Surf Rescuers' Heavy Toll: New Support Systems

0:00March brought a record 12 drownings across New South Wales beaches, nearly double the usual number, and the worst for any March on record. Surf rescuers are filling the heavy mental toll from these tragedies, but new support systems are stepping up to help them cope with the grief and shock. Earlier this month at Wary Beach near Garingong, veteran rescuer Shane Wicks and his 21-year-old son Harrison jumped into action when a man got swept away in a rip. It's of two hours with jet skis, boats, and helicopters to recover the body, hitting close to home for the pair. These incidents stick with rescuers long after the sirens fade, but structured debriefs right after and follow-up counseling from Surf Life Saving New. South Wales are making a real difference. Harrison says he's handling it better now by focusing on skill improvements instead of dwelling. The month also saw three double drownings at spots like Shell Harbor South Beach, Little Beach on the Central Coast, and Yamba Breakwall. Officials stress their rips don't care about seasons, they're always a threat, calling

1:02for more awareness and personal responsibility at the coast. With school holidays coming up, Surf Life Saving is pushing everyone to stick to patrol beaches and follow safety tips, aiming to cut these, heartbreaking numbers before they climb higher. This has been Sydney News Today, powered by AI.