By RON LANE
WITH the flags down for another winter, and our brothers in arms the lifeguard hitting Noosa’s Main Beach, Sunshine and Peregian the three surf clubs are now undertaking a total review of
the season past.
This is something that all clubs do for as the heart and soul of our very existence is rescue work and as our beach patrols are our showcase, to conduct a thorough overhaul of all aspects
is of the utmost importance.
Sunshine Beach has made a good start, as last weekend they held their annual dinner and presentation of trophies. Highlights of the evening was the presentation of their three major
awards for lifesaving during the 2015/’16 season.
On top was the Life Saver of the Year, Damien Hopkins, and then Volunteer of the Year, Jane Fraser, followed by Club Person of the Year, Pauline Gleeson.
As these are the three major awards in every club, it is only right that they be named and publicly acknowledged.
Regarding these awards, club captain Scott Summers said, “All three recipients were well deserved; their performance during the season was outstanding.”
For the season itself, Summers was very happy with the overall performance.
“One of the most pleasing aspects is that we now have 178 members available for patrol and this, I believe, is our best for five or more years. Another very positive aspect is that we have taken big steps forward in our relationship with the Noosa club. There has been a lot of interaction with our two clubs regarding the training of bronze squads and IRB training,” Summers said.
“The results of these training programs have been very positive indeed, and I congratulate all involved. We are compiling our stats regarding hours patrolled, rescues and first aid performed,” he said.
Noosa acting president Barry Leek said, “For us, it has been a fantastic year right across the board. Our patrols have maintained a high standard and our last patrol inspection performed by the
branch went extremely well. Our training team has put a lot of new members through their bronze and the Education Department that looks after schools has really done exceptionally well. In surf
sports, the club had its best season ever, so when we look at the boarded picture, for Noosa the year has been phenomenal.”
The vibes out on the street regarding the organising and running of the day-to-day events at the recent Australian Surf Life Saving Championships held at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba are indeed very positive. There were many of us, myself included, who held their breath when informed that the titles would be spread over the three beaches.
Major points of concern were lack of sandy beaches, communication and transportation between the three clubs.
All worked well, in particular the free bus service that transported people from one beach to another. I am sure that one of the requirements for those volunteering to drive the buses must
have been a laid back and happy go lucky attitude. Top marks to all involved.
Now that our clubbies are hibernating for the winter months, our three beaches are under the control of our professional lifeguard service. Wearing the same colours they, like the clubbies, are only too happy to have a chat and answer any questions that you may have. The
hours for all three beaches are 7.30am until 4.30pm.
For Noosa there are two on duty at Main Beach and one at the West Beach; Sunshine has two and Peregian, one. With the lifeguards they work primarily from the towers as this will always give them the best point of observation and control. Elevation and communication
between towers will always ensure the best system.
