Captain's Report November 2009

Summer is approching
 


We are into the second month of the lifesaving season and already I have a few items to bring to members' attention:

Patrols: I realise many of you are in the middle of the HSC and university exams but we need all patrolling members to attend their patrols and not leave it to “others” as those “others” are leaving it to you! Please meet your requirements and ensure that you are on the beach on time. We still have to make adjustments to the patrol rosters to ensure we have the sufficient qualified people on each patrol.

Patrols – membership fees: You cannot patrol unless you have renewed your membership and paid your fees. Unfinancial members are not insured and the club is not insured for unfinancial members, so make sure you have returned your signed forms together with your money. We shall contact unfinancial members who have been turning up to patrols.

Patrol time: Note these have changed as of 2nd November, earlier starts everyone!

Patrol equipment: Unfortunately we have had an early rash of loosing patrol caps, this is interesting to say the least as we continue to have problems getting people to wear them, if they are not on your heads and you are not loosing them in the surf, then which "little mouse” is burying them in the sand? Please ensure they are returned to the trailer at the end of the patrol. If you happen to come across any in your bags or under the seat of your car with the old MacDonald’s cartons or what is left of those late night kebabs, we would really appreciate you returning them to the Club.

Patrol uniforms: The new uniforms are being handed out by the patrol captains at each patrol. Do not go to the boxes and help yourself, we have a restricted number of uniforms specifically for those who they have been designated to. Please ensure your old ones are handed in as per SLSA requirements.

Sports competition day: On Sunday 29th November we shall hold a mini sports day to help establish those who will be representing the club at the various carnivals. Please ensure you are down at the beach by 9:00am and all fit and ready to perform!

Beach safety: Club members are reminded that you must not drive the ATV unless you are qualified.

Surf conditions: As the king tide season approaches we are already seeing large rises and falls in the tides and corresponding rips appearing in the middle and south end of the beach. It appears we shall have at least 3 major rips close to the swimming areas in the foreseeable future and we have had a number of preventative actions already in these areas. I would like to remind patrolling members to keep a very close eye on the shore break around these areas especially at low tide where a number of children have got into trouble.

Bronze squads: Anyone on the beach over the last few weeks would have seen the large number of new members training. On Saturday the Knox boys have been out in large numbers and they are looking to complete their training before the end of November. Successful completion would see 23 new bronze and 24 new ARC members. The number of other awards will increase with a similar number of boys completing Defib and Spinal courses. Meantime we have one of the largest Sunday bronze squads for some time with 40 candidates enrolled in the bronze course. I would like to thank Sally, Mia, Sue, Geoff, Chris for all their help to Nat and myself. I would also like to thank Donovan (who is fast becoming our favorite Avalon SLSC member) as he is kindly volunteering his time and expertise to help out with the training. Our new found relationships with our neighbouring clubs is one of the best achievements over recent years and a fine example of what surf lifesaving is all about. We look forward to returning the favour to these clubs when they require assistance.

Sunday swim and competitions: Each Sunday at 11.00am we have the swim and other water competition. A good number of members are involved in these events, as well as the bronze trainees who are required to compete each Sunday. Points are allocated to those who compete and these go towards the club championships and patrol of the year competitions, you have to be "in it to win it” so we look forward to seeing you on the start line at 11.00am each Sunday.

Big Swim: Eagle eyed members would have noticed that the Branch Championships will also be held on the weekend of the Big Swim. Discussions with Branch have been such that this should have little effect on our Sunday arrangements as many of the events we shall be involved in will be held on Saturday. Block this day off in your schedule as everyone will be required on the day. Patrols have been allocated the same jobs as last year so that everyone knows where they have to be at what time. We shall be sending out more detailed instructions to all members closer to the event.

Sunday BBQs: are in full swing and we look forward to seeing you on top of the boatshed from noon onwards. Phil and his team of helpers are providing an excellent BBQ and you also get to socialise with all the other members in a relaxed and hopefully sunny venue.

I look forward to seeing you on the beach and also to a long, hot and safe summer .

John Lewis
Club Captain


Captain's Report October 2009

Flags are up!

