ISSUE 9 Autumn 2016

From Sun To Snow – Meet Youth Winter Olympian Beth Slade Coogee Legend Clocks Up 76 Years NZ Adventure For NSW Lifesavers Full Surf Sport Season Wrap Busy Patrolling Summer For Lifesavers Beyond the Flags | 1 #COUNTRYCHAMPS16

2 | Beyond the Flags WELCOME

COMING UP:

our members will shortly be trained 11 April 2016 in how to pilot the UAV as well as Youth Opportunity Makers Workshop and operate the camera, to assist with the Junior Lifesaver of the Year Development trials. Camp I must offer my congratulations The Collaroy Centre, Sydney to all our members who received 16 - 24 April 2016 recognition in the Australia Day Aussies - Australian Surf Life Saving Champs Honours List and from their Sunshine Coast, Qld communities. It’s a testament to 07 - 08 May 2016 their dedication and selfless attitude NSW IRB Premiership (Round 1) over years of volunteering. Caves Beach, Hunter Hello all, and a warm welcome to Thanks to all of our volunteers who 14 - 15 May 2016 the second edition of Beyond The do so much to keep our beaches safe Far North Coast Pool Rescue Clinic & Flags for 2016. especially during what is our busiest Championships It’s hard to believe how quickly this time of the year over the summer 21 - 22 May 2016 season has gone. Already we can months. NSW IRB Premiership (Round 2) look back on what has been a highly No matter what position you hold in Terrigal, Central Coast successful summer of surf sport your club, you are all part of the Surf 04 - 05 June 2016 with South West Rocks doing an Life Saving family and we appreciate NSW IRB Premiership (Round 3) outstanding job hosting the Country your dedication and time spent in the Birubi Point, Hunter Championships, and Ocean Beach iconic red and yellow. 11 June 2016 and Umina surf clubs also fronting As a result of feedback from our 2016 Sunshine Coast Pool Rescue Champs up for the fourth consecutive year to recent Information Survey, we will be Sunshine Coast, Qld once more deliver a sensational State making some changes to the format 11 - 13 June 2016 Championships. of future editions of Beyond the 26+ Development Program Since resuming patrols last Flags. Sydney Northern Beaches September our volunteers have Future editions of the magazine will 18 - 19 June 2016 performed in excess of 5000 rescues, be available online so you won’t miss NSW IRB Premiership (Round 4) 15,000 first aid treatments and over out on all the latest in lifesaving. South Maroubra, Sydney 120,000 preventative actions – truly 25 June 2016 a remarkable effort and one that Don’t forget you can subscribe to 2016 Gold Coast Pool Rescue Champs is appreciated by the beach going our weekly Club Mail by going to our Gold Coast, Qld public. homepage. Each Friday you’ll receive an email with links to the latest 02 - 03 July 2016 In January we reached an historic Circulars, event info and news. 2016 NSW IRB State Championships agreement with the NSW Mollymook, South Coast Government that will significantly Enjoy the read! SLSNSW Sydney Pool Rescue Clinic reduce the workload for clubs whose Riverview, Sydney lease on crown land is near to expiry. 04 - 06 July 2016 The advantage of this new standard lease template is clubs will be able to North Coast Academy of Sport Camp refocus their energies on delivering Byron Bay/Lennox Head, Far North Coast frontline services and can plan with 09 - 10 July 2016 SLSNSW Pool Rescue Championships confidence for the future. Tony Haven AM Ryde, Sydney Surf Life Saving will also be involved President 16 - 17 July 2016 with an exciting trial of the Little Surf Life Saving NSW 2016 Queensland Pool Rescue Champs Ripper Lifesaver Unmanned Aerial Vehicle over the coming months. Gold Coast, Qld This new technology is cutting edge 22 - 24 July 2016 and will undoubtedly be at the 2016 Australian IRB Championships forefront of 21st century lifesaving Mollymook, South Coast as it continues to develop. Some of Beyond the Flags | 3 Little Ripper Fast Facts: • The UAV is a military-grade, battery-powered drone that can achieve significant altitude while remaining airborne for approximately 150 minutes • Fully loaded the UAV weighs approximately 25kg • It requires two people to fly and operate; a pilot and camera operator • It features a front-mounted camera that feeds live footage back to the two operators • The Little Ripper Lifesaver is also designed to be used for search- and-rescue operations. The UAVs can drop rescue packs containing life-rafts, positioning beacons, defibrillators and other lifesaving equipment to those in distress. EYES IN THE SKY These rescue packs are referred to as ULBs (You Little Beauty) Surf Life Saving is entering a new era of innovation as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are set to be trialled in NSW for search and An Insider’s View: rescue, emergency response and shark spotting activities over One man among many who has a keen the winter months. interest in the Little Ripper Program is February’s launch of a ground-breaking trial of the Little Ripper one of the group’s founding directors, Lifesaver© sponsored by Westpac and supported by the NSW renowned Australian scientist and Government and Surf Life Saving will see aerial surveillance former astronaut Dr Paul Scully-Power capabilities tested to support existing lifesaving operations along who believes the sky is the limit for this the coast and over land. technology. The Little Ripper Lifesaver© long-range UAVs will initially be “I think 10 years from now you will trialled in three locations in NSW – Byron Bay, Hawks Nest and see UAVS everywhere. We have to be Newcastle. The capability of the technology includes aerial very careful to make sure that they are surveillance, search and rescue, shark detection and monitoring or integrated within the national airspace. deploying emergency and first aid equipment including floatation Eventually they will be used for all devices, defibrillators and survival kits. sorts of things like finding boats at sea, national security, bushfires and floods. The trial will provide new opportunities for volunteer surf lifesavers The potential is limitless and the to extend their skills by being trained as UAV pilots or camera technology allows us to do that now.” operators. At the recent State Championships the President Tony Haven AM says the opportunities offered by UAVs in Little Ripper UAV made an appearance supporting the efforts of surf lifesavers on the beach is enormous. for the first time in front of those who one day may fly it, and was warmly This is a fantastic initiative which has the potential to received by lifesavers. revolutionise the ways in which we can protect the public, “It’s a hard working team, a very respond to emergency situations and save lives professional team, and we’re working - Tony Haven AM with a whole range of people including Surf Life Saving, Westpac, and CASA “We are proud to support these trials and I congratulate both the regulator. That takes a lot of time Westpac and the NSW Government for their commitment to and effort, but we will get there. improving public safety and protecting the community,” said Tony What I want to see is a seamless Haven. integration with the rest of the aviation community,” Dr Scully-Power said.

