Surf Life Saving Report
Saturday 2 November 2024
Years 7 and 8
Surf conditions were excellent mid-week as the nippers trained at Long Reef. Board skills have noticeably improved, and it is good to see the nippers able to control their surf craft in bigger conditions.
On Saturday, the weather was unpleasant, with cold and rainy conditions. The boys continued with their board training, most managing to avoid the increasing plague of blue bottles that eventually drove us out of the water. Saturday’s session was finished in the clubhouse, where the boys learned to use their signals.
The following results were recorded:
| Beach Flags | Water Flags | Board Race A Final (Handicap) | Board Race B Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Harrison Ayer | Harrison Ayer | Dash Du Vernet | Hamish Wenden |
| 2nd | Jackson Dent | Dash Du Vernet | Richard Gao | Angus Collins |
| 3rd | Richard Gao | Richard Gao | Harrison Ayer | Will Corney |
| 4th | Oliver Rothwell | Saxon Joyce | Saxon Joye | Toby Koch |
| 5th | Angus Collins | Oliver Rothwell | Jackson Dent | Sam Golding |
| 6th | Dash Du Vernet | Jackson Dent | Oliver Rothwell |
Years 9 and 10 – Bronze Medallion Training Group
The Bronze Medallion Training Group has now registered for an account in the Members Area of sls.co.au. They have been given the task of completing their online Bronze Medallion e-learning modules over the next three weeks. It is really encouraging to see several boys already engaged in this and making good progress.
At the beach, the group encountered windy and messy surf conditions for both weekday training and Saturday Surf Life Saving (SLS). However, thankfully, the beach was open, so the boys enjoyed a number of competitive events, including rescue board relay, run-swim-run, beach sprints and swim races.
Under the experienced direction of both Mr Nigel Scozzi and Mr Ben Neighbour, the group has also continued to develop their skills and understanding of the ‘dry’ elements of the Bronze Medallion. This week saw some more CPR training on mannequins and radio operation and calls. These parts of the Bronze Medallion will be assessed during the boys’ three-day Intensive Training Course.
Some important dates for the diary regarding the Bronze Medallion Training Group;
- Saturday 30 November – Bronze Medallion ‘Wet’ Assessment (aquatic rescue) at Mona Vale SLSC
- Wednesday 20 November – First Aid and CPR training at School
- Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 November – 3-day Intensive Bronze Training Course at Long Reef SLSC
Year 10 and 11 – Patrollers
Saturday saw the final boys and staff complete the ‘wet’ element of the Bronze Medallion Proficiency, including a run-swim-run in choppy conditions, an unconscious patient rescue and demonstrating several drags and carries from the water to the beach. I am pleased to report that all those involved have successfully refreshed their knowledge and skills, and all awards are current for the season ahead.
The Year 10 and 11 boys have been invaluable in their support of the younger groups and have demonstrated excellent leadership when called upon. Boys have donned the orange rashies to act as Water Safety, assisted with training activities in CPR and radio operation and assisted coaches with the running of events on the beach.
On patrol, the boys have been commended by the Club Patrol Captain each week for their level of enthusiasm and engagement and their willingness to constantly develop and update their skills.
Mr Gareth Jones
MIC Surf Life Saving