Monday, 28 April marked the final day of the summer season for Kiama’s volunteer surf lifesavers - but they were on duty right until the final moment, rescuing a rock fisherman just three days earlier.

Last Friday on Anzac Day a man in his 40s was swept into the water near the Kiama Blowhole - fortunately, he was wearing a lifejacket.

“It was before patrol officially started - around 9:40am - when a member of the public alerted our team that fishermen had been swept off the rocks at Blowhole Point,” says Kiama Surf Life Saving Club president Phil Perry.

“Two patrolling members, Ben George and Dave Gorman, launched the IRB (inflatable rescue boat) and found a fisherman floating in the water, conscious. The massive thing that saved him was the fact he had a lifejacket on."

George and Gorman transported the man to Kiama Harbour, where paramedics and emergency services were waiting. He was later taken to hospital with minor injuries sustained from the rocks.

Perry emphasised the importance of safety gear: “It’s so important for the general public - especially fishermen in that area - to wear a lifejacket. If you get washed in and hit your head, your chance of survival is much higher if you're buoyant.”

The rescue capped off a busy and successful season for Kiama SLSC, which recorded 46 rescues and approximately 770 preventions. Perry noted a visible rise in beachgoer numbers.

“We’ve definitely seen more people on the beach this year. Our patrolling membership grew from 84 to 102 members, which made a huge difference,” he says. 

“We’ve also put a big focus on developing our youth and cadet programs. Our board training sessions now attract 50 kids per session, up from 40.”

Kiama SLSC patrolling membership grew from 84 to 102 members. Source: Kiama SLSC

This year, the club trialled a flexible volunteer roster system, which proved particularly effective for frontline, shift, and FIFO workers.

“It’s a minimum of three hours per shift, and volunteers can come when they’re available. It’s worked really well, and we really appreciate the support,” says Perry.

Looking ahead to next season, Perry encouraged more community members to get involved with the club.

“You don’t have to be an ironman or ironwoman to be a surf lifesaver.

"There are so many roles - from radio operator to first aid and advanced rescue. It’s about being part of the village and having fun.”

The club will celebrate the season’s achievements at its annual presentation night on 17 May, held at the Kiama SLSC auditorium.