4 | Beyond the Flags LIFESAVERS RECOGNISED IN AUSSIE HONOURS LIST It was an Australia Day to remember for a number of outstanding members HISTORIC DEAL PUTS SURF CLUBS from the Surf Life Saving community who have been acknowledged for years ON SOLID GROUND of dedication to the movement with recognition in the Australian Honours Surf clubs located on Crown land across the state will have list. fewer hurdles to secure their long-term future after the historic signing of a deal between Surf Life Saving NSW and the State NSW President Tony Haven and Surf Life Government in late January. Saving Australia President Graham Ford were both made Members of the Order For the first time Surf Life Saving Clubs have an alternative to going of Australia (AM) for their decades-long through lengthy processes to renew long-term leases, saving involvement in Surf Life Saving, while councils and surf clubs time and money that can be better spent on Eddy Bergsma from Fingal Bay, North keeping our beaches safe. Cronulla Life Member Allan Cameron, “We have the best beaches in the world, which is why the NSW and Cronulla coaching maestro Ian Government is determined to make it easier for our surf clubs and Goode were among those named their members to get on with doing what they do best – saving as Order of Australia Medal (OAM) lives,” said Land and Water Minister Niall Blair. recipients. President Tony Haven welcomed the new initiative, saying that Surf Life Saving NSW would like to clubs across the state would benefit enormously. extend our congratulations to all those who were honoured in 2016. “This is a significant milestone for our organisation. For the first time in our history it will provide affordable and secure tenure for Australia Day Honours Recipients in all of our surf life saving clubs situated on Crown land across the NSW: state,” said Tony Haven. Graham Ford AM, Bronte SLSC The agreement is the result of a long term dialogue between Surf Tony Haven AM, Sth Narrabeen SLSC Life Saving NSW and the NSW Government along with valuable input from a number of councils throughout the state to simplify Eddy Bergsma OAM, Fingal Beach SLSC the way clubs operate on Crown land. Allan Cameron BEM OAM, Nth Cronulla Surf clubs which have SLSC reached or are nearing the Ian Goode OAM, Cronulla SLSC end of their current lease terms will be among the Andrew Johnson OAM, Tathra SLSC – For first to benefit from the service to the community of Tathra streamlined arrangements. Philip Mosgrove OAM, Mereweather Photo top: Phil Vanny AM (SLSNSW SLSC – For service to the community of CEO) and Niall Blair (Minister for Lands Newcastle and Water) formally announce the Inspector Rupert Agnew, Elouera SLSC – historic agreement Australian Police Medal Photo right: Tony Haven AM (SLSNSW President) and Niall Blair talk to a Bronte Photo: theleader.com.au Nipper

Beyond the Flags | 5 BUSY SUMMER ENDS FOR LIFESAVERS With the patrol season finishing and responded to 272 requests later this month, all of our patrolling for assistance through the Surf lifesavers can look back on what has Emergency Response System. been a busy, but successful summer. There has been an increase in total rescues over the corresponding The el nino effect certainly played a summer period with the increase in part in what was an incredibly hot preventative actions and a strong start to summer with the warmer focus on public education hopefully conditions lingering well into having a positive effect. February and extending into autumn. There has been an increased first As a result beaches across the state aid work load for our members with experienced an influx of crowds in treatments administered nearly addition to the usual annual holiday doubling since last summer. This can makers. be attributed to an increase in blue “I would like to thank all of our bottle and marine stings, but also the patrolling members for their fine heat conditions with many members efforts over the summer months. In of the public being treated for heat many ways it has been a challenging distress. It reinforces the importance season, but across the state everyone for patrolling members to have an has done their very best to protect the up-to-date-knowledge of first aid and public and serve their communities,” injury management techniques. said NSW Director of Lifesaving John Unfortunately we saw a spike in Restuccia. coastal drownings this summer. In “Patrols will continue until late April total 21 people drowned along the when our volunteers will be able to coast compared to 11 during the take a well-earned rest.” same period in the 2014/15 season. From December through to NOTE: Figures are from 1 December February NSW lifesavers performed 2015 to 29 February 2016 only. 4,076 rescues, 13,860 first aids,

