By Ron Lane
What can we say, congratulations to all those involved in the running of the 35th annual Noosa Triathlon. From the organisers, the stewards, right through to the volunteers – you did us proud.
To top it off, attended by family members and friends, the unveiling of a plaque naming the Garth Prowd Memorial Bridge in memory of this great man, has indeed made this the 2017 Triathlon unsurpassable.
As always our local surf lifesaving clubs Mudjimba, Coolum, Sunshine and Noosa were involved suppling patrol boats and experienced water safety personal for all swim events.
The big one – the swim leg of the Triathlon – was held Sunday morning on Noosa’s Main Beach.
With the biggest entry ever, 8500 swimmers taking part, the role of the lifesavers was more important than ever.
With swimmers going off according to their categories, the large number ensured that they would be stretched right across the bay. This only emphasises the important role of the duty lifesavers who manned the radio towers. All aspects of water safety were well covered.
The conditions on the day were good. For this event said Noosa IRB Captain Chris Grandemange, we supplied the boats and rescue boards plus patrol members as observers in the radio towers. The other three clubs supplied the personal for board patrols and the whole event went over well.
Summing up the swim, race director Joe Cirillo (veteran member of the Noosa Surf Club) said: “It was fantastic, a great success, probably the biggest Triathlon swim ever held, internationally or in Australia. The swim was held over the official Olympic Triathlon distance and only a small number of swimmers needed attention. Regarding the surf clubs, to see them all working together as one in service to the community, was very good indeed.”
When we speak of annual events a second one occurred for the Noosa club immediately after the Triathlon. For the last four years the Noosa club has had the privilege of playing host to a group of American students doing their gap year travel of the Fijian, New Zealand and Australia region.
Known as the Rustic Pathways it is a team of 14 students, eight boys and six girls. Just graduated from high school in the 18/19 age group, they are sponsored by the parents. The main objective of the trip is to visit those countries, involve themselves in community service, learn different life skills and also experience the adventure of foreign travel.
Travelling under the supervision of program leader (International Guide) Amanda Dalsgaard from San Francisco, they will while in Noosa undergo the basic lifesaving bronze medallion training.
“All the reports from the other teams who visited held Noosa in the very highest regard,” Amanda said.
“I support this as I was a team member some years ago and really loved the place; beautiful and friendly. We spend five weeks in Australia and I think Noosa is their favorite stop.
“On arriving back they will return to their home states and then enter university to commence their degrees.”
We wish them a safe trip home.
As some would say it is always good to keep the best news until last. On Saturday evening at the Sydney Art Gallery the Australian Surf Life Saving Association Awards of Excellence was held; and once again a club from the Sunshine Coast was prominent.
Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club was overjoyed when club captain Scott Summers was named Australian Surf Life Saver of the Year and his club mate and life-member Max Pettigrove named, Lifeguard of the Year.
To have two such prestigious awards come to the Sunshine Coast is indeed outstanding but to have both go to members of the same club is unbelievable.
Well done to both men; your achievement is second to none.
