But it’s the hazy gaze of Gold Coast nightclub-goers that’s the subject of lifesaver Peter Anderson’s stare.

The 78-year-old has been safeguarding the sands of the glitter strip since the Dawn Patrol was established in 2004 after a spate of post-drinking drownings.

He’s talked more than a few tipsy would-be beachgoers away from the waves and pulled his fair share from the water, bedraggled but breathing.

“I certainly see Surfers in a whole other light from most. I’m on the beach seven days a week, 4.30am in the summer and 5.30am in the winter,” says Peter.

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“A lot of people who see the sunrise here are a little worse for wear. But I watch every single one, absolutely alert and ready.

“It’s an amazing ‘office’, but it’s still a scary thing when you hear someone screeching for help in the darkness.

“During my time there have been some extraordinary rescues in dire conditions … trying to find people in the pitch black.

“We advise thousands of people to stay away from the water until they’re sober — and we make a pretty compelling argument. You only have to look at the prevention statistics.

“It’s an area that’s risky and dangerous in normal conditions, let alone when you’re inebriated.”

While Peter may be an old salt now, he was no spring chicken when he joined the lifesaving movement in 1999.

Aged 61, he was recently retired and looking for something not just to fill his time but fulfil his life. He found it.

“I joined Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club in 1999 and completed my bronze medallion in 2000. In 2001 I was made patrol captain and remain so to this day,” he says.

“In 2004 I was an inaugural member of the Dawn Patrol and remain so.

“I’ve been a part of numerous rescues and have seen some incredible things, but I honestly believe that lifesaving rescued me.

“It has given me, without doubt, the most rewarding, most vital, happiest time of my entire life.

“Every single day when I’m watching the sun rise, I am so thankful to be on that beach, to be doing what I do.

“I don’t see myself as someone who is giving time to the community, but someone who is receiving from this community organisation.’’

Peter says, while he’s all responsibility on patrol, he’s earned a slight reputation as a wild man on the jet ski.

“They all think I’m crazy — I just love it,” he says.

He dreads the day he has to throw in his beach towel.

Facing his annual proficiency test today, he says he hopes to stay on the sand until at least the age of 80.

“This has become such a lifestyle for me, I’m just thrilled and excited every day to be a part of it,” he says.

“I get home most days around 9am and go back to bed for a little nap. My wife of 32 years is very understanding and loves that I love it.

“I know there are so many talented people who would love to do what I do but I’m lucky that my retirement coincided with good health.

“Once I got started with this, it’s kept me fit. I have to pass my proficiency each year but I’m really hoping I’ll make it to at least 80.

“One day I’ll have to stop doing active patrol but I’ll never stop being involved in the surf club and lifesaving.

“It’s a very real part of my existence and I’ll always be a part of it. We’ve actually got three generations of lifesavers in the family now, I’ve managed to convince them to join me — I’m very proud of that little legacy.”

Another source of pride for Peter is not just the rescues he’s been a part of, but those where he’s watched his club colleagues go beyond the bounds of bravery.

He says one of the most memorable lifesaving moments was a stormy scene in the Seaway.

“A jet ski was found without a rider so the jet boat was sent out,” he says.

“They found the rider but no sooner had they picked him up than the boat broke down and went into ‘limp home’ mode.

“They got to the mouth of the Seaway and couldn’t see because of the huge spume from the waves. There were about 200 people on the wall watching, all the media were there.

“My partner David Clarke and I were called and he set out on the jet ski to guide the boat in.

“But it was so rough and the boat was in such poor shape they put the rescued rider on the back of the jet ski. All you could see was David disappear into the mist at the Seaway entry and we all just held our collective breaths.

“He was gone for 20 minutes, it felt like an age.

“Then suddenly, out of the spray he appeared, riding down these huge waves with the rider on his back.

“Everyone was cheering. It just epitomises the selflessness of this organisation. It’s such a tough call to put your body, your life, on the line like that. But time and time again I see these guys do it.

“It’s an honour to walk the beach with them.”

Surf Safe Appeal is Surf Life Saving Queensland’s largest annual statewide appeal. The red and yellow army will be on our streets until September 13 rattling their tins, with all money raised going straight back into surf lifesaving clubs to buy equipment and train volunteers. Donations can also be made at surfsafeappeal.com.au