Surf club volunteers epitomise the community spirit behind DoSomething Day

VOLUNTEER Mia Roberts was 16 and on one of her first patrols at Avalon when she saw a man being swept out to sea - she launched in to action.

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MIA Roberts was just 16 when on one of her first patrols as a volunteer surf life saver she spotted a man in trouble and about to be sucked out to sea in a rip tide.

“It all hit me what I had to do, it was a real high pressure situation,” said the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving member.

Staying calm despite the adrenaline coursing through her system, the teenager grabbed a board and started to paddle out as quickly as she could.

Mia Roberts on the beach at Avalon, where she saved a life. Picture: Martin Lange

“He looked distressed and started waving for help” she said.

A more experienced member of her patrol team followed her out and together they reached the man and rescued him - helping him clamber on to Mia’s board so she could paddle them both to the safety on the shore.

It was only the next day that the enormity of what she’d done “kicked in”.

“It was really surreal... I’d helped save someone’s life,” she said.

Hers was but one rescue of some 6500 surf rescues carried out statewide every summer by volunteer lifesavers who give up their time for the most important reason — to save lives.

It’s a personal sacrifice for the community that keeps our beaches safe and epitomises the spirit of DoSomething Day — an initiative by NewsLocal newspapers and Your Local Club to promote good works and volunteering which will be held on June 15. On that day we’ll be encouraging you to do something, no matter how small, for your community.

Mitch Ponton and Mia Roberts raise the flag. Picture: Martin Lange

Sandra Sully is supporting Do Something Day. Picture: Nigel Lough

Now 17, Mia said surf life saving is an important part of her life.

“I love the volunteering. There is a real team atmosphere. We all want to help the community and it is really fun,” she said.

Mitch Ponton, 18, another Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving member.

“It’s kind of the best way I can give back to the community. Just by being down at the beach and giving up some of my weekend I can help.”

Surf Life Saving NSW is one of the biggest volunteer organisations in Australia, with more than 77,000 members, including 21,000 patrolling members.

SLSNSW president Tony Haven said all sorts of people were members of the state’s 129 surf clubs. The organisation is responsible for exposing thousands of young Australians, beginning with their Nippers program, to the concept of community service.

“You can be on patrol and there can be (next to you) a solicitor, a member of parliament, a labourer or a footballer,” Mr Haven said.

“There really is a variety of people. The volunteers who join surf clubs mainly do so to give back to their community and to save lives.

“On top of that, we give people of all ages (who join) life skills in education, developing leadership.”

Mitch Ponton and Mia Roberts, both 17, are lifesavers from Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Picture Martin Lange

Mr Haven said the not-for-profit organisation, which is supported by Your Local Club, had relied on grants to ensure ongoing operations, but it was the members’ commitment to fundraisers — including raffles, club functions etc — that was particularly crucial.

“That’s what gives our members a sense of ownership of club and community,” he said.

You don’t necessarily have to put yourself on the frontline as a patrolling member.

There are plenty of other worthwhile roles within the organisation, such as helping out with nippers or taking up an administrative position within a club.

And Mia Roberts can’t think of way she would prefer to volunteer her spare time.

“They encourage you to do your best — it’s about that community feeling,” she said.

“It’s really fun being together. You’re there because you want to be there.”