Lifeguard patrols kick off on Cable Beach

Lifeguard patrols get underway on Broome’s world-famous Cable Beach at the beginning of the April school holidays and will continue through the dry season.  

In 2019 lifeguards will be stationed between the swimming area flags in their distinctive red and yellow uniforms between 9am and 4.30pm from this Saturday, 13 April, through to Sunday 27 October.

Broome Surf Life Saving Club volunteers will assist the professional lifeguards from May to October by running patrols on Sundays from 8.30am to 4.30pm. 

Shire of Broome Manager Sport and Recreation, Casey Zepnick, said Surf Life Saving WA was again contracted by the Shire to manage the lifeguard service.

“Cable Beach is a big drawcard for Broome every dry season and professional lifeguards will be back on duty to keep both locals and tourists safe in the water and on the sand,” Mr Zepnick said.

“Services usually commence on Good Friday, but this year with the school holidays starting a week prior to Easter, the season has been brought forward.

“During the 2018 season lifeguards carried out 10 rescues, including three in one day; 139 minor first aid incidents; seven beach closures for stingers, sharks, crocodiles and rough conditions; and 1596 preventative actions including warning swimmers, surfers and other beachgoers of rips, rocks and other hazards.”

Surf Life Saving WA Regional Operations Supervisor, Daniel Andrew, said they were pleased to be back on Cable Beach.

“As the largest provider of paid lifeguard services in Western Australia, it’s great to once again have the iconic red and yellow of our lifeguards back in Broome for another season, keeping watch over beachgoers at this popular destination,” Mr Andrew said.