Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club’s voluntary patrols may have finished for the season but that doesn’t stop its members from springing in to action when required.

Club President Jeff Body and member Phil Watt were volunteering more of their free time on Sunday, Mothers Day, when Mr Watt was called upon.

While installing lights during this weekends working bee, one of many which has been conducted during the surf clubs renovation, Mr Watt was approached by a member of the public who came running in to the club advising there was a swimmer caught in a rip and being taken out sea.

Mr Watt quickly calculated the most effective method of rescue and utilising a rescue board began the 200m paddle to the struggling swimmer. Upon returning to shore amid humbling applause from the busy Mothers Day crowd that had gathered on the sand Mr Watt handed the patient over to NSW Police and Ambulance personnel.

“He was in an anxious state” Mr Watt said, continuing “his eyes were as big as dinner plates, he wasn’t looking good”.

Thirroul SLSC President Jeff Body said “it is a testament to the well trained volunteers at Thirroul SLSC and a timely reminder that we are never off duty and the skills learned within the surf club can be called upon at any time”.

The off season rescue coincides with National Volunteer Week which begins the Monday after Mothers Day in May each year and aims to recognise the contribution of over 6 million volunteers across Australia who offer their time and dedication to the communities we live in.

Surf Life Saving NSW could not protect our communities without the 18,996 volunteers who commit their free time to help keep our beaches safe. This summer lifesavers across NSW conducted 3,503 rescues, carried out 118,308 preventative actions and performed 18,041 first aids.

Congratulations to all the Thirroul SLSC members who competed at the Aussies in 2013.

And especially to our Australian Champions:

1st Ross Taylor 65-59yrs Male Surf Race

1st Jeff Wall 60-64yrs Male Surf Board

And team Medallists:

2nd 170yrs+ Board Relay – Jeff Wall, Ross Taylor, Ian Sakoff
3rd 60-64yrs Board Rescue – Jeff Wall, Russell Gibson

And other top 10 Finalists:

Russell Gibson:  4th 60-64 Rescue Tube, 4th Surf Swim, 8th Board
Ross Taylor: 4th 65-69 Rescue Tube, 6th Board
Rod Landy: 8th 50-54 Iron Man, 10th Board
Michael Banach: 8th 50-54 Board, 9th Surf Swim
Neil Warren: 9th 55-59 Rescue Tube
Euan Poulton: 10th 60-64 Male Iron Man, 10th 1KM Beach Run

And special congratulations to Jayden Keys who competed in the Opens (U15)
while still a Junior – Jayden made it to the Quarter Finals in the Iron Man,
Surf Swim and Rescue Tube Race, an amazing achievement.

To read more about out Australian champions click here.

Unfortunately Nippers is cancelled again today, Sunday 3 March 2013 due to dangerous surf conditions and debris covering the beach. Hopefully better conditions next week!

It is not too late for you to get your workmates and boss involved in Boardies Day!

Set a fundraising target for your workplace. Let your workmates know that Boardies Day is all about having fun, and…. if they participate they will also be helping raise funds for vital rescue equipment and training for our lifesavers at Thirroul.

Then next Friday, collect donations from your workmates who wear Boardies. Make a day of it – have a beach themed party at lunch or after work.

Not only will you get to wear board shorts on Boardies Day, but also, if you reach your set fundraising target, your boss has to wear his or her boardies, the following Friday too!

So, set your fundraising target and do the deal with your boss!

Visit the downloads section at www.boardiesday.com.au for more information and resources including email banners and ideas on fun activities.

The Ron Morris Invitational Golf Day was held in January raising almost $13,000 in much needed funds for Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club.

It was an incredible day filled with laughs and would not be such a success without the support of local community and business.

Horizon Credit Union, who were one of the hole sponsors, produced a short video showing just how much fun was had.

The last round of point score will take place on Sunday February 24 at 11:00am.

The Thirroul Junior Carnival to be held today, February 2nd, is still on. However, in the interest of competitor safety the location has changed.

The carnival will now take place at the south end of Sandon Point.

A decision to conduct the carnival will be made at 6am tomorrow morning by Illawarra branch sls officials.

This decision will be posted on this site immediately to inform all competitors and family travelling to the carnival.

Kind regards,
TSLSC

The Order of Australia is awarded to recognise outstanding achievement and service as nominated by either individuals or groups within the community. In 2013 Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club’s very own life member Mr Barrie Stanford was not only nominated but awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to surf life saving.

Mr Stanford has been a Thirroul SLSC club member since 1960, is a former Vice President, Club Captain, Club Historian, Trustee and has sat on many a committee of Thirroul SLSC. Life Membership of Thirroul SLSC was awarded in 1980.

The formal recognition of Mr Stanford’s tireless community support and many roles within surf life saving are a credit to his character and for that Thirroul SLSC extends their thanks and congratulations for his efforts.

Two more club members were nominated for awards this Australia Day. Ross Taylor and Kathy Foster both represented Thirroul SLSC in Wollongong City Councils Australia Day Award for Sport. It was the first year there was an award to acknowledge the valuable contribution of sport in the Illawarra.

Mecenzi Howard, a disabled athlete who represented NSW in boccia, won the inaugural award.

Mr Taylor attended the awards dinner held at the City Beach Function Center and said, “The calibre of nominees was quite high and included Olympians” he added “I am thankful and honoured to have been nominated and grateful to Thirroul SLSC for considering me for this award.”

Read more about “Barrie’s Surf Bible” at the Illawarra Mercury.