Surf life saving starts

Hundreds of spectators gathered at Ocean Beach Surf Club to mark the start of the surf life saving season on September 25.

The local surf club commemorated the official start of the season with a flag raising ceremony and open day for members and the wider public to enjoy, according to director of marketing Mr Aaron Camp.

"The day was a massive success and began early with Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein, and Wyong mayor Cr Bob Graham officially opening the surf lifesaving season with the ceremonial raising of the flags," Mr Camp said.

"The ceremony attracted hundreds of spectators to see rookie lifesavers march onto the beach under their club flags, before raising the red and yellow for the first time in season 2010/11.

"Rookies, dignitaries and members of the public alike then had the opportunity to have some fun on the giant inflatable slide, have their face painted, get a sausage sizzle or some fairy floss, and enjoy what was a fantastic warm, blue-sky day.

Mr Camp said that while there was plenty of fun with live music, Zumba dancing and free massage, there was also a serious side to the day's activities.

Ocean Beach manager of rescue services Ms Katie Dixon said: "Lifesaving is our core activity and we want to ensure that locals and visitors to Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club have access to surf safety and other lifesaving information.

"We had a number of lifesaving demonstrations throughout the day including CPR, simulated rescues and surf sports.

"All the demonstrations were performed by some of Australia's strongest lifesaving and surf craft competitors, including NSW first aid and patrol competition medallists Shelley Smith and Richard Grimmond, along with the ever-dominant Keelan Bridge, Ellyssia Gasparotto, Matt Hurst, Wade Hannell, and Blake Arahill in the water.

"A definite highlight was having a whole swag of new members sign up on the day after getting involved with the demonstrations and the general atmosphere around the club.

"We are always looking for new members to help us keep our community safe."

Anyone who would like to join the team at Ocean Beach SLSC, should visit www.oceanbeachslsc.com, email ad-dir-obslsc@hotmail.com, or drop into the club.

Press release, 1 Oct 2010 Aaron Camp, Ocean Beach SLSC