Celebrating female lifesaving at Torquay SLSC

TORQUAY Surf Life Saving Club will conduct if first Pink Patrol on February 19 to celebrate women in lifesaving and their contributions to the sport across many years of service.

A ladies luncheon, as well as the patrol, will provide a special opportunity to hear from some of the most important female Torquay lifesavers in the club’s history.

The patrol itself will involve both female and male champions/members on the day from 1pm to 4.30pm, with the intention to provide a powerful visual of female leaders and male champions forming a full patrol, symbolic of the growth and capability of the club’s female members.

“The contribution of women to the lifesaving movement has been significant,” Torquay SLSC president Tiffany Quinlan said.

“Since being allowed to be full members only in 1980, the movement has thrived by combining the inclusion of men and women.”

Torquay SLSC currently has a female membership making up 48 per cent of its total members and a committee representing a 50/50 split.

“Diversity in every form makes for a better club,” Quinlan said. “The females and males at Torquay SLSC contribute in a variety of ways, which is the only way it can work in a fully voluntary organisation.

“I am extremely proud of the way Torquay SLSC comes together and finds a place for everyone however they are and whatever skill set they bring.”

Torquay SLSC club captain Julian Sweeney highlighted just how important club’s females are to the club from the Nippers all the way through to the club’s board.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see so many women down at the club these days,” Sweeney said.

“Torquay was one of the first lifesaving clubs to have a female president in Sharon Heathcote back in the day.

“Just going back in Torquay SLSC’s history, it shows that women have always been pivotal in the growth of the club, its spirit and its culture.

“So it is wonderful to recognise this with Pink Patrol.”

Five dollars from every ticket sold for the event will be donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Head to Eventbrite today to book tickets or email [email protected] to make a table seating request.