Once again the yellow shirts of SLS are back on the beaches, well nearly; as usual, we seem to start recent seasons with cold, wet and windy weather which results in the beach being closed for most of the October long weekend.

Your management committee has worked tirelessly during the off season and by way of an update I would like all members to take note of the following:

· Patrols – have started out somewhat light and therefore I would like to remind patrolling members that they are required to turn up – if you cannot it is your obligation to get a substitute – let's kick off this season the way we left the last one with everyone fulfilling their commitments .

· Gear – we have only had one weekend and we have already had a number of surf craft in the shop for repairs. Remember when riding rescue boards or skis, only ONE person to a wave and spread out and hang onto your boards.

· IRB – as mentioned before we have a new motor which is presently being run in – once it is serviced, special care must be taken with this equipment given the propeller blade is very close to the guard and it is very expensive to replace.

· Proficiencies – are underway and these will be conducted nearly every patrol until we have completed the requirements – we have 288 people to put through their bronze proficiencies – if you are at the beach and want to do your proficiency then by all means join in if one is being conducted – you do not have to wait until it is your patrol's turn.

· Sunday Bronze – classes start this weekend and it appears we have a record number of candidates – we shall be looking towards members to help out with the program especially in surf skills.

· Sunday BBQ – will start this Sunday and we look forward to seeing members gathering for the Club BBQ after the Sunday Swim and beach events.

· Competition – Mia and Sally will be working on the program for our members to enter in the various carnivals – this year we are working towards sending a strong team to carnivals following on from our success last year.

· Boats – the State champion Whale Beach crew are back in training, there is also a number of other crews being formed – if you are interested in rowing this season please contact the boat Captain Gerry Plim as soon as possible .

· Uniforms Exchange – we have received new uniforms and will distribute these once we have the go ahead from SLS – members are NOT to help themselves to these items as we have sufficient for the patrolling members – you will be required to hand your old uniforms back.

· Club Equipment – unfortunately there has been an incident of members breaking into the locked sections of the Club and such action will not be tolerated.

Captain's Report September 2009

 4 weeks till patrols start!

Greetings all,
August has been hectic on many fronts as we prepare for the new season and those that have taken to the beach in the last few weeks to enjoy the amazing sunny weather will have seen a hive of activity at the Club.

· Gear inspection was completed and I am pleased to report we are in great shape for 2009/10. Thanks to Richie Stewart and his team.

· Patrol Captains and Vice Captains meeting will be held on Sunday 4th October at 9:00am. Several events are scheduled for that day so we would like to complete this meeting before 11:00am. There will be a BBQ in operation so that you guys can buy your Club Captain and Vice Captain Lunch!

· We have a new IRB motor and due to its particular design we have to ensure that all drivers complete their proficiency before they use the IRB

· IRB training commences on Sunday 20th September – please contact administration to register for this course.

· We look like having a minimum of 70 bronze candidates this season so your teaching staff will have a heavy schedule. Sunday bronze squads will commence on 11th October at 8:30am. We may try and get some of the registrations and preliminary items completed earlier – visit the website for updates.

· We are also excited that it appears that many of the new members will join our already strong field of competitive members and we are looking at fielding a substantial Whale Beach team at Branch, State and Australian championships this year. Our State Champion Rowers should have extensive support at these events this season. Sally and Mia will be looking for support and helpers as the season commences.

· To ensure we have a full contingent at the Championship carnivals we need volunteers to train to become officials. This is a one night course and you do not have to turn up every weekend, we need your support so please contact us to arrange to attend a course.

· We have nearly completed the new season patrol roster and we have tried to accommodate that request we have received within the SLSA requirements for having minimum number of awards on each patrol. You will also notice that we have pre-allocated those doing bronzes from Oct-Dec onto patrols. Of course they will not join these patrols until they have completed their awards.

· Compiling the patrol roster has highlighted the need for many members to complete further awards. It is our aim to have all members proficient in Defib award so keep watch for the timing of courses on the Whale Beach SLSC and Sydney Northern Beaches Branch websites.

· Bronze proficiencies will commence from the first patrol so hopefully the water temperature will rise before then.
 


Captain's Report August 2009

7 weeks till patrols start!

