Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Voluntary Surf Life Saving Keeping The Beaches Safe

By Byron Jonas


Dispute raged between Bronte Surf Life Saving club and Bondi Voluntary Surf Life Saving as to which club surfaced first. Historians have subsequently agreed that Bronte was the first and Bondi was the first official club. Voluntary Surf Life Saving began because of various reports of drownings around the world during 1906.

Voluntary lifesavers volunteer their time to clubs in order to save the lives of bathers. Steps are taken to protect bathers, rescue those that get into trouble and resuscitate them if necessary. Lifesavers work under the command of a patrol captain.

These lifesavers work in teams on beaches that are busy. The holidays, public holidays and weekends are the times when these volunteers will be seen on the beach. Each year a proficiency test needs to be completed. They have to have a bronze medallion or a Surf Rescue Certificate in their possession in order to work as a life saver.

Clothing is very important and differs according to rank and type of rescue work. Aviation and helicopter crew will wear aviation clothing. Reflective tabards will be seen on officers of offshore and jet rescue boats. Lifesavers that work on Rescue Water Craft (RWC) will wear skin diving attire and equipment. For the guys and girls on the beach involved in rescue work, long sleeve yellow shirts and red shorts are the order of the day when they are not actually in the process of rescuing anyone. For those who are, they have red and yellow caps.

Competitions are held in which the various clubs may compete; therefore, each club has their own competition cap. This is adorned with patterns and colors to distinguish them from other clubs.

Voluntary Surf Life Saving is a rewarding experience for many. A highlight is often the Surf League competitions that take place in some countries.




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