Remote Rescue Tube Project (3-year roll-out program)
Council is implementing a 3-year remote rescue tube roll-out program commencing in 2021/22, installing remote rescue tube facilities at key access points to beach locations across the Coffs Harbour local government area. Council's Lifeguard Service is managing this project and working with community partners to assist with the implementation.
The aim of the project is to reduce drowning incidents, in particular bystander drownings. Unfortunately, a number of drownings which occur involve bystanders who get into trouble themselves when attempting a rescue. Having a purpose designed flotation device is considered a critical success factor for bystander rescuers in these scenarios.
The roll-out program is subject to available funding, and has been prioritised based on a number of range of locality factors, and in some cases dependent on the conditions of grant funding programs. The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour has partnered with Council as a key funding support and advocate for the project.
Need to report on a remote rescue tube?
Please report the use of an installed remote rescue tube at the link below for data collection purposes, include project evaluation. Missing, damaged or vandalised remote rescue tube facilities can also be reported using the same online form:
Submit a Tube Report (online form on Council website)
Planned roll-out program (subject to funding):
Year 1 (2021/22) - aiming to install 25 devices before Christmas at the following locations:
- Little Beach (1)
- Red Rock Beach (2)
- Mullaway Beach (2)
- Sandy Beach (5)
- Emerald Beach (1)
- Moonee Beach (2)
- Diggers Beach (3)
- Park Beach (Macauleys to North Wall) (7)
- Boambee Beach (Boambee Creek & Corambirra Headland) (2)
Year 2 (2022/23) - funding TBC:
- Corindi Beach (Headland - Arrawarra) (6)
- Ocean View Beach (Mullawarra) (2)
- Woolgoolga Beach (5)
- Campbells Beach through to Mid-Sapphire Beach (8)
- Korora Bay (3)
- Charleworth Bay (2)
Year 3 (2023/24) - funding TBC:
- Pebbly Beach (2)
- Station Creek (2)
- Cabins Beach (1)
- Darkum Beach (1)
- Safety Beach (1)
- Woolgoolga Back Beach (2)
- Hearnes Lake (Flat Top) (2)
- Sandy Back Beach (2)
- Fiddaman's Beach (1)
- Shelley Beach (Serenity Bay) (1)
- Hills Beach (2)
- Jetty Beach (4)
- Gallows (1)
- Bonville Beach (1)
Partner organisations
Council is pleased to be partnering with The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour who have secured funding to support the the first year of a three-year roll-out.
Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club is another important partner, assisting with the initial trial in the Sawtell area and continuing to monitor the remote rescue tubes installed at that location.
Coffs Coast Regional Park has also endorsed the installation of remote rescue tube facilities by Council at beach locations under their control and management.
Other organisations wishing to support this project in any way should contact the Lifeguard Services Team Leader per the contact details provided below.
Further information
For further information about the Remote Rescue Tube Project please contact Lifeguard Services Team Leader, Greg Hackfath, on 0418 285 073.
Council lifeguards always recommend to swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches. Remember ... NO FLAGS = NO SWIM!
Videos
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Rescue Tubes are flotation devices that can help someone drowning stay afloat. Find our more about the Coffs Harbour Rescue Tube roll-out. If someone’s in trouble in the water, remember: • Always call 000 first • Get a surfer’s assistance if possible • ONLY attempt a rescue if you’re a STRONG swimmer with a flotation device (Rescue Tube, surfboard or bodyboard). • If you’re not a strong swimmer and a strong swimmer isn’t around, call 000. • NEVER attempt a rescue without a flotation device.
