Action required to avoid more lives lost

I WAS involved in assisting the recovery and failed resuscitation of a man near Surfies Point on January 12. The rips there claimed another life.

A young lady near me told me that she and another rescued a 15-year-old girl from the same rip the previous day.

The rips are localised but powerful if surf is above 1.5 – two metres.

As I regularly stay on The Esplanade, I am cautious but have seen others rescued over the years. The signage of caution is woeful.

There are multiple signs, mostly about dog restrictions and wildlife protection, but a small note of ‘dangerous current’.

I feel clear signs of beware of rips, and a description of how to recognise them.

As there are no life savers, perhaps cameras or drones might be used, and warnings delivered on high-risk days.

Action is required now to avoid loss of more lives.
 

Terry Ahern