New research estimates that the number of rescues in the water by surfers is the same as the number of rescues by life savers. 

Beach safety researcher Professor Rob Brander is leading the study and said lifeguards rescue people each year in Australian beaches, and the information is published each year.

But it’s not known how many surfers save lives.

“I think it’s just the tip of the ice berg in terms of the number of people getting in trouble, because [they are] making a lot of rescues out there, and those rescues don’t get documented or recognised.”

He said they didn’t get the credit they deserve, and anecdotally surfers have many stories.

Researchers want to hear from surfers on their experiences, click here to take part

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