‘Give an F’ this summer: Elite Ironmen/women join with Surf Life Saving Australia for surf safety

Our nation’s elite iron athletes have joined forces with Surf Lifesaving Australia to stay safe this summer in the surf with a cheeky campaign urging everyone to ‘Give an F’ when at the beach.

As summer rolls around, temperatures soar and beaches become packed, sun-chasers have been urged to keep an F word at the forefront of their minds.

‘Give an F About the Flags’ is a joint initiative between Surf Life Saving Australia and the Ironmen/women as a fun way to tackle a serious and deadly issue that casts a shadow over the good times at the beach.

With more than half of all drownings occurring during the three months of summer, 100 per cent of all drownings occurring outside the flags and 82 per cent of those being men, it prompted Ali Day to get on board.

“You don’t need to be an ironman to stay safe,” Day said.

Ironman/woman competitors Ali Day, Lana Rogers and Matt Bevilacqua pictured with Queensland Volunteer Surf Life Savers Paul Ryan and Nathan Fife. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Lifesavers across the country do a brilliant job of educating the public and keeping them safe. Particularly at this time of year on when and where to swim.”

Day knows first-hand just how testing conditions in the surf can be, with the Ironman champion called on previously to come to the aid of a young man facing dire consequences in the ocean.

MORE SURF LIFESAVING

The Shore Thing

“This was about five or six years ago when I had board training. I was running a bit late that arvo, and I’m a stickler for being on time,” he said.

“I was a couple hundred metres behind the group paddling out and behind the break, and to my left I noticed someone screaming out for help.

“I soon realised he was in a fair bit of trouble. I was able to get to him, take him back to shore and the lifeguards were able to make sure he was okay.

Ali Day, Lana Rogers and Matt Bevilacqua are three stars of the Ironman/woman Series. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“A week later he tracked me down to say thank you, gave me a present and got a photo. It’s not something you always get to do, and not something you want to, but if I wasn’t late he likely would’ve drowned.”

The Nutri-Grain Ironman/Ironwoman Series gets underway next weekend at Manly Beach, with Day looking to get off to a flyer at the iconic location.

“I’m 33 and this is my second-last year racing,” he said.

“I’m in good form, feeling fit and healthy, and looking forward to starting the series well.”