Gilmour family will volunteer on Christmas Day to patrol Palm Beach

WHILE most Gold Coasters are in pyjamas opening their presents this Christmas, the Gilmour family will be patrolling Palm Beach.

Three members of the same family will be patrolling on Christmas Day for the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Mitchell Gilmour (16), Jade Gilmour (14) and dad Darren Gilmour. Picture by Scott Fletcher

WHILE most Gold Coasters are in pyjamas opening their presents this morning, the Gilmour family will be patrolling Palm Beach.

It’s may not be a traditional way to start Christmas Day but the family say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ll be at the beach by 7am to patrol until lunch time,” Darren Gilmour said.

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Three members of the same family will be patrolling on Christmas Day for the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Jade Gilmour (14), dad Darren Gilmour and Mitchell Gilmour (16). Picture by Scott Fletcher

“There are still people wanting to swim on Christmas Day so someone needs to be there.

“We’ll open the presents and eat our Christmas lunch afterwards.”

Patrolling on Christmas Day is the family’s way of giving something back to the community.

“I’ve been a lifesaver for a few years and so have the kids,” Mr Gilmour said.

“It doesn’t bother us to help out on Christmas Day ... a lot of people come and say thank you.

“It’s a family club so most people come down to the beach anyway.

“Everyone is really cheerful on the beach and having fun with their new toys.”

Mitchell, 16, and Jade Gilmour, 14, said they were looking forward to the day.

“We patrolled last year and it was fun,” Jade said.

Her brother, who patrols for more than 300 hours a year, agreed.

“Some of my friends come down and it’s nice to just hang out and help,” he said.

“Sometimes it is quiet, other times it can get really busy.

“It depends on the weather.”

While their mum does not patrol, she will also be at the beach during the festive day.

Gold Coast beaches will be patrolled by lifesavers from 7am to 6pm today.