The flags on Noosas Main Beach are once again up and sea conditions allowing, they are spread wide apart. Senior Noosa Shire Lifeguard Adam McKane said, “This will be the second week that the flags have been back and so far, the people have been good. We think by now people have it in their sub conscious about group size (20 people) and are sticking to this on the beach or in the water.”
Regarding rescues there have been several but they have been minor; first aid calls there were two and both were in National Park, a young girl suffered a fractured ankle and another suffered heat exhaustion.
Over the hills at Sunshine Beach SLSC, the Supporter Club is open for business. This is being run strictly according to regulations as set down by the proper authorities. After being greeted at the door and passing the temperature check, the house rules regarding seating are explained: the floor plan for this, covers the Ocean Deck, the Seaside Deck and the Ocean Room, each with its 20 diners capacity. Add to this there are two sides for drinking with table service only.
These regulations are working well. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing and the ocean views are beyond description; add to this watching the whales as they swim north and you have it all. To enjoy these facilities, it is essential to ring first; check trading times and make necessary arrangements. With the Sunshine Beach club being relatively new, it is good to see them back in business. With the ever-increasing cost of running the modern-day surf club the role of the Supporter club, plus a good core of local membership is of the utmost importance. The restricted numbers maybe a drawback business wise: however, because of this the usual pressure placed on the chef and his team is not there, thus giving them that extra time on presentation. As a result, there has been many complements regarding the menu. We wish them well.
Regarding the senior surf lifesaving club everything involved in the running of the club is undergoing a full overhaul, in preparation for the forth coming season. As yet the date for this is to be announced. Their core business which is patrols and lifesaving is being fully addressed and patrol rosters are under discussion. Rooms such as the gym and first aid, which have been under lock and key, are being double checked and cleaned; training calendars for the forthcoming competitive season have been drawn up -all ready to go. The junior activities ( Nippers) club also has programs for training and competition under way. Despite our present predicaments, all aspects of both the lifesaving and the supporter clubs are indeed in a very positive frame of mind.
When talking about lifesavers with a positive attitude, there could not be a better example than Noosas team of iron woman Lana Rogers and coach Sharlene Kelly. Last season their achievements, while working together as athlete and coach were outstanding: Lana achieved that impossible double of winning both the Nutri Grain Iron Woman Championship of Australia and the most coveted trophy of all– the Coolangatta Gold. Apart from this Lana also won the Queensland Iron Woman championship then went on to win a unique double by winning both the Queensland and Australian Women’s Open Belt Race Championships.
Now as we go to press, Lana is in her third week of her preparation for this year’s Coolangatta Gold; all being well this will be held on October 25.Her program is so well balanced that it will take her through to the final week.
Following this at the end of November, Lana along with Australia’s other top four Nutri Grain iron women, plus a wild card, (plus a men’s team of similar structure) will travel to West Australia. The reason for this, is to contest a week long program made up of a series of difficult events: then following this the contestants will take part in yet another gruelling event; a 27kl ski race known as the Doctor.
When asked her feelings facing such a tough program of events, her answer was very clear and positive. “I am really looking forward to it. With my success and the experience that I have gained I am now feeling very calm and in a good frame of mind: also, this event in West Australia will definitely be a new adventure.”
For any athlete to repeatedly achieve such results while competing against the best the country has to offer, speaks volumes for her coaching. Her coaching team of Sharlene Kelly ski coach and mentor, Clint Irwin board and Brian Stehr swimming, have created a champion athlete that is now held in high regard throughout the world of surf lifesaving; and of course, as often happens, in the background, there is that greatest foundation of all– the fam
