The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) program has been reintroduced in 2026
April 9, 2026
From the President
Last weekend saw the end of the patrolling season, with two of our most experienced patrol groups – Legends and Leroy’s Masochists – taking responsibility for the beach on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
On the beach it has been another great season, our 76th with no lives lost. Our patrolling members contributed more than 11,500 hours on active duty since mid-November. On top of this they also spent time obtaining and/or requalifying 2,244 awards.
A massive thank you to all who made the time to patrol, to parents and others who drove our youngest members to and from patrol, and to those others in the club who made a contribution to ensure patrols operated smoothly. We could not do it without you.
A particular shout out to our joint Lifesaving Directors Lachie Dowling and Charlie Flockart, Equipment Directors Eliza McNamara and Viv Sallabank, First Aid Officer Matt Williams and Club Captain Sas McNamara.
Staying on the beach we have seen a transition of our surf sports seasons. Our summer junior, open and masters competitors ended their seasons on the Gold Coast at Aussies last month and have turned their sights on next season already. Meanwhile our IRB Racing team have had their first carnival for the season in challenging conditions and are off and racing. We will share their exploits over the coming months in our eBoomer and on our socials. Surf sports plays an important role building engagement, developing skills and ensuring that our members are rescue ready.
Away from the beach it has also been a busy time. Rod and our executive team have overseen a number of functions and camps which make a positive financial contribution to the club. These continue over the next month before slowing through the coldest months of the year. We will continue to offer a member service between now and the King’s Birthday weekend before giving some of our team a short rest.
Our financial year ends this month, and our Committee and operational leads are busy concluding season reviews and preparing our plans and budget for the 2026/27 season. Again, the Committee will develop a workplan for the year aligned to its strategy, supported by a budget.
It has been another good year and we are again expecting to report a modest surplus. We are not immune to the increased cost pressures felt across the community and are working hard to reduce this impact across all areas. But the reality is that we have seen significant increases in building maintenance, utilities, insurance and food and beverage costs before the impact of the fuel increases has been felt. We will present audited financials at our AGM in August.
Next month we will celebrate our high achievers at our annual Presentation Night. Keep an eye on the eBoomer and our socials for details.
I’d like to conclude as I started – saying thanks to all who have made our season what it was. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you all on the beach later in the year.
Matt