By Ron Lane
Well, it is that time of the year again when all of us at Noosa Today wish all our locals and, in particular, our visitors a very happy and safe Christmas. We know that some of you will be sick and tired of once again reading our hints for a safe one, but it is always good to be reminded of the most important message: please, whenever possible bathe between the flags, and if you decide to go walking through our beautiful National Park from either the Sunshine or Noosa end, please talk to our lifesavers regarding our park beaches as they are unpatrolled.
Looking safe is one thing, but being safe is an entirely different matter.
At Sunshine, all is in readiness for the holiday break. The Sunday am patrol started the holiday period with some really good work. Under patrol captain Damien Chegwyn, the am patrol rescued some four people with two going in an early morning trip then later two young girls also getting into difficulties in the same area. Some good board work by young veteran Brock Redwood enabled these people to regain the safety of the beach and thus enjoy their Christmas.
Also earlier in the day, proficiencies covering all aspects of patrol work for active members who have been studying or working away were conducted, thus bringing all members up to speed.
“Last night, we held our Christmas party for our active members at our club house, and this was well attended,” president Scott Summers said. “This has given our members a good feeling of club spirit for the weeks ahead.”
At Noosa under the leadership of Trevor King, the IRB section is maintaining its high standard with another five operators being passed ready for the Christmas rush.
“Our patrol area stretches from the mouth of the Noosa River to Alexandria Bay (better known as A Bay.) This is the National Park Area, and on this stretch of coast there are several unpatrolled beaches. Our courtesy patrols are aware of this and the ability to perform a quick response time in cases of emergency is of the utmost importance,” King said.
‘’However, people must not take these patrols for granted because if there are big seas and crowds at our officially gazetted beaches, we may not able to respond immediately; our flagged areas take priority. As we keep saying, please families, bathe only on patrolled beaches. Also to Tom Offermann, major sponsor of our IRB team, many thanks and Merry Christmas!”
Last Friday afternoon,110 members of the Noosa nippers took part in their annual Wall to Wall surf swim at Noosa’s Main Beach. This traditional event which has been in existence for several seasons is aimed at building self confidence in our young people and with all members swimming under tight supervision of veteran lifesavers, it has been very successful.
The entry fee is a gold coin donation with the money raised going to McDonald House. To end the day, all involved gathered after the event for a club barbecue. Well done to all and Sam Smith JAC chairperson.