· Courses in Defibrillation and Spinal Management was held last Sunday 16th August at Avalon Beach SLSC. Thank you for the response to these courses and for everyone who sacrificed such a beautiful day to gain these new awards. A HUGE thank you to Louise Lindop (Avalon) & Shannon Job (Nth Steyne) for their time and expertise running the course and Avalon Beach SLSC for the use of their club house!

- The 2009 AGM went off without a hitch and your management team remains basically the same for the coming season , so unfortunately you will have myself and Sally ensuring the beach is run efficiently again this season

· The new season is rushing towards us and so that we can be in front of the wave please fill out and return your membership forms as soon as possible. If you have not received or mislaid your forms please contact Isabel at the Club Admin email address for a replacement.

· The changes in requirements of having new qualifications on patrols will result in some ‘fiddling” of people to ensure these necessary requirements are met.

· We had a good turn up at the pre-season proficiency for ARC-Defib and spinal but we shall be holding more or in conjunction with Avalon and Newport so that everyone is proficient in their various awards. My aim to have these all completed by the 1st December. A “huge” thanks to Sandy Menzies from Newport for giving up her Sunday to do these proficiencies it is greatly appreciated.

· Also it looks as if we big turn out for the Defib and Spinal course for Sunday and also thanks for Avalon SLSC for allowing us to use their Club house all day

· We welcome Mia Leszinsky to the role of Life saving and Competition secretary. Mia has also completed a crash course as an IRB driver thanks to our friends in Freshwater SLSC and I hope this growing co-operation between us and other clubs will continue to expand as it is a great help in the education requirements for all of us.

· Gear inspection is set for Sunday August 30th and thanks to Rich and his team and all those involved who have worked tirelessly over the winter months to get us ready for the season

· We are looking forward to seeing all the Knox boys back on the beach on Saturday mornings and we are taking registrations for the Sunday bronze squads.

· Subject confirmation, on Saturday November the 28th we shall run a competition to help determine those to go to Branch, state and Australian championships this year. Mia and Sally will forward details once the season has commenced and we have addressed all members of our competition program.


Remember – get those membership forms back to us as soon as possible

See you on the beach

John Lewis


Captain's Report July 2009

Greetings Members!

I realise that lazy days on the beach are most probably far from your mind and you are more likely to be thinking of how good the snow will be this weekend or for many of our year 12 juniors “what are the HSC trials going to be like?”

In fact the operations of the surf club never slow down and I am coming to understand that in some respects they are even more hectic during winter than in summer. I can report that your management team has had little rest and are well advanced in preparing for the coming season.

Some highlights worth a mention:
· Your club Annual General Meeting will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday 9th August at the surf club. This is a good chance to attend and contribute to the club, so come along and see how it all happens.

· Prior to the AGM (starting at 10:00am) we will conduct proficiencies for ARC, Spinal Management, and Defibrillation. It is essential that members who hold these awards complete their annual proficiency test as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there and please let Isabel know that you will be attending.

· Courses in Defibrillation and Spinal Management was held last Sunday 16th August at Avalon Beach SLSC. Thank you for the response to these courses and for everyone who sacrificed such a beautiful day to gain these new awards. A HUGE thank you to Louise Lindop (Avalon) & Shannon Job (Nth Steyne)  for their time and expertise running the course and Avalon Beach SLSC for the use of their club house! 

· It looks like we'll be issued with new uniforms next season and hopefully our allocation will include shorts this time. We'll let you know when these will be available.

· Great news, due to a change in sponsorship we won't have to put up the special IRB shelter this season.

· During these winter months the gear steward has been working hard to prepare the equipment for next season. You will see that the first aid room has been upgraded and the IRB and ATV have gone off for servicing. I request that any member who uses any club equipment makes sure that it is washed down and returned to where it was found.

· We are presently working out the patrol teams and patrol roster for next season, with special attention being paid to assigning correctly qualified people to all patrol teams.

· You should have received your annual report and membership renewal forms by now. Please ensure that you complete your forms and sign all four pages and return them with your fees as soon as possible, because we need to know who will be available for patrol duty. If you will be heading off overseas or interstate for work or gap years etc. please remember to renew your membership and let us know how long you will be away, we do not want to lose you.

I shall post another report after the AGM.

