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AS the final weekend of beach patrols approaches, surf lifesavers have urged swimmers to take care.
Far South Coast Surf Life Saving duty officer Andrew Edmunds said patrols would finish after the Anzac weekend.
“This is the last weekend with patrols on our beaches, so be sure to head to patrolled beaches, and swim only between the red and yellow flags,” he said.
“The water temperature is lovely at the moment so it will be your last chance to enjoy the beach during the season.”
He said anyone aware of someone in trouble in the water should call Triple 0 and ask for police.
His warning followed the rescue of a swimmer from an unpatrolled beach during the Easter weekend.
Mr Edmunds praised the work of Batemans Bay lifesaver Anthony Bellette, who noticed a swimmer in distress when he was undertaking a random patrol of known danger spots.
“Anthony did a fantastic job in very dangerous surf conditions, keeping the patient afloat and ensuring he was calm until the helicopter arrived,” Mr Edmunds said.
“Without his intervention it could have been a very different outcome, given the large and dangerous surf – especially as it was deemed too dangerous to swim the patient back to shore.”
Mr Edmunds said the incident highlighted the importance of the Westpac Surf Life Saver rescue helicopter to the region.
“Using the helicopter was the safest option and highlights what a valuable asset it is in support of our local lifesavers,” he said.
He said the helicopters and life savers had conducted random patrols of trouble spots in recent years.
“We have a team of duty officers that check a range of unpatrolled locations, usually during long weekends,” he said.
“We use a range of methods, including duty officers driving from beach to beach, aerial patrols and jet ski patrols.
“But this is still a right-time, right-place scenario, depending on resources, so the safest option is to only swim at patrolled beaches, which are Malua Bay, Broulee, Moruya and Narooma."
During the summer school holidays, Eurobodalla Shire Council also funded patrols at Tuross, Dalmeny and Surf Beach.