Torquay SLSC celebrates 40 years of female lifesavers

Surf life saving clubs across Australia are celebrating 40 years since women have been able to gain their Bronze Medallion and participate as active surf lifesavers.
The anniversary celebrates the official induction of women into Surf Life Saving in 1980 as well as the current women who serve in the industry.

Torquay Surf Life Saving Club president Tiffany Quinlan says it’s critical to have women in the surf lifesaving industry because diversity of members creates a stronger team.
“We’ve all got strengths, we’ve all got weaknesses and having that collaboration of women being able to use what they’re really good at is why we have such a strong team.”
One of Torquay’s longest standing female bronze holders, Jan King, agrees that women are essential to the club.
“If we didn’t have women the clubs wouldn’t be surviving because some of the women are such passionate lifesavers,” she said.
The Torquay SLSC committee board is proudly a 50/50 split between men and women, and Ms Quinlan says the patrol team is also close to being equally men and women.
“In some clubs gender ratios aren’t the same as ours so we’re doing really well in terms of retaining women and leading by example and will continue to do so,” she said.
A female mentoring initiative started by Lifesaving Victoria this year has allowed women within the Torquay club to be mentored by experienced lifesavers and encourages them to undertake leadership roles.
The program enables the influence of older generations to inspire younger women in the club to feel comfortable getting involved.
“The women in the movement are strong, athletic women and we want the kids in the club see women who are having a go and doing their best as a way of encouraging them to be a part of it,” Ms Quinlan said.
Women from early generations in the Torquay SLSC including Jan King have paved the way for women today being easily accepted and able to gain their Bronze Medallions.
Ms Quinlan says she is thankful for the trailblazers who came before her, and without them, the lifesaving industry would be very different today.
“Women getting their bronze was just unheard of so the obstacles those girls must have fought would have been incredible.”
Today the Torquay SLSC offers a community feel with equal opportunity to all genders.
“We’re like a family because we care so much about the young ones coming through and we always want to check in with how everyone is going,” Ms King said.
Ms Quinlan agrees surf life saving has advanced tremendously in the past 40 years and the Torquay SLSC was open to everyone.
“We embrace everybody whether you want to be in the water or learn first aid and take some life skills away or whether you just want to volunteer and cook a sausage there’s something there so the whole family can get involved,” she said.
While COVID-19 restrictions are preventing face-to-face celebrations, the Torquay SLSC are featuring women on their social media accounts throughout July to acknowledge the 40-year milestone.
Follow Torquay SLSC on Facebook and Instagram or head to their website at torquayslsc.com.au for more information.