6 | Beyond the Flags Looking Ahead Significant Rescues including the two children of an off-duty lifesaver were involved Off season is a great opportunity • A joint effort by members from in a dramatic rescue at Port for our members to recharge North Cronulla, Cronulla, and Macquarie’s Lighthouse Beach their batteries and also update Elouera clubs (8 board paddlers on New Year’s Day. The group qualifications and enhance skills. and 3 IRBs) resulted in the had finished their patrolling successful rescue of 15 people To assist in the delivery of courses, duties when they saw two in a dramatic hour at North clubs are encouraged to pool their swimmers being carried out by Cronulla beach on 31 January. resources such as trainers and a rip in front of the clubhouse. assessors, as well as organising • Four swimmers got into They were able to rescue the inter-club training where possible. difficulty near Wollongong middle-aged duo using rescue Lighthouse on the evening of boards, averting a tragic Collaborating like this can be Sunday 17 January. The on-call situation. particularly useful for IRB courses support team were alerted with where participation can be low at • Two rock fisherman had a lucky two patients rescued by jet ski, times. This allows for interested escape from the notorious while the other two were able members to enhance their skills, stretch of coast near Snapper to get out by themselves. ultimately benefiting all clubs and Point at Wyong on 6 March. The means more experienced lifesavers • A busy summer for the pair were washed into the ocean are available to operate this vital members of Burning Palms and were clinging to an angel equipment. SLSC continued with a second ring before being rescued by major incident at the Figure 8 attending lifesavers. Please contact our friendly Rock Pools. Lifesavers rescued lifesaving team on (02) 9471 8000 six people after a wave caused or webmaster@surflifesaving. havoc at the increasingly com.au if you have any queries or popular landmark on 24 concerns. January. The 2015/16 patrol season ends on • A group of four clubbies Monday 25 April.

Season Stats (from July 2015):

RESCUES PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS FIRST AID CALLS TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM

DROWNINGS VOLUNTEER HOURS BEACH ATTENDANCE AMBULANCES

Beyond the Flags | 7 FROM SURF TO SNOW BETH’S AMAZING JOURNEY

LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY Luge athletes regularly hit speeds but they were really patient with in excess of 100 km/hr when me and I managed to pick up some It’s a typically brisk Norwegian competing, and Beth’s initiation into words so that was good but I found morning in mid- February 2016. this winter sport has been equally as smiling always helps! A lone figure is standing at the fast. top of an icy track that stretches “For me being overseas and getting down, twisting and turning past a After picking up a Luge sled just 12 to race and train means I’ve gained sizeable crowd of spectators. months ago at the urging of family plenty of cultural experience and friend (and now coach) double it’s great to say I went to the Youth The lone figure, a young woman Winter Olympian Hannah Campbell Olympics. from Australia, takes a second to Pegg, Slade found herself selected “I’m very happy with my drink in the scene, soaking up the as one of the youngest members of performance overall. I want to experience before steeling herself the Australian Youth Olympic team. for the challenge ahead. improve but I got some good clean And the quietly spoken, but affable runs which is all you can ask for,” she She looks down at the sled at her teen loved every minute of her first said. feet and climbs aboard, mentally taste at an Olympic level. preparing for a fast ride – the light To most Australians, the Luge is turns to green, and off she goes, “It really was a positive experience the ride you go on with your family hurtling downwards on her first run as being part of an Australian team is when at an amusement park, but it at an Olympic Games. such an amazing feeling and worth is very much controlled. In reality it the trip alone,” she said shortly after is a very different experience. Like many of her peers, Hunter- returning home. based teen Beth Slade loves the surf “It’s definitely more thrilling on a and sun however the 16-year-old “I am just really pleased to have winter track,” Slade laughs. the opportunity to compete and Caves Beach lifesaver also has a “Essentially you’re lying feet first to meet new people. Sometimes special talent. on a sled and you go round an icy communicating on the circuit is track at speeds of over 100km/h She can ride the Luge down an icy difficult as only about a quarter of and you’re timed. So you need to track fast; seriously fast. the competitors can speak English, go through the sensors as fast as

8 | Beyond the Flags IT’S TRUE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT SURF LIFE SAVING BEING A BIG FAMILY. I’VE HAD SUCH AMAZING SUPPORT FROM THE CLUB - THEY HELPED WITH FUNDRAISING, AND HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING SUPPORTER THE WHOLE WAY.

