know your limits and never swim alone.”
A full list of patrolled beaches can be found online at in addition to further beach safety information.
