Six dedicated surf lifesavers from Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach have successfully completed advanced Rescue Water Craft (RWC) training – expanding the lifesaving capability of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club as we head into the height of the summer season.
The comprehensive training was delivered by members of the Club’s Trainer Assessor Facilitator (TAF) team – Steve Crisp, Doug Gould and Roger Aspinall – and saw participants mastering critical skills to operate rescue watercraft in surf conditions.
Additional RWC sessions in December were also completed by the Sunshine Beach SLSC TAF team at Rainbow Beach, bringing more skilled operators into the lifesaving network.
The successful RWC candidates – four from Sunshine Beach and two from Peregian Beach – are now qualified to operate Rescue Water Craft on club patrols.
In addition to supporting normal beach patrols under the direction of SurfCom or a duty officer, they are eligible to join the Sunshine Coast Branch Operations Support Crew for roving patrols and extended search and rescue operations anywhere along the Queensland coastline.
“Being qualified to operate Rescue Water Craft means these lifesavers can respond quickly and effectively to critical incidents anywhere along our beaches,” said Steve Crisp, SLSQ Rescue Water Craft Trainer Assessor Facilitator.
“It’s physically demanding, technically challenging and hugely rewarding – and our graduates are now ready to answer the call when their community needs them most.”
Rescue Water Craft – often recognised by their jet ski-style platforms – are essential lifesaving tools for aquatics rescue operations.
They allow lifesavers to reach distressed swimmers rapidly, conduct roving surveillance along extended stretches of coastline, and support major search and rescue efforts beyond flagged patrol areas.
In recent Queensland statistics, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) patrols performed over 1,050 rescues statewide during the 2024–25 season, helping more than a thousand people return safely to shore.
“SLSQ’s vision is zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters, and skilled RWC operators are a key part of achieving that goal,” Steve Crisp added.
“Whether it’s a rescue within the flags or a more complex operation further afield, these trained lifesavers are equipped for the challenge.”
