On patrol at Peregian

ALL INDICATIONS are that Peregian patrols are heading into a good season. Numbers are up and the teamwork with Noosa has proven a success. On the weekend Peregian Beach was very busy with patrols, Nippers and bronze training.
Peregian being an open beach makes it perfect for bronze training. With Noosa and Peregian combining well Noosa is taking full advantage of open beach to ensure that the squads are now training in ideal conditions. As with all open beaches the sea conditions at Peregian can be ever changing. When this occurs, trainees learn to think and be prepared for anything.
The more they are exposed to these conditions the quicker their confidence grows so by the time of their final assessments for their bronze medallion, they are mentally ready to fulfil their obligations as patrolling members.
In the good old days, Sunshine Beach was for Noosa what Peregian is today. With Noosa’s Main Beach being protected by the two points, First Point and National Park, Noosa didn’t get as much surf as the other two beaches. Therefore it was imperative that Noosa bronzes found themselves on the then deserted and lonely Sunshine Beach, where, under the supervision of senior experienced club mates they underwent training in surf swimming and the art of body surfing.
This was also for the Noosa squads a great confidence builder for they were taught that if you can body surf Sunshine you could body surf anywhere.
All beaches have their quiet days, and on occasions the visitation numbers can be well down. On these days patrolmen can help with the squads in such disciplines as board paddling and surf swimming.
Recently Noosass up and coming Cooper Williams, was only too happy to lend a hand with some of tomorrow’s lifesavers, the Peregian Nippers. To be training with fellow club mates such as this is a great way to learn. To go out the back (behind the breaking waves) for the first time can indeed be very daunting, so to be accompanied by patrolling members such as Cooper is just great.
This is exactly what happened on the weekend, and this is what lifesaving is all about: helping each other in the surf and above all, learning the true meaning of club spirit.
Craig Upston of the Peregian Nippers said, “We are very happy with the membership. The numbers are on the up and we are happy with the high standard of training that is now available to our young people.”
Water safety officer Neil Lumsden added to this when he said, “Our new equipment trailer has made our workload much easier setting up the beaches and clearing it at the end of training sessions.’’
Both members extended an invitation to the residents of Peregian Springs who may be interested and have children to come, meet and say hello. To those able to help there is always a need for water safety officers. The club is moving and the club spirit is great; it’s a good time to join.
Sunshine was also all stations go. Weekend patrols, first day of Nipper Club Championships on Sunday; proficiencies for 25 members plus a bronze team of 15 being put through assessments. Following the completion of this bronze squad training, another will commence in January.
The reason for the big smiles on the faces of the Sunshine crew is that the day they have all been waiting for is fast approaching; the opening of the updated club facilities for the clubbies. Well-deserved for a great club so enjoy – you deserve it!