Keeping safe this summer

Summer has begun and visitors to Denmark’s Ocean Beach can rest assured they are under the watchful gaze of a team of dedicated life savers.

The popular swimming and surfing spot is rated seven out of 10, or highly hazardous, by Surf Life Saving Australia, but Denmark Surf Life Saving Club president and WA surf lifesaver of the year George Mumford said more than 60 volunteer lifesavers would be keeping the beach safe.

Teams of lifesavers ranging from 13-year-old cadets through to experienced members in their 50s conduct patrols each Sunday in December, and ramp up to include Saturday afternoons and public holidays in January.

“The Shire of Denmark also provide three paid lifeguards who will patrol the beach every day of the school holidays and on Saturday mornings,” Mr Mumford said.

Head lifeguard Michaela Ross, 19, Will Miller and Ben Napier, both 17, start on December 20.

Last year’s volunteers logged 1400 patrol hours at Ocean Beach and carried out 17 rescues and 187 preventative actions between December 15, 2012 and January 31.