2009 has arrived, and the first few days of the new year have seen our patrols kept busy.
Some strong afternoon breezes and an increasing well over the past few days have combined to make conditions at City pretty difficult, particularly at the northern end of the beach.
With the sandbanks still holding up pretty well and being pounded by some heavy surf, New Years Day saw a spinal patient rescued near Floreat groyne as well as a serious shoulder injury needing the patrol's attention.
The first weekend of 2009 was just as busy. As well as a number of rescues in the rips in the northern part of the beach, a reported shark sighting late on Saturday afternoon saw the beach closed for about an hour before an IRB patrol located a couple of dolphins playing off Floreat groyne.
On Sunday morning, another shoulder was dislocated, a bodysurfing clash in the swimming area left a girl with a seriously bleeding nose, and patrol members were needed almost continuously in the water north of the patrol area.
Club Captain John Davies said patrol members had handled things very well so far. But with the challenging conditions likely to be around for another week or two, it's important for all club members to be alert and ready for action.
