Former Greens MP and local identity Ian Cohen says surfers and life savers should set an example by wearing helmets during surfing competitions.
Mr Cohen told local media that the wearing of helmets could prevent tragic accidents, such as the one that took the life of 14-year-old Matthew Barclay.
Barclay drowned after he was hit on the head by a fellow competitor’s board during an under-15 board race at the national titles at Kurrawa beach last Wednesday.
Mr Cohen says that he always wears a helmet when surfing and congratulated other high-profile surfers who do the same.