By Ron Lane
I don’t know how many times we have said it; surf does not have to be big to be dangerous.
On Saturday at Noosa’s Main Beach on a bleak and rainy morning and in a surf that was no bigger than a 1 to 1.5 metres, two surfers, within an hour of each other at two different locations, received injuries to their neck that put them into what can only be classified as possible spinal injuries.
When this category is under consideration, paramedics are called and immediate transportation to Nambour Hospital becomes a precautionary procedure. Always remember spinal problems can result in lifetime injuries.
The first happened at approximately 10.30am on West Beach when a 12-year-old boy went head first off his board in shallow water onto a sand bank.
Then one hour later it happened again – this time at First Point, Main Beach.
A surfer on a long board lost control and as a result received a heavy blow to the side of the neck. Once again our paramedic angels responded and after stabilising the patient he was also transported to Nambour for the precautionary scans and treatment.
Treatment by the patrol members and paramedics was again first class. However we must draw attention to the fast response time to both incidents by our paramedics. With the ever increasing traffic problems that have now grown out of all proportions, their efforts are to be commended.
The delay in getting our support teams, police and paramedics to our beaches could result in minor occurrences becoming major. This is a big side effect to the traffic problem that the average motorist would never think of; his problem is to reach his destination find a park and enjoy the day.
With Christmas holidays fast approaching, it is our duty to ensure that the “Response Time” of our support groups is protected, not hindered. With beach crowds and spinal injuries on the increase, this is of the utmost importance.
Good news out of Sunshine Beach. Club Captain Scott Summers who recently suffered what can only be described as a double whammy in the area of personal health is definitely on the road to a full recovery. After receiving a major setback a month ago this was followed some three weeks later by another.
During his term as captain, this dedicated lifesaver has been on three occasions named club captain of the year on the Sunshine Coast. After having served an outstanding military career which saw him become a mustang (a soldier who climbs from the rank of private to that of a major) he has in his own words continued to serve; “First my country and now my community.” Definitely proud to say he is – one of Our People.
In the meantime acting captain James Ross said all is going well.
“We have just finished a training course for eight new Patrol Captains and now we are about to embark on bronze training for over twenty new members. Our Chief Training Officer, Natalie McMaster, and her team of instructors have been doing a tremendous job, very busy, really non-stop.”
For a club like Sunshine, responsible for a big open surf beach, to have an influx of eight new PCs – plus a team of twenty bronzes in training – is definitely very pleasing. We wish the new PCs plus the bronzes all the very best.
