Shark bite kits have been installed at seven beaches and coastal locations across Wollongong, as part of a new safety upgrade to emergency response beacons.
The kits are now in place at Sharky Beach Coledale, Austinmer Beach, Woonona Pool, East Corrimal, Puckeys Estate, Coniston Beach and Hill 60 at Port Kembla, giving beachgoers immediate access to life saving equipment in the event of a serious incident.
The rollout, delivered by Surf Life Saving Illawarra with support from the Department of Primary Industries, adds specialised trauma equipment to existing emergency beacons, including tourniquets, major dressings, gloves, an emergency blanket and a whistle.
Anthony Turner from Surf Life Saving NSW says the kits are designed to save lives in the rare event of a shark bite, providing fast access to proper medical equipment for severe bleeding and major wounds.
He says recent incidents where surfers have used leg ropes as makeshift tourniquets highlight the need for purpose-built gear.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra stresses the kits should only be used for life threatening bleeding, not general first aid, and encourages the community to familiarise themselves with their locations before heading to the coast.
