By Ron Lane
Another weekend of sunny days, high temperature and elite sporting events saw the return of big crowds to Noosa and Sunshine beaches.
Yet again on Saturday Noosa life savers were called to respond to a distress situation well away from their flagged area – a man had collapsed while showering in an adjacent tourist facility, suffering from severe dehydration. Their response was immediate and the incident ended on a positive note. This once again tends to show that the old days of working ‘Only between the Flags’ is well and truly over.
It also indicates that despite being outside our area of responsibility our highly trained personal will, when able to do so, assist in time of need. It is to be hoped that the general public comes to realise that our Red and Yellow Army is now more so than ever playing a major role in the safety of our community.
Again, working to promote yet another major sporting event on Noosa’s Main Beach, life savers from Noosa and Sunshine worked in conjunction to provide water safety officers for what is becoming an annual event – the Noosa Summer Swim.
Presented by Michael Klim’s Skin Care, Milk and Co., this event on Saturday drew some 1200 swimmers; and with it now being extended to a second day, Sunday, another 300 registered for the day’s events.
“I have been coming to Noosa on a regular basis now for four years. The swim has grown to such an extent that we find ourselves working one aspect or another for about a week. We now provide some seven events and these cater for swimmers ranging from Nippers and weekend warriors through to the elite (some being Olympians). For these there are three major events the 1, 2 and 3km swims.”
These were held on Saturday, and in an outstanding performance all three were won by Jarrod Poort.
On Sunday the main event – the 5km Grand Prix – was contested, and adding an international flavor, first home was Japanese Olympian and five times national champion, Yasu Hirai.
This young man was a very popular winner and on meeting him it is easy to understand why – this quite well-mannered young man is a credit to not only his country but also his sport of endurance swimming.
To ensure the water safety of all involved, events water safety co-ordinator Trevor King of the Noosa club, had a total of four duty IRBs and 15 rescue board paddlers. These were backed up by Beach Patrol 9, and with observers stationed in the radio tower all aspects of safety (under the control of patrol captain Olivia Blight), were well and truly covered.
The role of these Noosa and Sunshine life savers sometimes goes unnoticed but for these events to take place their attendance is vital.
In the words of Michael Klim: “We are very grateful to the support we receive here from the life savers. It couldn’t be better”.
On Sunday afternoon, Noosa president and life-member Ross Fisher along with fellow life-members Phil Cave, Lenore Grice, Neil Olander, and guest Jordan Mercer, gathered in Noosa’s Lions Park for a special occasion. This was the presentation of club uniforms to the under-11 to under-15 Noosa Nippers chosen to represent their club at the state championships in Hervey Bay.
“There are many pleasures that go with being president,” Fisher said.
“But I must be honest, a function like this is top of the list.
“To all of you from all of us, good luck.
“It is this type of function that is essential in club life as it makes our young members feel welcome.”