possible. For me I think the biggest Beth has enjoyed plenty of success fundraising, and Brett Main (club challenge was the newness of it all in the water events over the years, president) has been an amazing and the cold as it was very different but has now decided to cut back on supporter the whole way.” to anything that I had ever tried.” competition and give back to surf With the next Winter Olympics lifesaving in other ways. When asked if any of the skills of taking place in 2018 in South Korea the Luge are transferable from the “I’m not competing anymore in surf, does this talented teen envision years she spent honing her talents but I want to stay involved. I love the emulating her coach and mentor in the waters off Caves Beach she club and I’m looking at crewing in Pegg by pulling on the green and considers the question before the IRBs over winter. I patrol and do gold tracksuit at a senior level? answering. a bit of water safety and I am an Age “I think the next Winter Olympics Manager for Nippers as well,” she “Well it’s fair to say that the skills are are probably too soon for me to be said. very different as they’re completely honest. I’ll be a bit young for them unique environments. Core strength In fact at the recent NSW Surf Life and it’s also my HSC year. and gym techniques are probably a Saving Championships, Beth could “My plan is to keep learning and common skillset - something I can be found in the water keeping a improving over the next few years transfer across as you do need to be watchful eye on the rookie lifesavers and have a shot at 2022.” extremely strong to do the Luge.” of tomorrow. In Luge years Beth Slade is just a It’s clear that Beth is rapidly finding She says she gets an enormous baby, but with a quiet determination her feet on the ice, and it is also amount of enjoyment out of lending and a steely will to succeed she true that her passion for surf hasn’t a helping hand and is grateful for could very well be hurtling down icy diminished. the support of the club that helped tracks around the world for many get her to Norway. As a member of Caves Beach since years to come. the age of eight, Beth takes pride “Caves Beach is a wonderful club, Top left: The Newcastle Herald in being involved in what she calls and it’s true what they say about Top right: Shot in the Name of Luge the “family club of the Hunter”, Surf Life Saving being a big family. Photography and for her family the club plays an I’ve had such amazing support important part in their lives. from the club and they helped with Beyond the Flags | 9 We enjoy flying the flag for community groups that make a difference. That’s the Beko spirit!

Helping others just because you can is a very simple philosophy. It is one that we wholeheartedly believe in and encourage others PROUDLY SUPPORTING to share. Beko in the Community supports groups like Surf Life Saving SURf LIfe SAvING NSW NSW, so they can save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. That’s the Beko spirit.

beko.com.au

A group of clubbies returned from Officer for three seasons, Vice Club I learnt from the New Zealand across the ditch in March after Captain for two years before being Lifeguards was the structure of gaining valuable knowledge at named Club Captain in 2015/16. their emergency callout teams and the annual lifesaving exchange how this is utilised in practice. As Anthony gained his Bronze with some of New Zealand’s finest Club Captain this information is Medallion in 1988 and is heavily lifesavers. Now the trio hope to invaluable and will help me improve involved within the Illawarra take the lessons learned back to Umina’s emergency callout team lifesaving community. In between their home clubs. capability and skills into the future.” his duties as Director of Lifesaving Twenty-three year old Darren Moses for the Illawarra Branch he serves Being a facilitator of the program, from Dixon Park SLSC, and Umina’s as a duty officer and is busy with his Anthony’s experience was slightly Jess Thomas (19) joined facilitator club duties as well. different but he too found the and Illawarra director of lifesaving international experience beneficial. The trio felt that they gained plenty Anthony Turner (Thirroul SLSC) of benefits from the program and “The benefits of increasing your for the annual five day trip to New were even able to share some surf awareness/knowledge and Zealand. of their experiences with their broadening your skills base as well The two young lifesavers were counterparts. as upskilling with higher awards selected after participating in the is certainly a lesson that I can take “I would have to say I have City/Country Exchange Program in back to my branch and club. three equal highlights of the January and were excited to have entire program. These would be “I was also grateful for the We enjoy flying the flag for community the opportunity to learn new skills conquering some fears I had to do opportunity to provide detailed and experiences from their Kiwi with bigger swells and rocks, fine training and assessing on rescue counterparts. groups that make a difference. tuning my board skills by watching board techniques on conscious and All three club members have techniques from other lifeguards unconscious victims in the surf zone. extensive experience within the and seeing how strong a team of For the New Zealand Lifeguards this That’s the Beko spirit! lifesaving movement. Darren has lifesavers can become even after is something different to their usual been involved for nine years, initially knowing each other for only a few experiences,” he said. to help his younger brother out after days,” said Darren Moses. During the course of the trip the he had signed up for Nippers. A love “We were able to share ideas lifesavers visited Muriwai Beach, Helping others just because you can is a very simple philosophy. of IRBs ensured that he would stay and thoughts about our clubs, Bethells Beach and Piha Beach It is one that we wholeheartedly believe in and encourage others and has enthusiastically thrown PROUDLY SUPPORTING enabling me to gain an international honing their lifesaving skills in a to share. Beko in the Community supports groups like Surf Life Saving SURf LIfe SAvING NSW himself into all aspects of the club perspective of Surf Life Saving which number of training exercises along ever since. NSW, so they can save lives, create great Australians and build I will bring back to my club. This the way. better communities. Jess Thomas holds an impressive helped to highlight the similarities Photo: Anthony Turner (Thirroul SLSC), That’s the Beko spirit. number of leadership positions for and differences between Surf Darren Moses (Dixon Park SLSC), Shaun someone who is yet to celebrate her Life Saving in New Zealand, and Hudson (SLSNSW) and Jess Thomas 20th birthday. She joined Nippers at Australia,” said Jess Thomas. (Umina SLSC) overlooking Piha Beach, six, gained her Bronze Medallion at beko.com.au “The most important thing that NZ. 15, and was the Youth Development Beyond the Flags | 11 COOkING | LAUNDRY | RefRIGeRATION | DISHWASHING | AIR CONDITIONING I LOVE THE CLUB, I DON’T HAVE ANY REGRETS, IT’S BEEN GREAT FOR ME AND IS TRULY ONE OF THE BEST RUN CLUBS IN AUSTRALIA. I LOVE COMING DOWN AND WHILE MOST OF MY FRIENDS ARE GONE IT’S STILL A BIG PART OF MY LIFE. IN THE END I CAN’T COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING.

