A lot of surfing takes place at unguarded, wave-exposed beaches in areas where rip-currents are strong and casual beach goers can and do get pulled out to sea. We surfers are comfortable out in the ocean, spend a lot of time in the water, and are tethered to a flotation device (our surfboards) so it comes as no great surprise that surfers occasionally take action to help rescue surfers in distress. In many parts of the world and at many beaches we are the de facto lifeguards. In a recent survey-based study by Berg et al published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine the frequency of these rescues and the characteristics of surfers as bystander rescuers are explored.
The study, titled Characteristics of surfers as bystander rescuers in Europe (PDF) found that 39% of respondents to an on-line survey had previously performed a rescue. Among those who have been surfing for more than 16 years that number rose to 74%, and among expert/pros a whopping 86% had performed a rescue. Male surfers, those who had training in lifeguarding and CPR and surfers with higher self-rated abilities were more likely to have performed a rescue than their counterparts.
The study began with 2,459 submitted surveys of which 1,705 (69%) were included for analysis. Excluded from the data set were those from countries outside Europe, age <18, and those who did not provide a response regarding previous rescue experience (12%). It is likely that those who did not provide an answer regarding previous rescues are less likely to have performed a rescue than those who did answer that question. Therefore, responder bias may play a role in slightly overestimating the percentage of surfers who have in fact rescued swimmers in distress. The study adds to our knowledge-base by quantifying the number of surfers who have performed rescues and by describing the factors contributing to likelihood of having rescued a surfer. The authors go on to suggest that surfers should have required training in CPR and rescue techniques given the frequency with which they perform rescues. Thank you Dr. Berg and the other authors for a valuable peer-reviewed addition to the surfing literature.
Ed.