Alstonville man injured in jet ski mishap on bar
Volunteer surf lifesavers and employed lifeguards were kept busy with rescues and major incidents along the coast of far north NSW yesterday.
Brilliant weather saw holiday crowds pack beaches. Twenty-seven people were required to be rescued throughout the day, with volunteer lifesavers at Shelly Beach, Ballina, pulling nine swimmers from a dangerous rip. Six people were rescued from the surf by lifeguards at Duranbah.
A further 555 swimmers had to be warned about swimming in dangerous conditions outside the flags.
Shortly after 11.30 am, a 24-year-old Alstonville man was injured when his jet ski malfunctioned as he was crossing the Ballina River bar. He fell off the craft and was subsequently struck by the jet ski, causing a severe laceration to his head.
A surf lifesaving jet ski rescued the man and took him to waiting lifeguards on Lighthouse Beach. He was treated for head injuries and concussion by lifeguards before being transported to Ballina Hospital in a stable condition.
The semi-submerged jet ski was salvaged by the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat and towed back to the Richmond River Sailing Club.
“Weather-wise, this has been one of the best days of the swimming season so far,” said Northern NSW Lifeguard Co-ordinator, Stephen Leahy.
“All the beaches were packed and lifesavers and lifeguards were kept on their feet all day. We experienced moderate surf but there were lots of rips and strong currents present right along the coast.
“We want people to enjoy our beaches this Easter and we have a strong team of surf lifesavers, lifeguards and support operations personnel on duty right through the long weekend to make sure people stay safe.
“Nevertheless, with 27 rescues and many more warnings given yesterday, this is a good reminder that the surf can be dangerous and we want people to swim only at patrolled beaches.”
Surf lifesaving will provide rescue and patrol services at all major beaches this long weekend and a fleet of jet skis, 4WD vehicles and the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat will provide rapid response and support operations.