1 MILESTONE MAN NORM MAKES COOGEE HISTORY One Coogee clubbie recently had his parents in the 1930s and later suggestion of a friend he again plenty to celebrate becoming the still with his close friends as they threw his hat in the ring but this longest serving member in the rich grew into their teenage years and time with a new job and name. It history of the proud Sydney club. swam with the other “Scotchy’s” in was a ploy that almost backfired the un-netted section of the beach. spectacularly. Norman Hill affectionately known to all as “Nob” was honoured at a For a young Norm though the “On my next attempt to sign up I function in March to celebrate his day that would forever link him to added an “s” and became Hills and 76th year of membership at the the surf lifesaving family was just changed my job to dairy farmer and club. It’s a record that would be around the corner in March 1940. when I went to the depot they had difficult to match let alone break, two forms. The officer in charge “One day a group of friends were and Norm is rightly proud of his asked are you Norm Hill or Norm down at the beach and we saw the achievement. Hills? When I told him I have no idea lifesavers and thought that looked who Norm Hill is he just looked at The Australia that Norm was born like a lot of fun so we went down me and said I think you do as you into in 1924 was naturally very to the clubhouse and talked to the live in the same house and have the different to the one we call home secretary about joining up. He asked same parents!” today. King George V was the us if we could we swim 400 yards in reigning monarch, Stanley Bruce eight minutes – we were young and Norm later spent three years in was the Prime Minister, Balmain fit, told him of course we could,” he Europe finishing up as a wireless beat Souths in the 1924 NSW Rugby said. operator and gunner and served on League Grand Final, and the nation’s the famed Lancaster aircraft. Like many members of his population was slowly approaching generation, war was calling and One of the first places he went on six million. when he was 18 he made the first of his return was Coogee surf club, a The beach loomed large in the life two attempts to join the Air Force. relationship that still exists today. of a young Norm and he has fond Desperate to stay in his hometown A couple of months later at the memories of going down there with he went into the local ballot to try

12 | Beyond the Flags 2

1. Collecting a sample of Coogee Water to be transported to the Bomana War Cemetery. 5 5 2. Norm marked his 76th year as a club member in early March 2016. 3. All smiles in a 1940’s era photo. 4. Artist’s impression of the cockpit and crew of a Lancaster Bomber. 5. With mates during Air Force basic training. 6. Official photograph of Coogee SLSC in 1949. 7. Carrying the Australian Flag at a celebration honouring Coogee’s centenary season. 4 6 7

and win a plot of land. Despite being career with Caltex. while most of my friends are gone unsuccessful he managed to stay in it’s still a big part of my life. He’s seen many changes to the club the area much to his delight. and surf life saving over the years “In the end I can’t complain about Like many nicknames, the origin of with two of the most important anything.” ‘Nob’ has an interesting backstory being the inclusion of women and which goes back over five decades, the formation of Nippers. with Norm believing it’s a better “We used to have a social ladies club Norm continues to inspire name than the ‘mum’ moniker his and a dance every Sunday which the younger members of the military mates bestowed him with. was great. A lot of the boys actually Coogee club. “A few of us always used to go to the ended up marrying members of the The current NSW Young Boomerang Theatre together after first women’s March Past Team and Lifesaver of the Year Julien the war and one Sunday we went to it was a great day when they could Vincent had this to say about the see something about San Francisco officially become part of the club. World War II Veteran. and the earthquake. In one scene it “My son actually did the first season showed how to escape and everyone of Nippers and I enjoyed helping out Nob Hill is an enduring legacy went to Nob Hill, and in the interval with coaching in those early years.” in Coogee Surf Life Saving one of the boys said we can’t keep Club. After being a member for calling you mum, so forever after I For a man who will shortly turn 92 more than 75 years, he’s one became Nob,” he laughed. Norm Hill has a deep passion for his of our last remaining World hometown, his surf club, and for life Norm later went on to be a founding War II veterans and has many in general. member of the Coogee Penguins great stories to tell of his time winter swim club, competed in the “I love the club, I don’t have any in service in the RAF. It’s a first City to Surf, and managed to regrets, it’s been great for me and pleasure to know him and hear swim and run on the beach almost is truly one of the best run clubs in some of his many stories. every morning during a 27-year- Australia. I love coming down and

Beyond the Flags | 13 Congratulations to all the competitors who gave their best during the State Championships.

