By Ron Lane
If there is one thing that we have learned from lasts weeks cyclonic seas that pounded our coast and caused the biggest swells for many a long year, it’s that the lifeguards and lifesavers patrolling our beaches are amongst the best.
Over the hill at Sunshine and Peregian for most of the week the beach, which is classified as an open beach has been closed. At Noosa’s Main Beach because of the two points situated in National Park rendering some protection, lifeguards at certain times were able to leave the beach open for bathing.
However, sad but true because bathers have repeatedly ignored the lifeguards when the beach has been open, they have had no choice but to close it. Said one veteran lifeguard, “When they won’t listen it leaves us no choice but to close it again.”
At mid-Friday people who witnessed the rescue of five people at Main Beach by three lifeguards’ senior lifeguard Adam McKane, Billy Kneal and Henry Pannifex said that their performance in huge dumping waves were incredible.
With each lifeguard having a patient on his rescue board the three guards successfully read the big swells and safety returned to the beach between the dumping sets. No sooner had they reached the beach then they were again called on to repeat the effort when another two people were swept out. In another incident when an inexperienced board rider got into trouble at First Point, by the time that lifeguard Jake McKealer was able to calm the patient and take control they were at the shark nets. However with the assistance of the jet rescue ski they were able to return the surfer to the beach.
In yet another incident another board rider in trouble at Main Beach was eventually helped safely on to the beach at North Shore.
For the lifesavers on Saturday things were no different. Perhaps one of the saddest incidents occurred when a Jet Ski patrolman in a mass rescue saved a young boy of 7. Terrified and in tears when asked, “Where are your parents?” He replied “I don’t know.” “This is happening a lot,” said the angry patrolman. “A bit of suntan lotion, a don’t go out to far, then they are let loose. People must realise they are responsible; our lifesaving patrols are not a kindergarten service. Enough is enough.”
When the flags came down at 5pm Saturday two jet ski patrols reported that both had performed a total of twenty plus rescues each. This does not include the IRB, board and tube rescues. These are just but a few of the rescues that were conducted by your lifeguards and lifesavers on Noosa’s Main Beach.
Perhaps the lucky story of the week occurred when a 70 year-old lady went for a walk along a sand dune in the Seaview Terrace area at Sunshine. Not being in water she thought she was safe, however a big set crashed on to the sand dune and slammed the lady into the trees. After a lifeguard rescue and back up by paramedics the lady was taken to hospital. Results; all was well. Lesson in cyclonic conditions- stay well back from the waters edge; seek advice when walking the beach.
Attention: Sunday 3 March the annual Shirley Strachan-Bruce Warren Memorial swim will be held front of Noosa SLSC. Enrolling starts 7.30 am; a great event to honor two great men. To swim is to show your respect.
