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Surf Life Saving Australia has marked the end of the volunteer patrolling season for large parts of the country, with a reception at Parliament House in Canberra.

The President of Surf Life Saving Australia, John Baker, together with International Life Saving President Graham Ford, were hosted by Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chairs, Matt Thistlethwaite, Member for Kingsford Smith and Angie Bell, Member for Moncrieff together with other Government officials.

With National Volunteer Week being held this week from 20th-26th May, Baker shared the results of another incredible season by Surf Life Saving’s more than 200,000 volunteers who kept watch across Australia’s coastline.

Baker elaborated “once again this season our volunteer surf lifesavers carried out more than 1.5 millions patrol hours, equating to 2.1 million preventative actions being performed, more than 8,000 rescues and administered 45,000 first aid treatments. All of that combined saw so many loved ones returned to their family and friends.

“Our volunteers also go beyond the beach and emergency operations, to help train the next generation of surf lifesavers, coach our young nippers, officiate at sporting carnivals as well as provide vital education within their communities.

“While most people equate our red and yellow army with summer, the reality is we provide services all year round.  So while a large number of volunteers have wrapped up their season, across Far North Queensland, Northern Territory and Broome, volunteers will commence their season as a large number of tourists are expected to their regions.

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia we want to thank all our volunteers.  While sadly we did once again see a number of lives lost, more lives were saved thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers.”

Once such volunteer who was recognised at Parliament House for her incredible efforts during the season, was 16-year-old Saskia Rundle Trowbridge from Warriewood SLSC (NSW). 

The high school student was acknowledged for her heroic efforts in saving a group of teenage boys who jumped off the cliffs at Warriewood Blowhole in New South Wales, a notoriously dangerous eleven metre drop into the sea. 

When the boys found themselves stranded on the rocks in treacherous conditions, one with a head injury, Rundle Trowbridge and IRB driver, Adam Kovac swung into action.  

SLSA Parliamentary Friends Co-Chair Angie Bell said that “Saskia and Adam’s heroics were a testament to surf lifesaving volunteers across the country.” 

International Life Saving (ILS) President, Graham Ford and champion Ironwoman Karla Gilbert, were also in attendance at the event to acknowledge the significant efforts of surf lifesavers throughout the season and to discuss ILS and SLSA’s intentions to lobby for the inclusion of lifesaving sport in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Image. Credit: Surf Life Saving Australia

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