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14 | Beyond the Flags

Ad CNSW SLS-FPC 0416.indd 2 22/03/2016 12:21:13 PM BEACH SAFETY PROGRAM FINISHES THIRD SEASON

The Sydney Wet’n’Wild Nippers around the Western suburbs, it’s you do you might get swept out by a have said goodbye to the wave very important that they can swim big wave and then you might drown pool for another year after well and are also able to help other which is very bad so that’s why you finishing the third season of the children if they get into difficulty. should actually know about water program with a carnival at the Learning these skills is what is so safety,” the seven year-old said. iconic amusement park on Sunday. wonderful about the program.” Nathan Wakefield, a fellow Age Around 130 Nippers enjoyed Age Manager and parent of a Manager and parent of two nippers the final week of the water Wet’n’Wild Sydney Nipper, Nars says he loves the fact that the safety program by competing in Lumba believes this program has program builds the children’s skills ironperson, board, flags, beach been outstanding not just for him as every week. sprint and tug-of-war events in a an Age Manager but his seven year- “We have a great deal of fun each carnival format that is similar to that old son, Qwayn. week - it’s a lot of fun with the kids experienced by their coastal- every Sunday. You can see that their based peers. To be able to achieve the outcomes of the program skills build each week from running Labor MP for Prospect, Dr Hugh on the sand and going in the water. McDermott who is also a member and still have fun means we Hopefully they can take those skills of the NSW Parliamentary Friends did a really good job and with them when they visit the coast,” of Surf Life Saving visited the the program is well set up Nathan Wakefield said. Wet’n’Wild Sydney Nippers Club and executed. Having been Wet’n’Wild Sydney General for the season ending carnival. As someone who didn’t grow up in Manager, Dianne Rigg said the a strong advocate for educating Australia and the lifestyle here Wet’n’Wild Sydney Nippers club has children and their families who are provided a fantastic opportunity at a high risk of coastal drowning is all about the beach and the for the kids of Western Sydney to about the importance of surf safety, water, so if you’re not educated get involved and learn about the the MP was keen to get a firsthand or aware you’re putting importance of water safety. look at the program. yourself at risk “For the third year running, the “This is a very important program - Nars Lumba. Wet’n’Wild Sydney Nippers Club, for Western Sydney. A significant In his rookie year as a Wet’n’Wild through the assistance of Surf Life amount of drownings on the coast Nipper this season, Qwayn Saving NSW, has provided a beach involve people from Western thoroughly enjoyed his time in the within reach for hundreds of kids Sydney so it’s very important to program and has already learnt a that live away from the coastline and have Nippers out here,” Dr Hugh number of surf safety messages. helped build their confidence in and McDermott said. around the water,” Dianne Rigg said. “I learnt that don’t go out too far in “Whether they end up going in the ocean on your own because if the surf or in swimming pools Beyond the Flags | 15 2016 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ENDS ON A HIGH AT OCEAN BEACH-UMINA

For the fourth year in a row the state’s going to have good luck and sometimes you pinnacle surf sports event returned to will have bad luck,” Mr Bruce said. Ocean Beach-Umina on the NSW Central “The other clubs are getting stronger all Coast. the time and it’s great to see that there is Both host clubs are congratulated for the so much competition and anyone can win outstanding job they have done over the last any race. The life experiences that kids can few years to ensure that everyone who has learn from Surf Life Saving are incredibly attended a State Championship event has valuable.” had an experience to remember. Our thanks Bondi Surf Bathers LSC made history also go to Gosford City Council for their claiming the Masters Championship for backing throughout the event’s time on the the first time ahead of North Bondi and coast, SLSNSW Major Partner ClubsNSW and defending champions Queenscliff. also to Stramit and Engine for their support. “We’ve been building slowly over the last On the beach conditions were a blessing five years. In the past we’ve only had a very for the competitors after bad weather small team and we really had to make an interrupted carnival in recent seasons. effort to encourage everyone to come along During the three weekends of competition and get involved,” Masters Captain Gary there were plenty of great results as new Emmerton said. names burst onto the scene, and others “It’s a fantastic feeling to be crowned defended their hard won titles. champions as it’s a whole club effort. In the Age Championships Manly were again Everyone is certainly very happy. We made a crowned champions finishing ahead of bit of history for our club.” Wanda and Cooks Hill. In the Opens, Newport’s dominance over Manly Head Coach Graham Bruce said that fierce rivals Manly continued in 2016 as the it was a fantastic achievement by the Manly two Northern Beaches powerhouses battled youngsters. it out. Wanda’s solid form continued with the Southern Sydney club finishing in third “What it’s really all about is everyone giving place. their best. It’s not just about coaching the kids, it’s dealing with the emotions about The State Championships will move to a new how to deal with winning and losing, and home in 2017 after it was announced that letting them know that some days you’re Swansea – Belmont will host the event.

