THE first weekend of the new patrol season is over and all club captains have reported an incident-free weekend.
At Sunshine Beach, patrols reported small crowds, and at Noosa crowds were also on the small side. With Noosa’s Main Beach being in good condition the crowds were wide spread.
At Peregian, lifeguards still maintained control of the beach for the Saturday patrols.
Veteran lifeguard Adam McKane said: “There were two of us on duty and because of a couple of flash rips we had a rescue in the mid-afternoon. The new patrol roster system looks to be OK with us doing the Saturdays and the clubbies doing Sundays”.
With the never-ending appeal for drivers and crewmen for the IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) teams, training continued on Saturday with two members of Sunshine Beach starting their course under Noosa instructor Chris Grandemange.
Good to see these two clubs again working together. With the Noosa National Park being situated between both clubs the more our lifesavers get to know each other the better it becomes for our IRB teams.
With visitations for our district being on the increase and the walk through the national park being past unpatrolled, beautiful beaches incidents are sure to occur.
For two young members of Noosa, last Sunday 18 September will definitely be a day to remember. At 7am Sunday for the first time, patrolman Lachie Lansdown aged 20 walked on to Noosa’s Main as a patrol captain. As such, not only was he in charge of the 10-person rescue team but was also responsible for the safety of all those who came to bathe on Noosa’s Main Beach.
Then at noon his shift was finished and he handed over to another patrol captain in a similar situation.
This time the new patrol captain was 19-year-old Olivia Blight, and her 16-person rescue team as well as Noosa’s Main Beach were also under her control.
For two people at such a young age, this would seem a big responsibility. However it is not something that has happened overnight – both patrol captains. have come up through the ranks starting as little Nippers.
Following this they then moved up into the senior club where they obtained their bronze medallion, and commenced their patrol work.
While working the beach they did so under the watchful eye of veteran members and when ready are promoted to work as patrol vice-captains; then finally the big one, patrol captain.
At the end of her first patrol, Olivia – who is studying engineering at Q.T. in Brisbane – said: “It was great. I love the way of life and in particular I get a kick out of helping others”.
For Lachie – whose occupation is lifeguard – it is definitely a family affair.
“Both my parents and sister Emily are in the club; and mum and dad are also working as patrol captains.”
As we have been doing now for several seasons, Noosa Today wishes everyone a safe summer. In doing so we take the opportunity, to once again explain the guidelines for those safe family walks through Noosa’s National Park.
First and foremost remember; those beautiful little beaches that you pass are not patrolled; so if life savers can’t see you they can’t save you.
Second, if by chance you see someone in difficulty in the surf, grab a mobile, call 000 and – above all – stay where you are! Give location, number of people in trouble and the situation. By staying where you are you can help to direct the IRB teams by waving a towel, shirt or any other article.
Don’t forget this Saturday starting at 9am, open day at Noosa Surf Club.
Come, meet the team, have a look around and meet your champions; see the little Seahorse Nippers perform and join in the barbecue.
Remember, this is your town, your beach – and we are your lifesavers.
