SURF CLUB RAPE SHOCK
Lifesaver stood down from competitions and patrols
A GOLD Coast lifesaver has been charged with the rape of a woman after an alleged incident at a clubhouse.
A police spokeswoman said officers had charged a 22-yearold Nerang man regarding an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old woman.
The man cannot be named for legal reasons.
Police allege the incident occurred on September 13 last year. The man was stood down from competition and patrols once the police investigation concluded and a decision made to lay charges.
A GOLD Coast lifesaver has been charged with the rape of a woman after an alleged incident at a clubhouse.
A police spokeswoman said officers had charged a 22year-old Nerang man regarding an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old woman.
The man cannot be named for legal reasons.
Police allege the incident occurred on September 13 last year.
The lifesaver was stood down from competition and patrols once the police investigation was concluded and a decision to lay charges made.
He has been charged with one count of rape and is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on March 3.
“As the matter is now before the courts, no further information can be released,” the police spokeswoman said.
A Queensland Surf Lifesaving spokeswoman told the Bulletin the man was put on a “restrictive membership” as soon as the allegations were reported last year.
It is understood the alleged rapist is unable to attend the surf club while holding the restricted membership and that this will remain in place until the court matter is finalised.
While the spokeswoman declined to be drawn on the specifics of the allegations or other action taken by the club while the matter was in the hands of the police, she did say Surf Life Saving Queensland takes “allegations of this nature very seriously”.
It is understood Surf Life Saving Queensland will not conduct its own review until the police investigation and court processes are finalised.
Lifesaving’s senior body has a member protection policy that states the organisation is “committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for those participating in surf lifesaving activities and events”.
The policy states that “engaging in sexual behaviour while participating in SLS services, events, programs or activities is prohibited”, even if the young person involved was above the legal age of consent.