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16 | Beyond the Flags Above Left: In what was a highly competitive U19 Board Race, Charlie Brooks (Newport) had enough gas in the tank to claim victory in the Jacob Lollback Memorial Race. Above Right: Newport’s Ollie Signorini was a popular winner of the Saxon Bird Memorial Trophy with the late lifesaver’s parents among those in the Like Father Like Son huge crowd cheering him home in the U19 Surf Race. At the 2016 State Championships, Malikye Kessie achieved the beach sprint and flags double in the U11s after many years of falling agonisingly short on the sprint track. “I’ve always come second for the beach sprint so to finally finish first it’s very exciting for me,” Malikye Kessie said. The South Maroubra youngster added to his gold medal tally with a powerful last leg in the U11 Beach Relay to finish the Golden Milestone for Braddish championships with three gold medals. Among a host of strong performances Malikye, who is the son of Ghana at the 2016 NSW Surf Life Saving Olympic sprinter Louis Kessie, has plans Championships was an outstanding to one day follow in his father’s footsteps achievement by Umina’s Lachlan and run for Australia. Braddish. Racing in his favoured swim event for the final time as a Nipper, “I’m happy when Malikye wins but it’s a Lachlan surged home on a wave to claim better feeling knowing that he’s given gold in the U14 Swim. his best and he loves doing it,” Louis Kessie said. The win meant that the 14-year-old has won the same event at every State Title “In the next few years I hope he keeps since the Under 9s – an achievement training and doesn’t fall back because that is believed not to have been done in sometimes when a child is 11 years old, recent memory. when they reach 15 years they can lose the desire.” “I just tried to get a good start, which I did and just wanted to lead all the way Since joining the Sydney club in 2010, and hope there were no waves coming the talented youngster has dominated all up behind me for the others to jag on,” beach events and with his father as his said Braddish. coach, Malikye looks set to be a force for years to come. “I was really relieved to finish as I wanted to win the whole Nipper series “I’m so happy for him because he’s just throughout my years and it felt great.” a kid that doesn’t show off,” the Olympic sprinter said. Braddish also competed with teammates Kai Darwin, Lachlan McLeod and Charlie “It’s great for me as Malikye’s father to Polson to win gold in the U14 Swim help out because everything he does Teams race. The group have been close amazes me and he lets me encourage friends since starting their Nipper him more.” journey together and it was the first time they had won the race in six attempts. Beyond the Flags | 17 Stramit proudly supporting SurfStramit Life proudlySavingStramit supporting NSW. proudly supporting Surf Life SavingSurf NSW. Life Saving NSW. 22016015 www.stramit.com.auwww.stramit.com.auwww.stramit.com.au 22016015 18 | Beyond the22016 0Flags15 BURNING PALMS NIPPER MAKES HER MARK

When the U9 Nippers lined up in “There’s only two girls in her age the ClubsNSW Arena for the Beach group at the club and they only do Sprint Final at the recent NSW Surf Nippers every second week, but Life Saving Age Championships all for us as a family it’s incredibly eyes turned to the one competitor important for her to be able to learn whose road to the final was quite the skills that every other Nipper unique. learns to ensure that she is confident in the water,” he said. Emilia Danne was at Ocean Beach- Umina representing her club To reach the final where she would Burning Palms SLSC – nothing ultimately snare 6th place Emilia Dulux announces Burning unusual about that as so were had to complete five races across Palms as Australia’s Toughest thousands of other enthusiastic two days of competition, but the Surf Life Saving Club Nippers. What was a little different excitable youngster racing at her however was the fact that she is the first State Titles took it all in her It’s been a good month for first Nipper to represent Sydney’s stride. Burning Palms SLSC which most geographically isolated club is now $5000 richer after “The sand was very hot, but it was at a State Championship event in being announced Australia’s ok it made me run faster! There was almost 25 years. “toughest” surf club. a little bit of wind but I don’t mind She’s no stranger to success though that,” Emilia Danne said. It’s a huge achievement for a after winning the Beach Sprint at the club where members have to “I’m very happy it’s so fun to be able 2016 Sydney Branch titles. walk half an hour just to set up to compete and make the final.” patrol! “It’s really good for Emilia to be So what does this youngster think out racing and we’re extremely The small Sydney club beat about her history making efforts? proud of her. Burning Palms has so competitors from Western many unique challenges including “I really enjoy competing in Nippers Australia, Queensland, Tasmania access to the beach and not many and racing for my club Burning and South Australia in the public Stramit proudly supporting competitors so it’s good for her to Palms and I’m proud to be here voting stage of the competition Surf Life Saving NSW. get out there and race,” said her representing my club as the only which was conducted by Dulux. father Gerry Danne. competitor. Hopefully one day we www.stramit.com.au will be able to get more.” 22016015 Beyond the Flags | 19 ENGINE ROOM UPDATE MARCH 2016

It’s been a sensational summer crowned overall champions at major prize - $5000 from Beko of surf sports with our members the 2016 Interstate Series held at to buy appliances for their club. enjoying plenty of success at club, Shellharbour in February. The Blues Warriewood won the $3000 draw branch and state, national and performed strongly throughout and Bulli the $1000. international levels. These were the event holding off challenges Big Winter Of IRB Racing just some of the summer highlights from the Queensland and Victorian to savour: crews. NSW crews representing Beckons Australia had further reason to As the sun sets on the summer Competitors Flock To South smile, defeating the team from New season the motors will shortly be West Rocks For Country Champs Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Cup. revving up for another exciting This year the Stramit Country competition season for our IRB Beko Best Of The Best Success Championships were hosted by racers. After conditions played South West Rocks on the Mid North The state’s elite surfboat crews put havoc with the early rounds of the Coast. In an experimental format, on performances to remember at 2015 campaign, the starters will competition took place in the first the 2016 Best of the Best Surfboat be hoping for better luck this time week of February over two-days. Challenge, proudly supported by round. Beko for the second year. More than 1400 competitors were Round 1 - 7-8 May, Caves Beach involved. Hosted again by the North Round 2 - 21-22 May, Terrigal Narrabeen SLSC on 2 April, the Byron Bay won their 6th consecutive Round 3 - 4-5 June, Birubi Point event was hailed a big success with title finishing just ahead of local the most competitive field of crews Round 4 - 18-19 June, Sth Maroubra rivals Cudgen Headland with Coffs lining up for many years. State Champs - 2-3 July, Mollymook Harbour rounding out the top three. Sydney Northern Beaches clubs The Final Word Country competitors can look dominated most divisions of racing forward to the action returning to To all NSW athletes making the trip with the Bulli boys remaining South West Rocks again in 2017 with north to the Sunshine Coast for the unbeatable in the Open Men. the event’s date to be finalised soon. 2016 Aussies we wish you the very Southern Sydney clubs kept the best of luck, and for those who are pressure on with Nth Cronulla and NSW Surfboat Crews Crowned winding down their season thank Cronulla crews performing well. Champions you for your efforts this year and Congratulations to the NSW South Maroubra’s Under 19 Rookies, enjoy the winter break. Surfboat team who were won both their division and the

