SEXISM ROW ON BEACH

SURF LIFESAVING IN HOT WATER

A TEENAGE surf lifesaver has claimed victory after calling out the state’s governing body for a “lack of equality” at the Queensland Nippers championships.

Sunshine Beach lifesaver Ella Gooderham, 19, started an online petition this week asking for change in the sport after U15 ironwomen competitors at last weekend’s state youth championships at Burleigh Heads were snubbed by officials.

Ms Gooderham said finalists including her sister Lily were not offered the same level of recognition as the male competitors.

“With 16 females competing in the final, they were called to the line as a group and set off for their race,” Ella said in her change.org petition.

“Following this, 16 males were called for their race individually with their names over the loud speaker, were filmed and were displayed on social media.

“My sister and her friends competed in the ironwoman final and asked why they didn’t receive such recognition for their achievements in qualifying for a state final.”

Ella said she respected the fact the boys were competing for the Matthew Barclay Memorial Trophy, named after a young Sunshine Coast iron- man who died at the Australian Titles at Kurrawa in 2012.

“However, that did not prohibit them announcing the females on to the start line in the same manner,” she said.

“The weekend after International Women’s Day, it is saddening to see the lack of equality in such an admired sport.

“Therefore, this petition was created in order to achieve recognition for the 16 females who competed in an equally testing race, but received no acknowledgment, and for equality among future female and male competitors.”

An SLSQ spokesperson said the organisation had taken Ms Gooderham’s feedback on board and would make changes “to ensure all of our events receive the recognition they deserve”.

Ms Gooderham welcomed the decision, calling it “positive change” for young lifesavers.

More than 700 people signed the petition, with some saying sexism at surf carnivals was systemic.

“This is a matter of basic respect and courtesy to treat all competitors equally. Tradition is no excuse. Time to move out of the dark ages Surf Lifesaving Queensland!!!’’ one petitioner wrote.

A senior female lifesaving competitor said gender inequality was a “massive issue” in surf sport.