SUN’S OUT: Volunteers needed as lifesaving season starts
As beach season kicks off next month, Goolwa Surf Lifesaving Club is hosting an open day and is seeking new volunteers to fill a variety of roles. Treasurer Janet Chandler and Life Member Terry Silcox promote the benefits of volunteering as being...
As beach season kicks off next month, Goolwa Surf Lifesaving Club is hosting an open day and is seeking new volunteers to fill a variety of roles.
Treasurer Janet Chandler and Life Member Terry Silcox promote the benefits of volunteering as being involved and giving back to the community, and socialising and enjoying camaraderie with others.
“Lots of our volunteers behind the bar at the moment, a lot of them are people with holiday houses… they’re not surf people, they just come here to socialise,” Ms Chandler said.
“I’ve been an accountant all my life, so book work is easy for me.
“When we moved down here, I needed something to do… we didn’t know anyone, and now we know lots.”
Mr Silcox has volunteered for surf lifesaving clubs for about 60 years, drawn to the beach and fellowship with others.
“I’ve always been surfing, then got mixed up with surf life club boys,” he said.
Some of the available roles for the non-profit organisation include surf lifesaving, sponsorship/fundraising officers, hospitality and event volunteers, administration, and supervisors to children and youth in training and games.
Bar, kitchen and waitering staff are also needed as the new Pelican Bistro opens at the club tomorrow, expanding the hours and meal offerings.
Volunteers interested in protecting Goolwa Beach are being sought.
“We need a lot of people to help us help them on the beach,” Ms Chandler said.
“The more money we can make up here (the club), the more money we have for equipment and everything else.”
Mr Silcox said the surf club building and equipment needs regular maintenance, particularly from the salt water.
“We’ve got a lot of equipment, we’ve got four-wheeled drives, we’ve got all-wheeled drives, we’ve got jet skis, and all of it costs (money) for maintenance,” he said.
“In the salt water, it rusts and things like that; you’ve got to look after them.”
People can join from any age group, from babies through to adults, including through the patrol, youth and Nipper programs, and about 150 went through the latter last season.
“The idea is to get them used to surf, it’s safer that way,” Mr Silcox said.
“One… leader was saying when the age group first came down to the water, they would very rarely go in.
“But, by the end of the season, they were going 50 metres out into the deeper water and not scared of the waves anymore; it’s great.”
“If we can build up our Nippers, it’s the future of the club, hopefully they’ll work their way through and be surf lifesavers,” Ms Chandler added.
The open day on October 8 will have stalls and displays, offering information on the various roles and membership.
Cedric Varcoe will perform a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and a barbecue will be prepared.
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club’s open day will be held October 8, from 11.30am-2pm. For further information, contact: (treasurer@goolwaslsc.com.au), or visit: (www.facebook.com/goolwaslsc).
