James McClelland of Ithaca-Caloundra City Life Saving Club awarded medal

A veteran lifeguard has reflected on his “satisfying” 50-year service to the Sunshine Coast community as he joins several locals receiving Australia Day honours. SEE THE FULL LIST:

Veteran lifeguard James McClelland has saved more than 1000 lives after half a century spent patrolling a popular stretch of Sunshine Coast beach.

Mr McClelland’s unmatched service to the Caloundra community through the Ithaca-Caloundra City Royal Life Saving Club started as a young boy.

Reflecting on his countless hours spent patrolling Bulcock Beach, Mr McClelland told the Sunshine Coast Daily it had been tough but rewarding 50 years.

“When you get stuck into it and have to go and rescue somebody it’s really satisfying,” the Kallangur accountant said.

“Your heart is pumping and the adrenaline is flowing through your body but you really just want to save that person, that’s your whole focus, I don’t think about anything else.”

Member of Ithaca-Caloundra City Life saving Club, Mr James McClelland has been awarded an OAM medal.

A rescue that Mr McClelland said will stick with him forever was the rescue of two young girls who were caught in a strong current on the Caloundra bar back in 1974 when he was just 16.

“We kept losing them in the surf … they were screaming for help,” he said.

The four ended up on Bribie Island and had to be rescued by other lifesavers.

Mr McClelland and his brother Hugh were awarded Queensland Bravery Medals for the rescue.

Another harrowing rescue that Mr McClelland will never forget involved two German tourists they were unable to save.

“We could’ve saved them … the wives survived but the two husbands drowned,” he said.

Mr McClelland said he particularly recalls the intense rescue process and taking the bodies up to the emergency room.

More recently, Mr McClelland was just about to head home for the day on Saturday when he had to spring into action and rescue a kite surfer who was floating out to sea.

Member of Ithaca-Caloundra City Life saving Club, Mr James McClelland has been awarded an OAM medal.

The lifeguard also had to assist a jet ski rider who had tried to help the surfer but got the kite strings stuck in the motor of his jetski.

Mr McClelland said he is passionate about water safety and educating people of all ages about the dangers that can arise in the lakes, rivers, pools and the ocean.

He mentors and trains all the new members, both young and old.

“I actually sponsor the club to give the Grey Medallion course to the older folks, which I think is very important,” he said.

Mr McClelland has also worked closely with the Department of Education to increase awareness in children and young adults.

“Drownings have actually increased by 10 per cent in Australia,” he said.

Member of Ithaca-Caloundra City Life saving Club, Mr James McClelland has been awarded an OAM medal.

“We were fighting really hard and doing really well but we think it was because of Covid, that’s the only thing they could put it down to.”

In light of his incredible dedication to the community, Mr McClelland will be awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia on Wednesday.

He said the award was an honour and he had thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Caloundra club.

“The club is fun, we are always happy and want to help each other,” he said.

“It’s enjoyable and at the same time you’re helping people, which I love.”

FULL LIST: SUNSHINE COAST AUSTRALIA DAY HONOUR RECIPIENTS

James McClelland OAM of Ithaca Caloundra City Royal Life Saving Club is recognised for services to surf lifesaving.

Mr Robert Reid AM of Pelican Waters has been recognised for significant service to international criminal investigations.

Dr Peter Ellis OAM is recognised for service to medicine as a forensic pathologist in numerous capacities, including Queensland Health and the Queensland Medical Laboratory, and was Director, Forensic Medicine at the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital.

Dr Peter Ellis.

Mrs Caroline Hutchinson OAM of Alexandra Headland is recognised for service to radio broadcast media, having been the well-recognised voice at 92.7 Mix FM since 1998.

Caroline Hutchinson.

Ms Margaret Thorsborne OAM of Buderim is recognised for service to education. She is the Founding Director and current Chair for Restorative Practice International and current Managing Director of Transformative Justice Australia (Queensland).

Mr Benjamin Hance OAM of Mountain Creek is recognised for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2021.

Ms Kaylee McKeown OAM is also recognised for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2021.

Dr Susan Elizabeth Davis OAM of Eumundi is recognised for service to education and to the performing and regional arts.

Dr Susan Davis.

Mrs Debra Knight OAM from Caloundra West has been recognised for service to community through charitable organisations.

Debra Knight.