World Drowning Prevention Day is the perfect time to reflect on the tremendous work that Kiama's lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers do to protect local residents and visitors.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald paid tribute to those who serve the local community on World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), lauding their vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety, often under difficult and unpredictable conditions.

“Our Council lifeguards logged 375 patrol days this summer, keeping an eye on more than 285,000 visitors to our beaches,” Cr McDonald said.

“Despite their exceptional efforts, the season was marked by the tragic loss of four lives.

“While our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims, it’s also important to acknowledge the emotional toll such events can have on our frontline responders, especially our lifeguards and lifesavers.”

Cr McDonald said ongoing education, preparedness, and respect for beach conditions was vitally important.

“In February, Kiama Council voted to support a surf awareness campaign targeting the communities of South Western and Western Sydney," he added.

“I’m pleased to be able to report that Surf Life Saving NSW is rolling out more than 30 workshops, including classroom and practical sessions, throughout Western and Southern Sydney.

“They’re also targeting the Illawarra, with workshops at Port Kembla as well as here in Kiama.”

Kiama Council is also taking part in a Rock Fishing Remote Surveillance Project being run by Surf Life Saving NSW.

The 14-month trial at Blowhole Point will use remote surveillance and artificial intelligence to track rock shelf use and create alerts when someone falls or is washed into the ocean at these sites.

Kiama Council is hosting the Rock Fishing Safety Skills Workshop at The Pavilion on Sunday, 16 November.

These workshops targeted people from non-English speaking backgrounds and those interested in fishing but with limited experience.

They include presentations and guest speakers covering topics such as the correct safety equipment to wear while rock fishing, fitting a lifejacket, as well as tips on how to fish better.

Surf Life Saving NSW South Coast branch president Shane Wicks said the technology would work in tandem with existing emergency beacons already installed at the site.

Supervising Beach Lifeguard Craig Bowley said rock fishing was a significant problem for local lifeguards and lifesavers.

“Kiama, particularly Blowhole Point, is the second-most deadly place for rock fishing in NSW. We’ve had 11 deaths in the past 15 years just from rock fishing," he said.

“We had a double fatality at Storm Bay last August, and there have been several near-miss incidents in the past six months, where lifesavers and lifeguards have prevented further fatalities from occurring.”