Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club will have a strong presence at the 2018 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games, with many of the Club’s 55 active members competing in sports and helping people stay safe in or near the water.
Club president Darren Gould said members may be called on to help in a range of situations ranging from swimmers with cramps to encouraging competitors and sea creatures to maintain a safe distance from each other.
Darren said he was looking forward to the Games, but when it came to actually competing, it would be on the lawn bowling green rather than the sand and surf where one might find him.
“I’m going in the individual and pairs lawn bowls – we will also have club members in the surfing, cross country, aquathon, hockey and open water swimming events,” Darren said.
“In addition to competing, club members will be involved in water safety for a number of events including triathlon, aquathon, crossfit, surf life saving and swimming.”
A proud Mandurah local, Darren said he loved the wonderful coastal lifestyle the city offered.
“It’s got a bit of everything – the beaches, the estuary – I moved here specifically for that lifestyle,” he said.
Darren said some members even recently undertook a climbing trek in Nepal where the altitude training offered valuable preparation for many of the physically-demanding events.
Meanwhile, he said it was not just the club’s adult members who were looking forward to the Games.
“Our nippers will be involved in the opening ceremony carrying boards and flags representing states and countries taking part in the games and they, like all our members, are super excited about this event,” Darren said.
“As a club we will hopefully get some interest in and awareness out there about what we do and perhaps attract some more members to join – that would all be great.”
Darren urged beach visitors to follow a few simple rules to stay safe: “Obey lifesavers’ instructions, swim between the flags and be sun smart – slip, slop, slap and remain hydrated,” he said.
