IN PHOTOS: Faces behind the red and yellow uniform
They are as iconic to the Australian summer as a hot sanger on the barbecue and backyard cricket and they’re back on our beaches.
Lismore
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THEY are as iconic to the Australian summer as a hot sanger on the barbecue and backyard cricket.
And the red and yellow uniformed heroes are officially back on the Tweed Coast beaches as the 2020/21 volunteer patrolling season for the Surf Life Saving Far North Coast Branch kicked off this weekend.
The annual ‘Raising of the Flags’ ceremony at Cudgen Headland Surf Club on Saturday morning was followed by a paddle-in by the rostered patrol for the morning, ‘The Flying Fish’.
Every weekend and public holiday, Tweed surf life savers will volunteer at the four local clubs – Fingal, Cudgen, Salt and Kingscliff – to keep beachgoers safe in the water.
They will be backed up by the two support jetskis based at Cudgen who assist existing beach patrols as well as four drones to spot sharks and dangers from the air.
Far North Coast duty officer Garry Meredith said it was the perfect time of year for anyone who had ever wanted to join a local surf club.
“It’s the time when all the members are doing proficiency tests and requalifying for the season,” he said.
“We will also be running Bronze Medallion classes – for a person off the street, that’s the first step to getting some beach experience.
“I think it’s a really great community service, it makes you feel good giving back to the community, you get to meet some awesome people and spend time on the beach.”
Mr Meredith said it was always important to remember to swim between the red and yellow flags and ask if you are unsure.
“Our surf lifesavers are friendly and always willing to help, if you are unsure about anything please ask,” he said.
For more information about becoming a surf lifesaver, approach your local surf club.
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