Thursday, June 14, 2012

What Is Voluntary Surf Life Saving?

By Byron Jonas


Way back in 1906, in Australia, Voluntary Surf Life Saving was born. This was due to many drownings happening on beaches all over the world. Bronte was the first life saving club known to man. There is a dispute as Bondi Beach Surf Bathers Club claims to be the first one. It has since been established that Bondi was the first club officially and Bronte was in fact the original club.

Volunteers offer their time to these clubs so that bathers could swim safely in the sea. Procedures are taken and followed to ensure safety and rescuing of bathers. This includes resuscitation if needed. A patrol captain is in charge of the divers and oversees the operation of the club.

Volunteers work in groups, usually on weekends or public holidays, or peak vacation times on busy beaches. A surf lifesaver must be in possession of a Surf Rescue Certificate or a Bronze Medallion. He or she has to take and pass the proficiency test every year.

When on duty, volunteers wear yellow and red colored caps. When not busy with rescue work their attire will be long sleeve yellow shirts and shorts that are red. The long sleeves are for the purpose of sun protection. Rescue work requires clothing that enables them to the job of rescuing people. RWC (Rescue Water Craft) divers are clothed in wet suits. Officers on jet rescue boats and offshore rescue boats wear tabards that are highly visible. This is in order to be seen by other colleagues they collaborate with at rescue missions of a serious nature. Lifesaver helicopter crew will don aviation clothing and equipment.

Competitions are held in which the various clubs may compete; therefore, each club has their own competition cap. This is adorned with patterns and colors to distinguish them from other clubs.

While the competitions add stimulation to an already exciting and challenging pastime. Voluntary Surf Life Saving is a satisfying and fulfilling activity.




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