Study Highlights Surfers' Essential Role in Coastal Safety

A groundbreaking study conducted by La Trobe University has revealed the significant impact surfers have on beach safety in Victoria, Australia. This research, published in the journal Safety Science, examined data from over 500 recreational surfers between 2020 and 2023.

The findings indicate that, on average, surfers provide safety advice to beachgoers approximately 11.6 times for every 100 surf sessions. Additionally, they administer first aid 0.4 times and offer assistance in the water 1.1 times. Given that surfers perform more than 6.3 million surf sessions annually in Victoria, the study estimates that surfers could be responsible for over 70,000 assists and almost 25,500 instances of first aid each year.

This research is the first to quantify the safety actions taken by surfers, underscoring their vital contribution to community safety. Kiera Staley, a Research Fellow at La Trobe Business School's Center for Sport and Social Impact, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that surfers serve as an invaluable resource for water safety.

With more than 95% of Australia's beaches lacking professional lifeguard supervision, bystanders often become the primary responders in emergencies at unpatrolled locations. While surfers play a crucial role in saving lives, the study highlights the risks they face, as untrained bystanders may inadvertently expose themselves to dangerous situations.

In Australia, over 45,000 active volunteer surf lifesavers and 1,350 professional lifeguards provide services at various beaches. However, an estimated 740,000 surfers frequent both patrolled and unpatrolled areas along the coastline, reinforcing the need for quantifying their contributions to community safety.

Throughout the survey period, surfers assisted individuals in distress in the water 341 times. Notably, those with board rescue training provided safety advice 29% more frequently and administered first aid three times as often as their untrained counterparts. This evidence supports the case for offering free first aid and rescue training to all surfers.

Staley remarked that surfers possess strong swimming skills and knowledge of beach hazards, making them potential assets in ensuring the safety of fellow beachgoers. The insights from this research can inform future strategies for enhancing beach safety and educational initiatives aimed at surfers.

Adam Robertson, CEO of Surfing Victoria, acknowledged surfers' awareness of their impact on beach safety. He stated that the study highlights the substantial role surfers play in promoting water safety throughout the year, especially at unpatrolled beaches where they are often present with their surfboards, which serve as effective flotation devices during rescues.

Educating surfers and beachgoers on safety measures and rescue techniques is crucial for maintaining safety along Australia's coastlines. This study not only emphasizes the contributions of surfers but also advocates for better training and preparedness among them for responding to emergencies.

For further details, refer to the original study: Buly A Cardak et al, The safety actions of surfers in Victoria, Australia: Assessing the impact of water safety and first aid training, Safety Science (2025).