Joining is a lifesaver
ONE of the fastest growing sports and recreational organisations is expecting a boost in membership in the Far North this weekend.
Sign-ons are being held at the region’s surf lifesaving clubs, which have experienced a big jump in membership post-COVID.
Bob McPhail has been a member of the Cairns Surf Life Saving Club for 27 years and at 70-years-old he still actively takes part in competitions and beach patrols.
He encourages people to join for the “mateship”, to enjoy the free world-class facility known as the beach and to learn life skills.
“It’s a lifestyle,” he said. “There’s a great learning curve of understanding the ocean, you learn about rips, conditions of the beach, different kinds of waves.”
Mr McPhail said he had been able to put his lifesaving skills to good use in and out of the water.
“A friend of mine was mowing his lawn and I happened to be there, I was in the laundry and looked outside and he had collapsed on the lawn,” he said.
“I got out there and put him in the recovery position … he stopped breathing, I was prepared to do CPR, I was in control of it.”
Mr McPhail said his ability to remain calm and know what to do in the situation was thanks to surf life saving.
“They’re life skills that you just can’t replace and surf life saving has given that to me and I’ll be forever grateful for it,” he said.
North Queensland SLS branch president Rachael Wynberg said Far North membership was up 16 per cent which she attributed to the clubs being there for the community throughout the tough times during lockdowns.
“When people are part of the movement and their friends see what they’re involved with, they come along for the ride,” she said.
“It’s something where people can not only contribute (to the community) but learn skills along the way.”
Ms Wynberg said the “possibilities are endless” for people who wanted to take part and encouraged people to visit their local surf club for the sign on day this Sunday.
She said there were options for people of all abilities and skill levels such as nippers, surf sports, patrols, administration and fundraising.
The Cairns, Ellis Beach, Port Douglas, Etty Bay and Mission Beach SLS clubs will be open from 10am – 2pm this Sunday.