Next wave of beach patrollers graduate

THE next wave of life savers along our coastline made their first steps towards patrolling our beaches as a record number graduated with their Surf Rescue Certificates.

Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (TSLSC) saw 26 youngsters complete the camp last week, more than double what the club has seen in previous years.

The camp sees the group, made up of 13 and 14-year-olds, complete a number of theoretical tasks over the first couple of days, but the best learning is done on the beach and in the water, TSLSC’s chief instructor Abbey Harmon said.

Practical learning takes place in the latter stages of the camp, before an assessment and the graduation.

“We didn’t have as many come through (as in previous years), we had to say no to people this year, which is a good thing in a way, but you feel bad for the ones that missed out,” Ms Harmon said.

“We try not to focus too much on the theory, because kids don’t really learn that well, they want to be in the water, they want to be hands on.

“They’ve adapted really well, you can just tell they learn better.”

The SRC allows graduates to patrol, while there are some limitations on what they can do, once they turn 16 they can complete their Bronze Medallion, which allows them to do even more.

Ms Harmon was eager to introduce more programs into TSLSC such as new first aid courses, Silver Medallion and the return of IRBs (inflatable rescue boats).

She said the free courses were a great opportunity to develop important skills for those who live along the coast.

“I’d love the community to have more access to these programs… I think it’s a really great thing to have, it’s at their local club and they can upskill.”

“The kids who haven’t had a surf life saving background, it’s a little bit unfamiliar for them, but they love it and hopefully they’ll transition into the club, there’s a vast array of backgrounds.”