Since the beginning of the season, Trigg Island SLSC volunteer patrol members have performed over 1,200 preventative actions, and 33 rescues. However this data doesn’t reflect the many rescues that have occurred after hours by our members who were thankfully just in the right place at the right time, or our members who lifeguard around the community in various locations, using their skill sets learnt within their time as a clubbie to help the broader community.

With school holidays in full swing, and the summer sun providing perfect beach weather, we’ve had a number of incidents that have seen our members jump to action and help the community. Such as the after hours rescue of 3 individuals caught out in a flash rip in early December of 2024, at Trigg Beach. Club member Andrew Cook, was in the right place at the right time when he was in the surf with his son, pushing him onto smaller waves on his surf board. At this time Cook noticed 3 individuals struggling, and so sprung to action, paddling out to assist, trying to calm the 3 in danger and get them safely to shore. In almost divine synchronization some community surf ski paddlers also came past, and were able to assist in getting the 3 individuals back to the beach.
We’ve also seen members be involved with a recent upturned vessel at Mettams Pool, and a number of after hours rescues on Boxing Day. As well as member, Jeff Gilmore be the first on scene to the tragic plane crash off the Rottnest Island Coast, where 3 lives were lost.

As most would’ve seen in recent news stories, across the state we’ve had a horror start to the summer season, recording 10 drownings. This number is well above the 5 year average of 7, and only 1 below last years total of 11 for the 2023/2024 season (with still 6 weeks to go of Summer).
It’s important that as a community we empower individuals with the right skills and knowledge of the beaches, oceans, and water ways in which they visit, in an attempt to prevent future incidents from occurring. For those visiting the beach it’s important to swim within the flags, where patrolling members of City of Stirling or the volunteers of Trigg Island SLSC can visibly see you. It’s also important that you understand the risks that visiting our beautiful coastline can pose, and be able to make responsible decisions that ensure your safety.