More Bronzies on the beaches

THE 2016/’17 lifesaving season is in full swing and swimmers at local beaches can feel even safer in the water this year with the latest group of “Bronzies” passing their assessments.
The Bronzies, also known as bronze medallion holders, passed their exams that included board rescue techniques, spinal management as well as a written test.
The group was a combined effort between Sunshine, Noosa and Peregian Beach clubs with all training conducted by Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club trainers Nat McMaster, Steven Boyd, Warwick Redwood, Jane Fraser and Phil Stephens, with participants from all three clubs including eight recruits from Noosa and six from Sunshine.
Aged between 15 and 50-plus, the recruits started the eight-week program with varying levels of fitness, surf/swim ability and confidence, but Sunshine Beach Surf Club’s Dave Gleeson said it was great to see the improvement gained by the participants during the course, culminating in an impressive display of lifesaving skills during their final assessment.
All successful participants, having now gained their bronze medallion or Surf Rescue Certificates, are now able to start patrolling and carry out water safety and other duties such as age managing for the Sunshine Beach Nippers program.
A number of the participants have also started a First Aid course which will increase their knowledge in this area as well.
“This was another display of how our local surf clubs are working together for the benefit of all, and it is great to see a new bunch of happy volunteer Bronzies ready to keep locals and visitors safe on our beaches this summer,” Mr Gleeson said.