By Emily Bates
A STRONG team performance has seen Sunshine Beach State School win the Interschool Lifesaving Challenge hosted by Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club last month.
Mid-week visitors to Noosa Beach will notice many local schools participating in Surf Education sessions presented by the Surf Club. This event was the end of term culmination of these popular school programs.
Students took part in sprints, beach flags, surf swimming and a board race.
The final event of the carnival was a relay consisting of eight team members involving swimming, board paddling and running.
According to Noosa Heads SLSC Education Manager Greg McLaughlin, during the term the students have learned how to board-ride, swim, conduct basic rescues, participate in beach activities and have surf awareness.
“The need for the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club to be involved in the community education is vital and we enjoy the opportunity to get several schools together to allow the students to showcase the skills they have developed during the program,” he said.
Sunshine Beach State School Health and Physical Education teacher Cameron Porter explained that the winning Sunshine Beach team included members who had Nipper experience as well as students who were only introduced to surf sports this term via the school programs.
“To have students demonstrating newly-acquired skills in an enjoyable competitive environment alongside experienced competitors is a great outcome for this program,” Mr Porter said.
“In addition to skill development, programs such as these help develop a sense of achievement, self-worth and confidence,” he added.
Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club head coach Darren Mercer presented the trophy to the winning Sunshine Beach team and thanked teachers, parents and students for their support of the carnival.
