Waroona’s emergency services get ready for hot Christmas season

Waroona’s emergency services are geared up and ready for the 2024 holiday season.

Waroona’s police and rangers, along with the Preston Beach volunteer rangers and volunteer fire brigade, are prepared for anything this Christmas season could throw at them, but are urging the community to help them keep residents safe this season.

With more cars on the road, bushfire season in full swing and beaches packed with tourists, the groups are urging everyone to do the right thing.

Waroona Senior Constable Vicky Kidd said police would be out in force this holiday period doing regular traffic operations, random breath tests and licence checks to “keep the roads safe”.

“There will be lots more traffic on the road, especially with tourists heading through town for the holidays,” she said.

“Some may not stop in town but may be travelling through to the dam, Drakesbrook Weir and of course our beaches, so we’ll be patrolling and trying to keep everyone safe.”

Sen. Const. Kidd said with the increase of people passing though town, the community should stay vigilant about their belongings and safety.

“Unfortunately, during the school holidays a lot of people go away and people know you’re not at home, so some may try to get into caravans or other accommodation trying to steal things,” she said.

“Keeping that little bit of vigilance over the holidays can help a lot.”

Sen. Const. Kidd also urged people to keep an eye on young ones, especially around swimming areas and vehicles.

“We want everyone to come down here and enjoy themselves over the holidays. Get out and have fun, go for a hike, swim, anything you want to do, just be safe,” she said.

“We’re always around — we cover from Waroona to Lake Clifton and Preston Beach and we’re around 24-7, so if you need anything you can ring the station on 131 444.”

Preston Beach volunteer fire brigade captain Don Bebbington said the station crew was prepared for fires which could flare up over the hot holiday season.

“Training is good; we have the members and most of the guys are available at the moment,” he said.

“Our priority is Preston Beach, but we’ll be around to help, so long as everyone behaves themselves.”

Mr Bebbington said the community should not light any fires when restrictions were in place.

“So no burning, no wood-fired barbecues, fire pits, or pizza ovens,” he said.

Preston Beach volunteer ranger Noel Dew said the area could expect to see a strong presence from the beach rangers as the summer holiday invites more visitors to the coastal town.

“The role of this group is to try to educate four-wheel drivers to act in a safe and responsible manner at all times when driving on the beach,” he said.

“It’s important to remember, first and foremost, this is a beach, it’s not a highway. Simple rules apply — no speeding or hooning, but remember normal road rules still apply on this beach.

“No fires, littering or camping, and please stay out of the dunes.

“Ultimately our role is to try ensure that visitors and locals alike will have a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience at Preston Beach this holiday season.”