By Ron Lane
With the continuation of our summer heat, the crowds are still flocking to our beaches and with the exception of an incident at Sunshine Beach, another safe weekend was recorded.
On Sunday afternoon at Sunshine Beach, a member of a boardriders club need attention, when following a dump he displayed the signs of possible spinal injuries.
Prompt action by the Sunshine Beach patrol, enabled the patient to be quickly stabilised.
Paramedics were called and the surfer was conveyed to the local hospital where a full examination happily revealed no spinal injuries.
After a short stay the patient was allowed to leave.
Unfortunately spinals are becoming all too frequent right along the Queensland coast.
If it happens that a family member or friend receives a severe blow to the head, don’t walk them around looking for lifesavers or lifeguards; keep them still, get someone to support their head and get help to bring the surf patrol to you.
Tonight, Thursday, our Wave Runner teams, with helicopter back-up, will hopefully take part in training exercises off Little Cove just adjacent to Noosa’s Main Beach.
This exercise which was previously planned for an evening prior to Christmas, will commence with twilight training at 5.30pm followed by a second exercise at 7pm.
The seven drivers involved, will attend a briefing prior to commencement.
The previous exercise was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute due to a sudden change in the weather, which deemed it too dangerous for helicopter participation.
Wave Runner coordinator Scott Summer said “This time we are hoping that the weather holds good. We find that the role of the Wave Runner is now ever-increasing. With our visitations to places like the National Park, which has several unpatrolled beaches (including the very dangerous Alexandria Bay,) on the increase, to keep the Wave Runner drivers at their peak is essential.”
It has been another big weekend for competitors.
At Alexandra Headlands the Noosa boat crews took part in the Round 2 of the Queensland Cup ASRL (Australia Surf Rowers League) and again performed well.
Taking three crews, all finished in the top three of their division; the reserves finished first ladies Under 19 and the masters both finishing in second place.
“Our next big one will be at Coolum on 25 February, Round 3 of the Cup,” said boat sweep/coach David Toomba.
At Surfers Paradise in Round 6 Summer of Surf, Noosa’s young guns again performed well.
In the Under 17 Female Ironwoman, Grace Kaihau finished first and Riley Dixon second.
Riley and Grace then doubled up with Courtney Bryant to finish second in the Taplin Relay.
Then the two girls stepped up to join Kat Davis in the Open Ladies Taplin and performed well to finish in fifth place.
In the Open Mens Board Race, Rhys Burrows took first with brother Conor in sixth place.
This was a top carnival with clubs from Wanda, Manly, Redhead, Newport and West Beach in Western Australia competing.
Add the Queensland clubs and you had a carnival of the best.
Also, congratulations to the Pirates Rugby League Club on the success of the Legends of League carnival held Saturday at Pirate Park.
Noosa Surf Club was only too happy to support.
A big ‘well done’ to our Sunshine Butterflies people and their children. Those in attendance will never forget Butterflies’ young man Alex Weatherall’s crashing run through the Australian Legends to score under the posts.
It was this incredible sporting gesture that made the evening such a hit for the 3000-plus who were in attendance.
Thank you Legends and all workers for an unforgettable day.
