Cody Simpson Saving Lives

Aussie legend Cody Simpson has teamed up with Surf Life Saving Australia and the iconic Australian lolly brand, Life Savers, for a beach safety demonstration at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.

According to Surf Life Saving Australia's national 2022/2023 Summer coastal drowning statistics, since 1 December 2022, there were tragically 54 drowning deaths, 14% above the ten-year average. As the warm weather continues to linger, Life Savers confectionery has partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia by donating AU$100,000 and bringing on board ocean advocate Cody Simpson to help raise awareness for beach safety.

Gold Coast locals and beachgoers are invited to join the beach safety demonstration, hosted by Cody Simpson, and several surf lifesavers to learn more about rip currents and avoiding them and other important safety tips. 

With over 6,000 rescues performed nationally this summer, the staggering statistics from Surf Life Saving Australia serve as a timely reminder for swimmers to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, and watch out for rip currents:

• Australia has over 17,000 rip currents across the country on any given day, making it the number one coastal hazard; 

• 100% of coastal drowning deaths occurred either at an unpatrolled area, outside patrol hours or outside the red and yellow flags;

• A staggering 28 coastal drowning deaths in New South Wales, the highest number ever recorded for summer;

• 43% of the coastal drowning deaths were as a result of rip currents, a 70% increase on the ten-year average. 

On the partnership, campaign ambassador Cody Simpson says, "As someone who grew up by the ocean, I have a huge amount of respect for our legendary surf lifesavers who volunteer their time to keep us safe. It's an honour to be working with Surf Life Saving Australia and Life Savers for their beach safety demonstration here at the beach I grew up on. 

"Looking at the latest data from Surf Life Saving Australia,  I can see that myself and my friends are at high-risk – men made up 81% of the drownings recorded this summer. Even as a competitive swimmer, the ocean can be unpredictable, so I'm really proud to be here raising awareness for such an important cause."

General Manager, Coastal Safety at Surf Life Saving Australia, Shane Daw ESM, says, "I'd like to give a huge thank you to our hardworking surf lifesavers and lifeguards for their work in reducing the number of coastal drownings across Australia. Ensuring beachgoers are educated on rip currents and avoiding them, what to do if you get into trouble, and simple ways to ensure the safety of their loved ones is essential to beach safety. We also cannot stress enough the importance of swimming at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags.

"We love working with Life Savers confectionery; it's such an iconic brand that resonates with all Aussies. We're thrilled about the partnership and grateful for their generous support. The donation will go towards helping fund the vital equipment our surf lifesavers need to save lives. It will also go towards training our surf lifesavers, one of the largest professional volunteer lifesaving movements in the world."

Jodi Teasdale, Senior Marketing Manager from Life Savers, says: "Life Savers lollies have been associated with Aussies having a good time at the beach since 1921, so this partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia was a natural fit. We're proud to be contributing to such an important cause, and we want to thank all the volunteers and surf lifesavers who are ensuring we stay safe on the beach all year round."

To celebrate the partnership, Life Savers has launched its limited edition Life Savers Stix, Pastilles and Peelies packaging in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia, now available at all retailers in March for RRP$4.00.

Drowning prevention tips from SLSA:

1. Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags

2. Wear a lifejacket if you are going boating, rock fishing, or on watercraft

3. Avoid alcohol and drugs while undertaking water activities

4. Always supervise children on, in and around water at all times

5. Check beachsafe.org.au

6. Adopt a STOP, LOOK, PLAN approach to your visit to the beach

• STOP – check for rip currents

• LOOK – for other hazards

• PLAN – to stay safe – check beachsafe.org.au