Lifesavers from northern rivers clubs have taken part in an exchange program which saw them patrolling beaches down in Sydney, while their city counterparts did the same up this way.
The lifesavers were taking part in the eleventh annual City Country Exchange which targets lifesavers aged 18-25 who are either already in or have demonstrated potential to take on future leadership positions within their clubs or branches.
During their respective visits, the city lifesavers patrolled at Byron Bay and Ballina, while the country lifesavers patrolled at South Maroubra and Bondi Beach.
Surf Life Saving NSW Member Services Officer Naomi Stevenson said the program was playing an important part in the development of the young lifesavers.
‘The lifesaver exchange program continues to be an ongoing success with all the participants enjoying the chance to get outside their community and experience life on a different beach, and all the positive feedback we have been getting indicates that it is a worthwhile program,’ she said.
Over the years many of the participants have gone on to senior leadership positions within their clubs and often cite this program as one of the first instances where they saw some of the opportunities that are available within Surf Life Saving.
Following the conclusion of the program two participants – one from each of the exchanges will be selected to travel to New Zealand in March where they will have an opportunity to work with the Surf Life Saving New Zealand community in a series of exercises and workshops.
The local lifesaver taking part were Emily Keith of the Ballina club and Tahl Collinson of the Brunswick Heads club.
Members of northern rivers lifesaving clubs recently travelled to Sydney to participate in an exchange program while Sydney lifesavers travelled to the northern rivers.
Lifesavers (one word) are a lolly with a hole in the middle.
The people who patrol beaches to save lives are life savers (two words – should be obvious to anyone who observes the names of life-saving organisations such as Surf Life Saving NSW).
Please, get it right!