Patrols keep beaches safe
THERE are three surf lifesaving clubs in the Northern Territory located at Darwin, Mindil Beach and Gove Peninsula. Members patrol local beaches every dry season and volunteer for Surf Life Saving NT’s (SLS NT) Search and Rescue Team (SAR team).
Using their 9.5m custom built offshore rescue boat ‘Lifesaver 1’, the SAR team provides a 24/7 marine search and rescue service from Dundee Beach to Gunn Point. All SAR team members are elite lifesavers with marine qualifications, advanced first aid and resuscitation training, as well as advanced rescue training that includes underwater search techniques.
Members also provide water safety support at community events including the Fannie Bay Swim, Beer Can Regatta, Darwin Harbour Clean Up and Territory Day celebrations at Mindil Beach.
In 2017, members contributed a total of 3289 volunteer patrol hours, rescued 22 people, performed first aid 25 times and undertook 290 preventive actions.
Youth Volunteer of the Year Savanne Canobie is an active patrolling member who gives her time generously. In addition to patrols at Town, Middle and Little Bondi Beach, Savanne has been a nippers age manager for the past three seasons — a role generally undertaken by more experienced members or parents and one that is vital to keeping the club’s program running.
Savanne has always been
willing to contribute and assist around the club. She assisted with the Leadership and Development Camp, the running of club barbecues and is always available to assist with any activity around the club. On top of all this, Savanne competes in U19 and Open events at intra club carnivals.
Savanne willingly and enthusiastically passes on her knowledge to members, her vibrant approach and encouragement of all nippers can be seen every Sunday on the beach or at the pool, showing younger members of the club how to actively progress and enhance their own surf safety and surf sport skills.
Surf Lifesaver of the Year Steve Waite is new to SLS NT but has quickly embraced the movement and activities at a state level. Obtaining his Bronze Medallion in 2015, he quickly established himself as a key member of the Mindil Beach SLS club.
In 2016, he became Director of Lifesaving and restruc- tured all of the club policies and patrol requirements. This created a very organised and thought-out process that was easily followed by all members.
He was successful in improving the electronic collection of patrol statistics and sign on system, ensuring a paperless season. Steve’s commitment to club patrols, water safety at nipper events, SAR team and community events saw him contribute more than 80 volunteer hours in a season.