20 | Beyond the Flags COOGEE CLUBBIE COMPLETES MARATHON CHALLENGE WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE! Jules Verne dreamed about travelling on a quiet Moroccan street, and just as the world in 80 days, but Coogee’s quickly the answer came. She wouldn’t Heather Hawkins did it in just seven! The want to be doing anything else. mother-of-two and proud surf lifesaver “That’s when it really hit me that what I completed her toughest challenge yet was doing was kind of crazy, yet kind of when she successfully finished the World DAY 1 wonderful and I was incredibly grateful to Marathon Challenge in late January. ANTARCTICA have overcome ovarian cancer and to be UNION GLACIER While most of us were contemplating the alive!” she said. realities of a working week Heather woke The luck of the draw gave Heather a up and raced 42 kilometres in Antarctica, truly memorable experience to end the Punta Arenas (Chile), Miami, Madrid, challenge – one that inspired her over Marrakesh, Dubai and Sydney. the last few torturous kilometres held at Her whirlwind journey was complete in Manly; a mere stone’s throw away from her DAY 2 less than 168 hours, and during this time home beach of Coogee. SOUTH AMERICA PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE she spent 35 hours pounding the course Seeing a sea of red and yellow along the in a variety of conditions including wind, marathon route at Manly and having family rain and heat, and even had to check her and friends there for the final race was boarding pass once or twice to remember incredibly uplifting for Heather. where she was going to next. Heather finished third in the women’s To think that all my fellow DAY 3 division having averaged a time of 4 hours, lifesavers stayed for the NORTH AMERICA 59 minutes – a huge achievement for whole race, for the whole night, MIAMI, USA someone who only took up serious running a little over three years ago. and that they also cheered “I have so many amazing memories and I on all the runners - this was honestly feel like I’ve been away for weeks! such a great example of Aussie But I’d have to say the real highlight of the sportsmanship and spirit! trip was sharing the experience with the DAY 4 other 14 runners, building friendships and From winning the North Pole Marathon EUROPE seeing everyone get through!” a tired, but to completing the World Challenge, MADRID, SPAIN happy Heather Hawkins reflected after the Heather’s running journey continues to be final marathon. inspirational and she has done it all with a Most marathon runners experience a point smile on her face. in a race where the doubts come in and you start to question why you put yourself through the pain. For Heather that brief DAY 5 moment came in the middle of the night AFRICA MARRAKECH, MAROCCO

DAY 6 ASIA DUBAI, UAE

DAY 7 AUSTRALIA BeyondMANLY the FlagsBEACH, | SYDNEY21 Glenn Duffus Photography Photography Glenn Duffus

22 | Beyond the Flags #STATECHAMPS16 Congratualtions to all competitors and thank you to everyone for sharing your snaps!

Beyond the Flags | 23 SAVE THE DATE SURF LIFE SAVING NSW Awards of Excellence

13 AUGUST 2016 THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SYDNEY

Tickets on sale soon: www.surflifesaving.com.au

Surf Life Saving NSW wishes to thank the following OUR MISSION sponsors and supporters for helping our volunteers save To save lives, create great Australians lives on the beaches each year. and build better communities.

Government SUMMARY Surf Life Saving NSW is the state’s major water safety and rescue organisation, and with over 77,000 members, is one of the largest volunteer movements in Australia. State Sponsors The primary role of Surf Life Saving NSW is to save lives on our beaches, while other activities include developing our members through education, leadership and surf sports programs. Preferred State Suppliers There are 129 surf clubs and 11 branches in the state which are affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW, stretching from Fingal Rovers SLSC near Tweed Heads, to Pambula SLSC on the Far South Coast. National Supporters

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SLSNSW endeavours to ensure all information contained in SurfLIFE is correct and true, however SURF LIFESAVING NSW accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or mistakes contained in the publication. Surf Life Saving New South Wales @SLSNSW T +61 2 9471 8000 F + 61 2 9471 8001 E [email protected] 3 Narabang Way Belrose NSW 2085 | PO Box 307 Belrose NSW 2085 Australia @SLSNSW Fundraising Authority No. CFN11033 ABN: 93 827 748 379

24 | Beyond the Flags