Power of pink to go on patrol

FOR the fifth consecutive year, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale surf life saving clubs are inviting members to their annual Pink Zinc Patrol, taking place on Saturday, January 4.

Pink Zinc Patrol co-ordinator Simone White from OGSLC said the day was about celebrating the achievements of women in surf lifesaving, and promoting and enabling female leadership within the surf lifesaving community.

“Every year the event grows, this will be the first year in our brand-new surf club. Our membership has grown quite dramatically.

“The event is really good for the younger members because they get to see demonstrations, mock rescues, experience guest speakers and they’re exposed to women in leadership positions.

“We do activities every year, this year we’re doing a high tea. The message is women can do every role in a patrol; there’s nothing the men can do that the girls can’t. It’s about leading by example and showing you can be whatever you want to be.”

Ms White said that when she joined the OGSLSC five years ago there weren’t many women over 40 that were active, had their bronze and did patrols.

“Amenah McDonald and I joined up and we’ve been trying to get mums and older ladies to get involved. Amenah runs adult bronze medallion courses and every year, more older people are doing it.
“The water element of surf lifesaving, the fitness component and knowledge of procedures, getting your bronze medallion; it can be challenging but it’s very rewarding.

“It’s a community service and we’re all pretty happy to be giving back to the public and keeping the beaches safe.”

Ms White said she hoped the event would continue to grow and become a national event.

For more information about courses and membership, head to oceangroveslsc.asn.au.