Coinciding with the start of the 2021 spring school holidays, an active weekend surf patrols have begun for all six clubs within the Lower North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch.
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The six clubs within this branch are Crowdy Head, Taree-Old Bar, Black Head, Forster, Cape Hawke and Pacific Palms.
Lower North Coast branch president, Brian Wilcox welcomed everyone back to patrolled beaches.
In his greeting, Mr Wilcox urged members of the public to swim between the flags on patrolled beaches and to ask for assistance when needed.
He reassured the community that trained surf patrol members were available to provide surf rescue services and to promote water safety.
Beach patrols have resumed under COVID-19 restrictions, in particular the 1.5 metre distancing requirement.
With COVID-19 continuing to impact heavily on the region, Surf Life Saving Australia is supportive of both the Federal and State governments' position on encouraging vaccinations.
Forster Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) patrols will be enhanced through the acquisition of a new side-by-side vehicle (SSV), replacing a vehicle which was stolen and destroyed following a break-in at the clubhouse.
Previously, these vehicles were known as all-terrain-vehicles (ATV).
The new Can-Am Defender SSV was procured through a 50 per cent grant of $11,500 from BRP, a noted Surf Life Saving sponsor, with the balance being provided from funds raised by the club.
This modern SSV enables qualified SLSC personnel to be more mobile and capable of rapid response to emergencies both inside and outside the patrolled area.
The SSV will transport rescue boards, tubes and swim fins, and are equipped with a megaphone and radio for communication.
The SSV is capable of acting as a tow vehicle for the patrol van and rescue boats.
SSV operator inductions are available for club members who are a minimum of 17 years of age, proficient in at least one SLSA Award and hold a current, valid NSW Driver Licence (provisional or above).
Anyone aged 15 or more wishing to join the team of patrol life savers at Forster SLSC, by gaining a Bronze Medallion, can contact club president, John Quinn, through the club website.
Those seeking re-certification of surf life saving credentials, or the acquisition of new qualifications, are urged to apply to chief training officer, Jim Wills, at education.forsterslsc@gmail.com
Younger girls and boys (5-13 years) will be able to join nippers for the coming season when COVID-19 restrictions allow.
The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) is open to those who are 13-15 years. Information regarding nippers and SRC dates will be announced through the media, the club website and promoted through the schools.
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