By Margaret Maccoll
Recognising the actions of its lifesavers some as young as 13 years of age was at the top of the agenda when Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club held its sponsors and supporters breakfast last Friday.
When the surf turned treacherous last month due to Cyclone Gita Noosa lifesavers stepped up to the challenge, maintaining the club’s 90-year record of no lives lost between the flags.
Club president Ross Fisher told guests of a mass rescue of 20 swimmers, a rescue of two swimmers after patrol on main beach, recovering two jet ski riders smashed by waves at Granite Bay in huge surf and a young off duty lifesaver rescuing a woman taken out on a rip at Peregian Beach.
“The pm patrol on the Sunday, when the mass rescue was performed, consisted of members from 13 years of age to almost 70 and a lifeguard,” he said.
One of the boys Eddie Walter was at the breakfast to receive recognition for his outstanding efforts, the other two away at competition.
Also receiving recognition on the morning was Premier’s Award recipient Jack Frey who is raising funds for Mates for Mates organisation to assist service personnel.
While Summer Surf Girl entrant Olivia Blight spoke about her involvement in the contest, raising awareness of surf lifesaving, her involvement in participation in leadership programs and living with Type 1 diabetes.
Both Rotary Club of Noosa Heads and Tom Offermann of Tom Offermann Real Estate presented donations to the club.
Rotarian Tess Alexandroff presented the contribution toward the youth leadership program saying the organisation’s aim was to make a difference in the community. “If we can make just a small difference well that’s beautiful,” she said. Tom Offermann said it had been an “absolute pleasure” to have been able to assist the organisation for the past 26 years.
