Summer of many rescues at Coalcliff SLSC

From traditional Indian marriage proposals to sun-baking seals, it’s been busy at Coalcliff Beach. Our new Bronze and Surf Rescue Certificate squad assisted with several rescues, being right on the spot with instructor Dave Winner.

Club Captain Rob Deacon said he was “very proud” of all Coalcliff SLSC members.

“We have had exceptionally large numbers of visitors on Coalcliff Beach. The patrol teams performed remarkably well in high pressure situations. Many people are home safely with family and friends who might not have been without the diligence and high skill levels of our Patrollers.

“Outstanding work by Barry Allen and his Patrol 7 team in rescuing and treating a young woman who was in difficulty and taking in water. Well done to Nipper Captain Nathan Bourne, who undertook the rescue. Dave Winner also provided post-rescue support to the victim. She was seen by paramedics and released into the care of her friends.

“Thank you also to the Council Lifeguard Service for their support in managing the incident.”

Support Ski One

SLS Illawarra Support Operations Team: Support Ski One is based at Coalcliff SLSC, with highly skilled drivers, such as coordinator and driver Peter Stone, Barry Allen, Leo Stevens, Rob Deacon, Adam McAughey, Ed Farrell and Steve Pearce. The team is on-call 24/7, 12 months of the year and patrols from Burning Palms in the north to as far south as Windang.

Drivers have been very busy this holiday season, conducting roving patrols to support lifesavers and lifeguards outside of patrolled locations, as well as assisting with water safety at SLS carnivals.

Annual Bridge to Boatshed Run

The race was held in December. Open results: (men) 1st Peter Maher, 2nd Nathan Bourne, 3rd Patrick Crehan; (women) 1st Bella Massey, 2nd Tia Massey, 3rd Natasha Deacon.

Upcoming Events open to Coalcliff Members:

Black Ironperson, Sunday, 14 March; Rod Stevens Memorial Paddle, Sunday, 28 March.

Well done, Connor

Connor Vernon achieved his Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) on 7 February. “I had enjoyed nippers and wanted to continue doing something with the club. My parents suggested I do my SRC so I could be a lifesaver. I enjoyed learning about first aid and about the different rescue techniques in the surf. The course also expanded my knowledge of the surf and improved my all-round fitness in the water. I’m very happy that
I did the course.”