Redcliffe surf lifesavers hit the beach

Redcliffe may not be known for its pumping surf, but its surf life saving club has a reputation for diligently serving and protecting its community from hidden hazards – something it has done since 1991.

The red and yellow flags will go up at Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach on September 20, signalling the start of the surf lifesaving patrol season which runs until May 4.

Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) lifesavers are responsible for patrolling the 2.5km coastline from Suttons Beach to Scotts Point.

The club’s Youth Development Officer Nic Lowe says, while Redcliffe might appear to be a safe beach, there are dangers. 

“We share the ocean with lots of creatures who can inflict harm if disturbed - stingrays, jellyfish and sharks,” Nic explains. 

“Cyclone season results in a rapid change in conditions, including increased debris below the surface and stronger currents. 

“Beachgoers should always swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the instructions of lifesavers. Don't swim alone. Avoid swimming during periods of low light - dusk and dawn.

“Also, it’s very hard to see what’s going on underneath the water. In our area, down at Margate, we do have a lot of rocks under the water that people might not be aware of.

“It’s shallow for a long way out, so (there’s a risk of) people diving into sand. The risk of spinal injuries is significant for us.

“We do lots of first aid cases (on the beach and nearby park area).”

Nic says it is important for beachgoers and swimmers to practice sun safety and hydration. And if they get into difficulty in the ocean, the advice is simple.

“Stay calm, float on your back, wave one arm above your head,” she explains. 

“If you notice something dangerous or have questions while at the beach, talk to the lifesavers on patrol.” 

This season, the club is adding electric bikes to its fleet to extend the range and frequency of roving and surveillance patrols.

Community connection

The club was founded in 1991 and was based in a shipping container at Woody Point for its first year before finding more suitable accommodation. In December 1995, it moved to its present location at Suttons Beach.

Sami Chandler, 16, has been a volunteer lifesaver since she was 13 years old.

She joined the Nippers program at Redcliffe in under-12s after having completed a season at another club.

“What I really enjoy about being a life saver is the inclusive community that’s involved in it, learning new skills and obviously the experiences that I’ve had,” Sami says.

“I never imagined that I would be part of such a great team … which is really like a family to me.”

She encourages more young people to get involved in surf lifesaving, saying she has grown as a person and developed new skills.

“I analyse things differently, I see things in a different way. I think I’ve shared a closer bond with strangers and those around me and also the ocean as well,” she explains.

Nic says young people can develop skills which can count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and set them up for life.

“There’s huge training component, so we’re constantly reinforcing young people’s training and understanding. They learn a lot about teamwork, decision making – making decisions in risky environments, and responsibility … taking the lead and working together with friends to solve problems,” she explains.

“We also have tonnes of fun.”

The club is looking for volunteers for the season ahead.

“Anyone aged 13 and above … there’s no upper age limit. The key thing is that it’s great if you’re a decent swimmer. We provide all the training after you meet the basic standards in terms of swimming,” Nic explains.

“Everything else is provided. You’re there with experienced people who will guide you and then the doors just open.

“If people aren’t great swimmers, we’ve got roles for first aid officers, radio officers, advanced resuscitation and others. You can be on patrol, you just don’t wear the cap.

“We see lots of families share those roles. We’ve got lots of families who patrol together.”

Volunteers are rostered for patrols every three weeks for about 5-6 hours during the season.

Nic says people can volunteer in different ways – on the committee in the canteen or elsewhere in the club.

“It takes a huge volunteer force to make all of what we do work. We’re a community service, it’s first and foremost what we’re about. We’re also a sport, we’re also an activity for children and young people,” she says.

To find out more, visit redcliffeslsc.com.au