Rapid response jetskis to the rescue

Cutting through the waves at speed, members of the Peel Emergency Response Team and their jetskis have the ability to get in and out of dangerous surf conditions fast.

The specialist teams were established in 2004, in response to an area consistently difficult for surf lifesavers to patrol by boat, the first 100m of surf.

The jetskis can reach troubled swimmers rapidly and do not need a great depth of water to operate in.

Regional coordinator Gary Williams said the volunteers needed were on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so rely on their workplaces to let them go at any time.

Although they do help surf lifesavers, the emergency response team is primarily used as a rapid response search and rescue resource for the WA Water Police and emergency services crews.

‘‘We provide another layer of support for surf lifesaving, but our focus is to assist Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue and police,’’ Mr Williams said.

‘‘Our rescue water craft have been a familiar sight at Secret Harbour, Singleton and Waikiki beach over the summer and during Easter.’’

Wesfarmers sponsors the Peel team and other emergency response teams.