Four Mile Beach welcomes new group of eager lifesavers

BEACH SAFETY

Byron Filmer

Junior Reporter

Email Byron
Last updated:
Newly trained lifesavers with their proud trainers. From left to right: John Goodman (Course Assessor), Al Spence, Eric Wark, Tash Dietmann, Jai Bower-Miles, Jemma Wark, Julian Adarve, Ruth Hannett (Club Training Officer). Picture: Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club

The Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club have welcomed a new group of trained volunteer lifesavers to their team, ready to perform a wide range of tasks to help keep Four Mile Beach safe.

Recently, a group of young lifesavers, with the youngest being just 13 years old, completed an intensive five-day training program to earn their Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Course certifications.

A huge achievement as they are now fully trained lifesavers that can partake in beach patrols along Four Mile Beach and contribute to the safety of all visitors.

Their new responsibilities will include aiding in the setup of the beach for the day, and ensuring it is a safe environment for swimmers. 

The group will now have the opportunity to help when there are triathlon events in the area and assist with water safety for the Nippers Junior Development Program.

President of the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club, Irene Cats, happily welcomes the new volunteers.

Ms Cats told Newsport, “Having additional volunteers is always fantastic. We have a pressing need for more volunteers, and with their participation, we will now be able to strengthen our patrolling team even further”.

She encouraged anyone who is interested to try out volunteering. “Just do it, there are roles available for everyone, not just lifesaving,” she said

“Even get the kids involved. We are a very family oriented club."

Ms Cats continued by saying that life saving offers many pathways for young people.

“It can lead to a future in coaching and course training and there are also opportunities to attend leadership camps.”

Nipper girls shine

More exciting news from the club is the recent performance by three Nipper girls at the Pool Rescue Competition, which was held between all the Life Saving Club branches of the region.

The three Nippers with their medals. From left to right: Ruby Harty, Lani Kelliher, Marlee Onekawa. Picture: Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club

The three girls; Ruby Harty, Lani Kelliher and Marlee Onekawa all received medals for their performances.

The competition itself consisted of a range of activities including performing water rescues and swimming through various obstacles.

Irene Cats said that the competition was great fun for all involved and acts as preparation for the upcoming Queensland Pool Rescue State Championships, which is being held in Cairns from July 22 to July 23.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here for Surf Lifesaving pathways and different volunteer roles.

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.