Vollies to support Smiths' Beach lifeguards

Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Club will put skilled volunteers alongside paid lifeguards this year in an effort to make the beach safer.

Last year paid lifeguards rescued about 400 people at Smiths Beach, pushing them to capacity.

Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Club vice-president Keith Warwick said volunteers were needed to support under-resourced paid lifeguards during the busy summer period.

"What the statistics are showing is that there has been a high rise in incidents needing referral or rescue," he said.

"We started putting volunteers at Smiths Beach with paid guards last year, but this year we are hoping to increase the amount.

"We've met with Surf Life Saving WA and they've identified that paid lifeguards on Smiths Beach are under-resourced."

Mr Warwick said coming into the summer period it was important people took care to reduce the risk of beach incidents.

"People who are not familiar with the conditions should take care," he said.

"Swim within your capacity and skills, swim between the flags and where the guards can assure safety and be mindful not to consume alcohol before swimming."

He said the club was seeking expressions of interest from volunteers available from December to February. "We are a volunteer organisation but we are always actively recruiting," he said.

"We want to put the message out there that we are open to adults at a surf lifesaving level."

For more information or to volunteer visit www.sbslsc. com.au.