See you on the Beach

John Lewis
Club Captain
 


Captains Wrap Up 2008/09

The Past

The 2008-2009 season has finished and I am proud to report once again that “no lives were lost on our watch”. This, above all else, is what we the surf lifesavers of Australia are all about.  We had the most successful season in many respects and I would like to share some of the statistics with you.

The Big Swim

The 2009 Big Swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach attracted 1705 entrants. We had a minor scare of a swimmer who did not report in at the finish line, causing Ben Lewis and his water safety team some serious anxious moments until we discovered that the swimmer was safe and sound having a shower at home!!  Thanks to everyone involved in organising water safety and the social side, you all helped to make this event a huge success.

New SLSA Awards

During the 2008-2009 season our members gained a total of 120 new SLSA awards:
Advanced Resuscitation Certificate = 21
Bronze Medallion = 49
Defibrillation Certificate = 3
IRB assessor = 1
IRB training officer = 1
IRB Crew Certificate = 9
Rescue Water Craft Operator Certificate = 1
Silver Medallion IRB Driver = 10
Spinal Management = 2
Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management = 20
Surf Rescue Certificate = 3

Congratulations to all those who received new awards, this is an impressive achievement and we look forward to building on this trend next year.

To drive the quad bike, members must complete an ATV Operator Induction and last season 42 patrol members gained this qualification.

The Whale Beach SLSC membership stands at 386, of which 277 are patrolling members. We patrolled for 10,926 hours, with 2 major rescues, 481 preventative actions and the beach was closed for 13 days during the 2008-2009 season.

The Present

Congratulations to all trophy winners announced at the club's annual Awards presentation night. For those who were not present, you can contact me to collect your trophies.

Congratulations to Sally Mulligan who was awarded “Lifesaver of the Year".

I would like to bring the following significant events to your attention:

- George McRobert, Whale Beach SLSC founding Life Member, Patron, Past President, was recently made a Life Member of the SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Branch at the annual branch Awards dinner, where George received an emotional standing ovation from the 600 lifesavers present.

- Rob Berry received a Distinguished Service Award at the same function.

- It is with great sadness that I report that long time Life Member Hal Baily passed away this month - “Lest we Forget".

- Richard (Rich) Stewart, Life Member, Past President and present Club Secretary, has been awarded the Order of Australia, hearty congratulations.

- Mia Leszinsky of Patrol No.10 used her surf lifesaving skills and applied CPR to save the life of an Abbotsleigh school girl in Wahroonga a couple of weeks ago. We congratulate Mia on her quick thinking and professional application of what she has learnt as a lifesaver at Whale Beach. This is a timely reminder that as lifesavers, it is much more likely that you will use your skills off the beach than on the beach. And there is one very fortunate girl alive today because a lifesaver came to her assistance in a life threatening emergency.

The Future: 2009-2010 season and beyond

We are already gearing up for the coming season and beyond. The strategy plan for next season is in development, with an emphasis on upgrading awards and ensuring all patrols have sufficient numbers of qualified people on their teams. To this end we shall conduct Defibrillation and Spinal Management courses during the off season (dates to be advised). In our drive to increase our numbers of highly qualified lifesavers, we encourage our active members to undertake advanced lifesaving training. In particular Geoff Hale will commence IRB training early in season. We plan to complete proficiency tests in ARC, Defib, Spinal, IRB before the start of the season (dates to be advised).

We are presently working on a youth program and carnival representation for the coming season. It was remarkable that Whale Beach was 2nd (only by a few points) in the Branch awards for most carnival points and we look forward to improving on this result next year.

To achieve our goals we need members to help with training and gain the necessary SLSA qualifications to become Bronze Medallion training officers and assessors. Also we need members to help at carnivals as qualified carnival officials. It is not a huge time consuming exercise to achieve these SLSA awards. Once you qualify as a training officer or assessor or official, it doesn't mean that you are required to be on the beach every weekend. What it does mean is that we can call upon you to help with the training and/or help by attending carnivals. We look forward to hearing from members who wish to help. The time and training requirements are listed on the website.

We look forward to the 2009-2010 season with excitement in anticipation of another great summer at Whale Beach.

John Lewis, Club Captain