The recently formed Whitsundays Surf Life Saving Club hosted a Family Fun Day last weekend at Bowen Pool, and the event was both educational and entertaining.
Sunday’s event drew strong community interest, with Queensland Ambulance, local fire crews and Surf Life Saving Queensland offering demonstrations on CPR, stinger treatment and how to respond in emergencies.
A pool rescue display highlighted the importance of water awareness heading into the wet season, while rescue boards and games gave children a taste of what the nippers program will offer.
President of the Whitsundays Surf Life Saving Club Bernie Mackie said the goal is simple: safety, fun and community.
The club aims to revive the service once active in Bowen, now broadened to include Airlie Beach, Collinsville and Proserpine under the new name Whitsundays Surf Life Saving Club.
Bernie said the idea emerged from growing interest among new families moving into the area, many of whom are accustomed to surf life saving culture in southern Queensland.
"We've had a lot of interest and that's why we're starting to bring it back," said Bernie.
The club will begin with a nippers program launching in May, developed alongside Surf Life Saving Queensland. While the Whitsundays lack traditional surf, Bernie said that nippers is centred on ocean awareness, teamwork and giving young people a positive community connection.
“We know we don't have waves and surf here, but that's not what it's about," said Bernie.
"It's about community, building a network of people that have got the same interest and about the youth.
"We want the youth to get involved have some meaning to community."
The long-term vision is to create a fully operational surf life saving club offering programs for youth, Indigenous participants and masters competitors, as well as CPR, first-aid and rescue training. The region’s many beaches also make it ideal for activities such as board paddling, rescues and even surf boat involvement for those who have moved north with existing experience.
Councillor John Finlay, members of the Whitsunday Surf Life Saving Club, and Councillor and Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright at the Family Fun Day in Bowen last Sunday. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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