Club aims for safe summer

A record low number of drownings last summer has the Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club feeling positive and looking forward to the new season.

During the summer of 2014-2015, the number of drownings dropped from 16 in the previous year to 10, the lowest in the State since 2007.

SHSLSC took part in 28 rescues at Secret Harbour and another 27 as part of their patrols at Penguin Island.

Secret Harbour beach is known as a high-energy beach, notorious for big surf, rips and shifting banks.

The club's lifesavers and lifeguards prevented 3400 people from getting into danger throughout the season.

SHSLSC president Digby Wilson said the club's aim was to continually establish effective precautionary measures to ensure that throughout next season, rescues are performed as infrequently as possible.

"We are looking forward to working with the community and keeping our numbers low once again next season with preventive actions and rescues if need be," he said.

Mr Wilson said the club was also looking forward to the opening of their new community facility building in January, which was developed with assistance from the City of Rockingham.

SHSLSC operates lifeguard patrols during the week and lifesaver volunteers patrol on public holidays and weekends in addition to the abalone patrol in and around the Shoalwater islands.

Last year was also a milestone year for Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club after it won the DHL Club of the Year at the Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence and director of lifesaving Sharee Hart was named Assessor of the Year.

SHSLSC is taking new memberships over the new few weeks, hoping to add to their current 1000 members. Adults and children from the age of seven are welcome to apply. The club offers first-aid and surf lifesaving courses throughout the year.