By JOLENE OGLE
THE tragic death of a 26-year-old surfer at Sunshine Beach late last year has led to the donation of a life-saving machine that will help keep swimmers safe.
This week, Frangipani Dreams donated a defibrillator to the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for use at the northern end of the beach, meaning both ends of the beach now have a defibrillator close by.
Sunshine Beach Surf Club president Craig Law said having the machines close by in an emergency could be the difference between saving or losing a life.
Sunshine Beach Surf Club club captain Scott Summers said the specific model of defibrillator donated was the “club’s defib of choice” as it required minimum maintenance, was sturdy and easy to use.
“We were extremely grateful that Frangipani Dreams was able to donate the same brand as our existing machine to ensure consistency among our equipment – this will prevent our lifesavers running into difficulties on the beach,” he said.
Frangipani Dreams, founded by the late Moy Sweetman, is a local organisation that helps those less fortunate by granting wishes and raising funds.
Frangipani Dreams’ Glenda Boyce and treasurer Ruth Betts, who were on hand to present the defibrillator, said the idea to donate the machine to the surf club came from the family of the young surfer who died late last year.
“The family contacted us to see how they could help,” Ms Betts said.
Frangipani Dreams then phoned Mr Law to see what equipment was needed by the club’s lifesavers.
Mr Law said a second defibrillator was needed to better service the long stretch of beach patrolled.
“Our club patrols the large stretch of Sunshine Beach as well as Alexandra Bay. A defibrillator is a vital piece of life-saving equipment, so the club would really benefit from having two; one for each end of the beach,” he said.
Ms Betts said the donation of the defibrillator was a way to say thankyou for the Sunshine Beach Surf Club’s continued support through their combined club group.
“Moy would love being here to hand over the machine,” she said. “She was a real beach person. She really was in her element on the beach.”
The defibrillator, which delivers a therapeutic shock to the heart, will be used at the northern end of Sunshine Beach.
