Surf Ski Training
Dispute raged between Bronte Surf Life Saving club and Bondi Voluntary Surf Life Saving as to which club surfaced first. Historians have subsequently agreed that Bronte was the first and Bondi was the first official club. Voluntary Surf Life Saving began because of various reports of drownings around the world during 1906.
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 must complete and pass an annual life saving exam. They must also have a Surf Rescue Certificate or bronze medallion for life saving. These volunteers operate in groups and are busy on weekends, holidays and public holidays on public beaches around the world.
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.
The clubs also have another cap with different colors. This cap is for when clubs partake in the often held inter club competitions. These competitions keep the lifeguards in tip top shape for what they do best – saving lives.
While the competitions add stimulation to an already exciting and challenging pastime. Voluntary Surf Life Saving is a satisfying and fulfilling activity.
