Mackay Surf Club’s State Title Rescue Champions

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s Surf Rescue Team recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, to compete in the QLD State Surf Rescue Championships.  The multidiscipline event involves lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment & CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, after qualifying at a Branch level.

U15 competitor Cadence McKinnon took out 1^st place, closely followed by Isabella Grant who claimed 2^nd in the state as female Champion Lifesavers, with Nate Espartinez taking out 6^th in the U15 male category.  Mackay’s U17 competitor Zara Richardson took out 4^th in a hotly contested female division.

“The club is extremely proud of our Champion Lifesavers for representing Mackay and showing that our lifesaving skills are the best in the state.  They have been training for months, under experienced coaches to achieve this result” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports. “It is very reassuring for the club and community to have our youth not only take an interest in surf lifesaving but also excel in this at an elite level.  Our competitors will be heading off to the Australian titles which only allows 9 competitors from around Australia to qualify. The whole club is behind them & wish them the best of luck.”

Contributed with thanks to Josh Grant.

1. Mackay’s Surf Rescue Team (L-R) U17 Zara Richardson, U15 Isabella Grant, U15 Cadence McKinnon and U15 Nate Espartinez. Photo supplied
2. Current State & National Champion Cadence McKinnon (centre) took out 1st place, with Isabella Grant taking out 2^nd (left) for Mackay. Photo supplied
3. Mackay’s U15 Females after their board race. Photo supplied
4. The team ready to complete CRP & patient assessments at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Photo supplied
5. Competitors getting ready for the start of the tube race. Photo supplied