Bright sunshiny days and improved programs drive up surf club memberships

SURF clubs say good weather, improved programs and new equipment are helping to drive up their memberships.

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SURF clubs say good weather, improved programs and new equipment are helping to drive up their memberships.

Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club president Georgie Cole said total members had grown from 680 in 2016-17 to 850 this season, while active members — which includes lifeguards, competitors and trainees — grew from 446 to 540.

“We’ve got good equipment and enough of it now, plus we’re make training more fun,” Ms Cole said.

“We purchased new surf rescue boards, junior boards (and) training equipment, defibrillator, new mannequins and rescue tubes.

“We’ve also changed our training program a lot, so it’s more interactive and engaging for the kids.”
Leanne Rouvray, 45, of Glenelg South, joined the club this season.

“I started because my kids have been doing Nippers for the last seven years,” Mrs Rouvray said.
“Now they are a bit older I thought I could do it as well.
“I did my bronze (lifesaving medallion) in December to give back to the club for what they put in with the kids.”

Astin, 9, Leanne Rouvray and Airlie, 13. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

She said big issues on lifesavers’ radars this season included jetty jumping, swimming near the rock wall and drug and alcohol abuse.

“It’s a safe beach as long as you are doing the right thing.”

However, she said erosion has made the rock wall a more dangerous place to swim.

“Every year it gets more serious and more critical ... we just need to collectively look at ways to manage it.”

Two teenagers, aged 15, drowned at Glenelg beach eight days apart in December.

Nitisha Negi fell from the rocks on December 10 and Eliase Nimbona was last seen jetty jumping before he died on December 18.

Lifesaving patrols started on November 1 and will run until April 2.

Glenelg lifeguards have rescued seven people so far this season, compared with 17 in 2016-17.

Seacliff Surf Lifesaving Club president Andrew Chandler said his lifeguards had attended two rescues so far this season, which was the total for the previous season.
“It’s been good, a lot of people have been using the beach properly and are swimming between the flags,” Mr Chandler said.
Seacliff’s active club members have grown from about 200 to 230 in the past year.
Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club has been involved in eight rescues so far this season, already equalling last year’s tally.
Club president Chris Parsons said active members had grown from 669 to 700.
“The reasons behind this include good weather at the start of the season, a good strong Nipper program and a very strong surf boat rowing section,” Mr Parsons said.
Somerton Surf Lifesaving Club has not performed any rescues so far this season.