Background The Latrobe-Gippsland region is a drowning blackspot in Victoria, Australia with 62 fatalities recorded between 2012–13 and 2021–22. Attempting a rescue in coastal locations was a leading activity prior to drowning, and an absence of public rescue equipment (PRE) was alarming for stakeholders and community.

Objective This pilot study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the use of PRE to improve the safety of bystander rescuers, in a regional coastal location. A multifactorial process was undertaken with evaluation using a mixed methods approach.

Programme Description The project phases were underpinned by a communication strategy, ensuring consistent community engagement to validate the importance of local perspectives and keep stakeholders informed of progress.

Phase 1: Coastal risk assessments (CRAs) of key blackspot locations were undertaken in consultation with the local life saving club at Venus Bay, and land manager. Exposure and coastal drowning data were examined, including monitoring of fatal and non-fatal incidents through coronial reports and emergency department presentations.

Phase 2: Community members, visitors, and volunteer lifesavers participated in focus groups and surveys. Content explored hazard and risk perception, beachgoer demographics and potential interventions to enhance beach safety. This informed development of the evaluation plan.

Phase 3: Design, implementation and evaluation of safety signage, public awareness campaign, and PRE installed at six points along Venus Bay.

Outcomes and Learnings Consultation with 128 participants identified beachgoers’ level of PRE awareness; how they may utilise PRE; their design preferences, including emergency communication; and how best to promote installation and safe use within the community. An in-depth analysis of design, implementation, evaluation, and learnings from the intervention will be presented at the conference.

Implications The detailed phased approach maximised the chance of successful implementation for future wider rollout, with the ability to be tailored to suit various aquatic locations.

Conclusions This research highlights the benefits of a multifactorial approach to implementation of PRE in regional communities, as well as using community-based perspectives to better understand where to focus prevention and intervention efforts. In doing so, resources and infrastructure designed to ensure public safety can be better targeted to ensure competent and safe use.