The season is about to kick off and the time to join is now upon us. In fact, you'd be amazed at how easy it is to join.
The prerequisites for getting your Bronze Medallion so you can become a lifesaver are the following,
- 400 metre pool swim within 9 minutes (this is quite easy - if you can swim 8 laps at a steady pace without stopping, you'll easily make the time)
- The ability to commit to an 8 week course - where you meet twice a week for approx 2 hours per time. The course is split up into theory (mid week, after work in the clubhouse, where you learn basic first aid, CPR, radio and flag communications) and practical (weekends, on the beach, where you learn board and tub rescues, swimming, spinal carries and patrol scenarios).Both sections of the course culminate in 2 exams - a theory and a practical.
The best part about doing your Bronze is the immense camaraderie that you will develop with the people in your squad as you learn to save lives together. Quite often they become friends for life.
Once you become a lifesaver you will join a patrol at the surf club you do your Bronze at and you will be expected to patrol the beach once a month for approx. 4 hours per time.
Every club has a huge social calendar and you'll be invited to partake and contribute along the way. You'll also be able to use the club's facilities such as paddle boards and skis whenever you're down at the beach. A couple of the clubs also have well-equipped gyms which are very cheap to join (less than $200/year membership).
Join our lifesaver blog
Regardless of which club you join - we would love you to also become a member of our blog's database of gay and lesbian lifesavers. We'll keep you informed of all the social activities and news about 2008's Mardi Gras float. To join, send your name, email, club you're proposing to join and phone number to lifesaver2007@gmail.com
Which club to join?
North Bondi, Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte all have excellent reputations for lifesaving in Australia. They all differ in size with North Bondi being one of the largest in Australia with 400 active patrolling member right down to Tamarama which has a dedicated band of active members numbering 90.
We recommend you join the club where you know someone who is already a member or the beach where you enjoy hanging out the most. Also consider how you will get to the beach as public transport is also another factor to consider if you don’t own a car.
North Bondi (www.northbondisurfclub.com)
Our first Bronze induction is on Saturday 22nd September at 2pm upstairs at North Bondi clubhouse. This is when you fill in some forms, learn a bit about the course and then do your 8 laps of the Icebergs Pool. Official training however will not start until the week after the long weekend. Further details education@northbondisurfclub.com
Next Bronze induction at 10am 30th September 2007 at Bondi Clubhouse. Details - contact Jim Kornmehl chiefinstructor@bondisurfclub.com
Tamarama (www.tamaramaslsc.com)
Our next Bronze squad is Oct 13, 10am @ Bondi Icebergs pool. Details Michael Alvise Tamarama Chief Instructor training@tamaramaslsc.com
Bronte (www.brontesurfclub.com.au)
We start Sunday 7 October. For full details contact Callum Metcalfe - Bronte Chief Instructor at bronte.instructor@gmail.com
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