Surfer’s Rescue Courses to be offered in Bass Coast

GippSport is excited to be partnering with Surfing Victoria and local clubs Bass Coast Boardriders, Phillip Island Boardriders and Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club to offer two sessions of Surfing Victoria’s water safety program: Surfers Rescue 24/7.

This partnership has been driven from a desire to support the local Bass Coast community following a devastating Summer with a number of drownings across Bass Coast beaches. La Trobe University research in partnership with Surfing Victoria shows that surfers play a critical role in keeping people safe on unpatrolled beaches each year and complement the incredible work of the local surf lifesavers. GippSport identified that this course would be a proactive way to upskill local surfers across the Bass Coast.

“Research shows that surfers are often first responders and although this training doesn’t intend to replace formal emergency rescue training or surf lifesaving services, in partnership with Surfing Victoria we hope to equip local surfers with the knowledge and education to perform rescues safely at beaches where they often know the risks particularly well from their presence and local knowledge”, GippSport Executive Officer Dan Poynton commented.

Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free Board Rescue and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course for all surfers and recreational water users. It provides vital training to assist in an emergency situation and could ultimately save a life.

The course is tailored around surfing, comprises of theoretical and practical elements that cover the following topics;

  • Identifying someone in trouble in the water
  • “Rip” Current and Wave Types education
  • Attempting a rescue in the water
  • Board Rescue Techniques
  • Transporting someone out of the water
  • Administering Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Envenomation education

GippSport & Surfing Victoria are pleased to offer two courses across Bass Coast. The sessions are FREE and open to anyone in the community.

Session 1:

Tuesday March 19, 2024, 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Phillip Island Boardriders Club Clubrooms 76 Veterans Dr, Newhaven

To register Click Here

Session 2:

Wednesday March 20, 2024, 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Clubrooms 163 Surf Parade, Inverloch.

To register Click Here

Places are limited, registrations are essential. For more information contact Gene Parini at gene@gippsport.com.au or 0428 358 335.

GippSport acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, The Bunurong Peoples, Gunaikurnai Peoples and other traditional owner groups of the Gippsland/East Gippsland Region.  We recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waters and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

GippSport is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and working in solidarity towards reconciliation.

GippSport – Gippsland Sports Assembly Inc.
PO Box 741, Traralgon, VIC, Australia 3844
Traralgon Sports Stadium, Catterick Cres, Traralgon