You don’t have to be a strong swimmer, or even like the feeling of sandy toes to find your place in surf lifesaving.
That’s one of the messages behind Surf Life Saving Queensland’s new Veterans in Life Saving initiative, which is helping veterans connect with their local surf lifesaving community and find opportunities that suit their skills and interests.
The initiative was fittingly launched today at Kawana Waters Surf Club, which is housed in the same building as RSL Subbranch — creating a shared community space for surf lifesaving members, veterans and the broader community.
For veterans, there can be some familiar ground between ADF service and being part of a local surf club. Teamwork, leadership, first aid, emergency response, communication and working under pressure are all skills that can transfer from ADF service into surf lifesaving. Getting involved can also provide opportunities for connection, purpose and mateship.
Surf Life Saving Queensland's Member Experience Manager Alex Walker, said what surprises a lot of people that he speaks to is that you don’t need to patrol a beach or perform a rescue to get involved — "there are so many opportunities in Surf Life Saving, it's a lot more than hitting the sand and surf", he said.
"There are a range of roles on and off the beach that can vary from club to club, but they can generally include radio communications, first aid, training, water safety, club administration and leadership, as well as opportunities to support younger members or getting behind the BBQ."
The newly launched Veterans in Life Saving initiative is designed to help veterans connect with surf lifesaving, with other veterans and with the broader surf lifesaving community. Surf Life Saving Queensland can help veterans find a role that fits their interests, skills and abilities.
Veteran Gary served in the ADF with the Royal Australian Air force as a Wing Commander and was the brains behind the initiative following a conversation with fellow veteran Daniel when they were walking the beach together on patrol.
"We were both veterans, both living with PTSD as a result of our military service, but at very different stages of life. Daniel was 42 and I was 65. Despite the age difference, we found ourselves talking about exactly the same thing, how good it felt to be part of a team again", Gary said.
"As Daniel and I walked the beach, we reflected on how much surf lifesaving had positively influenced our mental health and wellbeing. It wasn't because we were being 'fixed', rather it was because we had become part of a team again. We were training together, serving together, looking after each other and contributing to our community. We had rediscovered a sense of purpose and camaraderie that many veterans miss after transition from service," he reflected.
Even if the thought of heading straight onto the beach or into the surf isn’t for you, it doesn’t mean surf lifesaving isn’t! Age is not a barrier, nor is physical fitness. In many ways, surf lifesaving mirrors military service; not everyone performs the same role, but every role (no matter how big or small) is essential to mission success.
Veterans interested in the Veterans in Lifesaving initiative can complete an Expression of Interest form online. Surf Life Saving Queensland will then help connect them with their local club and with connect with like-minded people through special events, commemorations, and wellbeing activities — with new veteran members receiving a welcome pack to mark the occasion.
You don’t need to be new to Surf Life Saving, existing members of a QLD Surf Life Saving Club can also apply online. Find out more about Veterans in Lifesaving: www.lifesaving.com.au/veterans-members
Interested in reading more about Gary and his story then click here
