New statistics released by Surf Lifesaving Illawarra for the 2017/18 season show at the 17 beaches between Stanwell Park and Windang, volunteer lifesavers have saved the lives of 373 people.
That’s up significantly on last year’s figure of 209.
These statistics only relate to volunteer patrols on Sundays and public holidays.
Sadly, five lives were lost at beaches across the Illawarra this summer, with all five occurring outside patrol hours and all at unpatrolled beaches.
Illawarra lifesavers also performed first aid on more than 420 people, resulting in 34 ambulances responding to our local beaches.
In addition, lifesavers were forced to take action on more than nine thousand occasions, warning people of the dangers of swimming in dangerous and unpatrolled locations.
Image:- SLSNSW.com.au