THE 2019-20 surf life saving season has come to an end.
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Surf Life Saving NSW says it has been one of the most challenging to date starting with bushfires and ending with a global health crisis.
President of Surf Life Saving NSW, George Shales, said the early end to the season was disappointing.
"The early conclusion to the season was a major disappointment for us all but I'm very proud of the way in which clubs took the lead and set a great example to the rest of the community by encouraging their own members and the broader community to stay at home and social distance to keep safe," he said.
With beaches closed and lifesavers no longer on patrol, there was a real concern for the safety of those who continued to swim, surf, paddle or go boating or rock fishing.
Branch Support Operations services and callout teams continued to provide support and have been patrolling over theplast month using jetskis, offshore rescue boats and UAVs.
"Thanks to all the volunteers who have provided support and attended numerous incidents and emergency callouts throughout NSW," NSW director of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman, said.
"We have responded to many incidents, in fact, more than we were tasked to assist with during the summer season which is incredible. It's a testament to the calibre of our volunteers that even during a global pandemic, our members rise to the occasion and continue to respond and to save lives along our coast."
Paid lifeguards have also stepped up to continue to provide essential patrol or surveillance services on many beaches with some councils extending their lifeguard services to cover when volunteer patrols ceased in late March.
In addition to keeping the public safe, lifeguards have had the additional challenge of educating and reminding the public of the need for them to socially distance at the beach.
"I'm extremely proud of the way our lifeguards have handled themselves and have continued to undertake their duties with professionalism and good grace under these challenging circumstances," Operations manager Brent Manieri said.
Surf Life Saving NSW and the Australian Lifeguard Service praise all volunteers and paid lifeguards for their vigilance and service during this extraordinary and unprecedented times and look forward to returning to beaches to protect and save lives next season.
