By Ron Lane
In Australian Surf Life Saving Clubs, to maintain the high standard of patrolling necessary to provide a safe environment, it is essential to ensure that refresher courses on all aspects of patrol procedures, are on- going. On Sunday afternoon at Noosa Main Beach, members of Patrol 7, under the guidance of Patrol Captain Trevor King, a highly experienced senior member, underwent a simulated mass rescue scenario. Of the 15 patrol members involved, for 8 it was their first experience. On assembly all members were briefed on the purpose of the scenario and what lay ahead.
For this occasion, the exercise was conducted in a stretch of water extending from right of the clubhouse to adjacent of the Bistro Sea. For the first incident a rescue was performed on three swimmers equipped with rescue tubes and backed up by a rescue board patrol. Next was another group of three, again supported by rescue tube swimmers. With one patient being semi-conscious, an assistance required signal was given: this resulted in the IRB patrol, whose job it would be to take care of the semi- conscious patient, becoming involved in getting the patient back to the beach.
On arrival at the beach oxygen (referred to as assisted breathing) was to be used if necessary.
While these rescues were being performed, an ongoing report had to be relayed to the beach tower by radio, from where, if necessary, relative information would be forwarded to the major control centre. At the completion of the exercise, there was a full debriefing and all aspects were recorded. Mistakes made were questioned and discussed, with heavy emphases being placed on communication: this emphasised the importance of clear, calm and precise radio and verbal exchange.
Prior to the exercise, the general public had been informed and told the reason: it was interesting to note, the number of people who stood around to observe. Not only good training for the patrol, but also a good public relations exercise: as one gentleman remarked, “Good to see that your training for these young people is ongoing.”
Also at Noosa, now that health restrictions have started to improve, an agenda for the long- awaited Old Boys Reunion meeting, has been addressed: and even the revival of the traditional, unofficial club song, the old John Denver classic, Thank God I am a Country Boy, is once again being discussed! This song was chosen, along with the title for the clubs’ history book, Bush to Beach, some years ago,and as the majority of members came from country centres, such as Murgon, Wondai and Gympie, there was virtually no locals. It was because of the country boys having so far to travel for the weekends, that the top floor, a 24-bed dormitory, became a home away from home.
The writing of the club history, was organised by a Murgon member and now Life Member and former club President, Kerry “Pencil” Sorensen. When we look at the history of the Noosa Club, formed in 1928, we become aware of the outstanding contribution made in the late 1960s by the country people of the South Burnett District to the Noosa Club .On learning this small, but vital piece of nostalgic history, it is easy to understand the importance of a Noosa Old boys being reformed and this time being “set in concrete.” The outstanding contribution of these men must never be forgotten. We wish them well.
Down at Peregian, the project for restructure of their club still comes under the control of the Noosa Heads Director of Surf Life Saving, Roger Aspinall. For Roger (usually referred to as the Club Captain) it is slow but progressive. “At present we have only six patrols on the roster, where- as a total of between 12 and 18 is desirable. At the moment the Noosa Shire Life Guards do Sundays and public holidays patrols, thus leaving Saturdays to the volunteers.”
At present, there is a major drive for new members and the success of this is essential to sustain Peregian, as an independent identity. As director of Peregian, Leigh Macready major focus is also on supporting this membership recruitment drive. “The aim is to re-establish Peregian Surf Life Saving Club as an independent club and this we aim to achieve by the end of the 2021/22 season. The Noosa Club is giving every assistance by training, recruiting and supporting in every way possible,” said Roger.
Despite the many setbacks caused by the virus, our Australian Championships are under way and going well: as we go to press the early events of the Masters and some boar crews have come through. For the Noosa Masters (ski, boards, swims and run section) it has indeed been a very successful program. Competing in a.5 mt surf at Alexandra Headlands, Noosa’s’ 62-member team, put in a great effort to come home with a total of 10 gold,13 silver and 6 bronze medals. When the overall National Point Score was announced Noosa finished in 7th place. This would have to be Noosa’s best medal count ever . Well done to all.
In the female boat section for Noosa, the Bandits, rowing in the 140 yr. age group, under sweep Mick Gardner, won the bronze medal and in the men’s 120yr group the Condors finished 5th in their final. With the Open section yet to be competed we wish all our people the very best of luck.
