Long Reef SLSC has a proud history and tradition of providing first class beach and aquatic safety for the community. The club has won a number of prestigious lifesaving awards including 2004 and 2005 NSW SLS Club of the Year and 2005 NSW Emergency Services Club of the Year.

Throughout the race no less than 6 Inflatable Rescue Boats with qualified and experienced driver & crew will ensure your safety throughout the event.

Each Driver has a minimum of qualifications including;

• Bronze Medallion,
• Certificate II (Public Safety) Aquatic Rescue,
• IRB Crewman Certificate,
• Silver Medallion IRB Drivers Certificate,
• Advanced Resuscitation Certificate and
• Senior First Aid Certificate.

Should anything go wrong and you need assistance simply stop paddling and wait with your craft and an IRB will come to your aid and see what the problem is.

Should there be anything significant the IRB will transfer you back to the nearest beach where you will be immediately treated.

Each IRB will have the following safety equipment should you need it.

• Spare water for those paddlers who run out or are in trouble,
• Sun Cream,
• Basic First Aid kit including space blanket,
• Gaffe tape (should an emergency repair need to be performed)
• Waterproof UHF radio in direct contact with Surfcom who has direct access to additional watersafety, NSW Water Police and other emergency services, Westpac Rescue Helicopter etc
• Access through the radio to medical oxygen and defibrillator machine (Not that you will need any of those)

Back on the land Long Reef SLSC will have two medical vehicles that will shadow the field as they paddle. These vehicles will have direct contact with the race directors, water safety team and Surfcom. They will have major first aid supplies, multiple oxygen cylinders, defibrillator machine and spinal equipment. These cars will be operated by highly trained lifesavers with Advanced Lifesaving and first qualifications.

So relax! Long Reef SLSC and its team has got you covered incase of an incident and will provide you the very best care both on and off the water. Please follow the safety rules as outlined by the Race Directors and you will have a very enjoyable racing experience completing your first of what will be many ocean races!

Paddlers, please ensure you read the rules specifically regarding to wearing PFD and leashes.