This Christmas-New Year break, communities across NSW are being encouraged to plan ahead to stay safe these holidays in the surf, on the water and as they visit bushfire-prone areas.
Emergency services including the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and Marine Rescue NSW are reminding everyone to be prepared, make safe decisions and look out for one another.
Already this summer, NSW has experienced storms, fires and a full range of weather conditions – and while our emergency services are well prepared for the warmer weather, we’re urging communities to be prepared too.
Since the start of July, firefighters have responded to more than 4,000 bush and grass fires. This includes fires at Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast and Koolewong on the Central Coast earlier this month.
This season the RFS Chinook waterbombing helicopter has already completed more than 400 drops, including at Koolewong, delivering more than 3.2 million litres across NSW firegrounds. Last financial year, 47 new and upgraded RFS brigade stations were completed along with 281 new and refurbished trucks.
With increased temperatures, dry conditions and more people travelling, the RFS is asking residents and holidaymakers to take the following steps:
- Know the local fire danger rating and weather conditions.
- Have a bush fire survival plan and discuss it with family.
- If travelling, know what fire risks you may face and where you will go if fire threatens.
- Download the Hazards Near Me app and set Watch Zones for where you live and the area you are travelling through.
In the last year, SLSNSW has significantly upscaled its rescue capability and boosted measures at unpatrolled locations.
This includes the installation of more Emergency Response Beacons, bringing the total to 67 across the state, along with the rollout of 25 additional jet skis and a trial of AI camera technology which targets rock fishing safety at blackspots.
SLSNSW is reinforcing its core safety messages heading into the summer holidays:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
- Avoid swimming alone, especially at unpatrolled locations.
- Actively supervise children.
- Check for rip currents and speak with lifesavers for the safest place to swim.
- Never mix alcohol with swimming or water activities.
Following successive record months in September and October, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are prepared for a demanding summer season.
More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to assist boaters in distress across the state at any time of day or night this summer.
Last December and January, Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 1,379 search and rescue missions, including 346 emergency responses, and safely returned 3,425 people to shore.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
“There are simple actions you can take to prepare, like checking the weather, reviewing your bush fire survival plan, swimming at patrolled beaches, and supervising children at all times.
“We want everyone to be safe these holidays. By taking a few minutes to plan ahead, you’re helping protect yourself, your family and our emergency services.
“Our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are such an important community asset, and this summer will be no different. I encourage you to follow the directions of lifesavers and only swim at patrolled locations – it’s the safest way to enjoy your holiday.
“Be sure to download the Hazards Near Me App and stay across any warnings to keep you and your families safe.”
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin:
“Our firefighters do what they can to prepare, but it is a shared responsibility. Now is the time to prepare your property and family for the threat of bush and grass fires.
“We’re urging holidaymakers to think ahead, check conditions and fire ratings and understand what to do if a fire starts nearby. Review and discuss your bush fire survival plan. Know when you’ll go, where’ll you go and what you’ll take with you.”
Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Officer Steven Pearce:
“Our 21,000 volunteer lifesavers will be on duty to protect people on beaches across the state throughout the summer.
“Our message is simple: please choose a patrolled beach, supervise your children and swim between the flags.”
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews:
“With large numbers expected to enjoy our waterways over the summer holidays, we are reminding boaters to ensure their vessels are in working order, with batteries fully charged and adequate clean fuel on board, with plenty in reserve.
“Plan and prepare – every safe trip starts before you hit the water. Carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, monitor conditions at all times, and always log on with Marine Rescue NSW via the app or VHF Channel 16.”