to pump further up the beach they need another booster station.
I’ve spoken to Hal about this, asking why they don’t allocate more
to the pumping instead of more to infrastructure like boat ramps,
and he has said he will speak to Gold Coast City Council about the
issue - but who knows what that will result in.”
FROTH can reveal for the first time the final draft of the soon-to-be
distributed Surfrider Foundation’s Currumbin ‘Code Of Conduct’
guidelines - that they hope will help everyone to become safer
users of the area.
Currumbin Alley Safe Surfing Code of Conduct
Before you even paddle out • Be aware of the overall sea conditions - such as tide, swell size,
drift, visibility
• Be extra vigilant at times of low visibility; eg. dawn/dusk,
cloudy conditions, large swell, when raining
• Consider wearing something with bright colours, such as a
rash vest
• Look for and note the main bar crossing channel where boats
are likely to travel in or out; if in doubt ask a local or lifeguard
When you’re in the water • Be fully aware of other surf craft; especially those bigger than
you like boats & stand up paddle boards
• Be extra careful when entering the channel which boats are
likely to use; generally the longer you ride the more exposed
you become
• Make yourself as visible as possible when boats are in your
area; if necessary sit up on your board, wave your arms &
shout
• Safety in numbers: boat operators will have a better chance of
seeing a group of surfers rather than individuals
• NEVER assume a boat has seen you and be aware that boats
often have a limited space in which to manoeuvre
• When all else fails bail; ditch your board and dive for the
bottom
• If you have a close call – report it to the Water Police (55095700)
or Maritime Safety Queensland (55397311)
Final word from FROTH - There’s still a long way to go and sadly no
matter how you look at it, the dense mix of people and rigid craft
congregated and competitng within a space such as Currumbin
Alley will always have an element of danger to it. FROTH is hoping
that greater awareness and education on all sides will offer up some
reprieve, and if the efforts made this year save just one person’s
life, it will have all been worth it. There’ll never be a substitute for
common sense, and a fool is still a fool no matter what kind of craft
they’re on or in - look out for each other!