I started my Surf Life Saving journey as a Nipper in Under 6’s at North Curly. My dad grew up in the water, doing every activity you can think of down at Queensie. My mum, on the other hand, was a Dundas girl.
The ocean was my dad’s life, whereas it brought my mum so much anxiety. As a parent, her goal was to ensure my sisters and I could swim better than her and know how to navigate the ocean. Much to my dad’s chagrin, due to him being a surfer and avidly against “Clubbies”, we were enrolled in Nippers.
My parents became Club regulars, volunteering wherever they could. Dad became a Lifesaver and probably one of those “clubbies” that he sneered at growing up. Taking the best surf spot for the flags to go up. Ruining all the best waves on his clubby mal. Wearing his budgies.
When dad sadly was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and then eventually passed, the Club became my family’s pillar of support. The Lifesaving community is like no other and the bonds made are through life, death and beyond.
After Dad’s passing, I had some years floating in and out of other Clubs – Clubbies have another name for this however it’s not appropriate to be published – but nowhere else truly felt like home. A beacon was lit in 2017 for me to return to North Curly, and since then I have taken on various roles. As of August 2025, I proudly became the President.
Life Savers and Surf Clubs are at the mercy of so many aspects that the average punter would never understand. Through varying levels of Government (Council, State and Federal), and the hierarchy of Lifesaving (Branch, State and National), there are many hoops we jump through, and we jump through them all as willing and devoted volunteers.
Last season was an extraordinary one, with so many tragic events, not just with sharks but drownings as well. We also know of the anxiety that has followed these events.
These are the challenges that Lifesavers take on and work to minimise the risks to the best of our potential. I can’t speak for all Clubs but I can for North Curly, and say we have spent a good part of the “off-season” having conversations with experts, exploring new procedures and upskilling members, so when the season comes, we can ensure the beachgoers will have a safe and happy day.
Trust me when I say, I know how Lifesaving can sometimes be perceived. My dad once upon a time carried that same level of bias, but once he got involved and saw the work that it took, his whole outlook changed. He became a living embodiment of all guts and no glory, and I think you will find majority of the average Volunteer Lifesavers are just the same. They freely give their time, energy and money to help save lives, not only at the beach, but wherever they go.
Next time you are at your local beach and see someone donning the red and yellow, say hi. I guarantee most will have a great story or two to share. Or, better yet, register at your local club and get amongst it.
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