West Coast Water Safety has been contracted by the Shire of Broome to continue delivering lifeguard services at Cable Beach for the next three years.
Shire president Chris Mitchell said lifeguards played a critical role in safeguarding the community, especially as beachgoer numbers continued to increase.
“The safety of our residents and visitors is always our top priority, and continuing with our lifeguard services reflects this commitment,” he said.
“Cable Beach is a popular destination and with distinctive safety challenges such as stingers and crocodiles, we need to ensure our lifeguards are there to respond swiftly to any situation.”
There was a significant rise in visitors to Cable Beach in 2024, with 168,358 beachgoers, up from 142,232 in 2023.
With Broome’s unique environment, the lifeguards’ role extends beyond traditional beach patrols, responding to the region’s distinctive safety concerns and liaising with rangers.
The lifeguards stationed at Cable Beach provide essential services, including first aid and treatment of jellyfish stings, public education on beach safety, monitoring swimmers and beachgoers to detect hazards, and undertaking rescues when required.
In 2024, WA recorded 41 drownings, the highest number since 2016-17 and a 17 per cent increase on the 10-year average of 35.
The Kimberley region ranked third among Australian regions with the highest drowning rates.
It comes after two Broome locals braved currents at Town Beach to save three children from drowning on March 3.
https://thewest.com.au/news/broome-advertiser/west-coast-water-safety-awarded-three-year-contract-to-continue-cable-beach-lifeguard-service–c-18036476
