QUINNS Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club will hold an open day this Sunday to showcase its lifesaver and nippers programs.
President Saxon France said the November 11 event was about engaging with the community, giving the public a chance to look inside and learn more about its programs between 9am and 11am.
“The open day is to show off the club and its facilities and hopefully get some new members,” he said.
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READ NOWMr France said the club had more than 600 members, and about half were nippers aged five to 13.
“On Sundays the beach is seething with nippers,” he said.
“It’s about surf awareness, fitness, fun, beach safety and personal development.
“By the time you get to 13, you are learning about CPR and first aid.”
After nippers turned 14, Mr France said they transitioned into the cadet program and from 15 years old, could do their bronze medallion in surf life saving and help patrol the beach.
The club patrols Quinns Beach on Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 4pm and on public holidays between 9am and 2pm from October to April.
“Primarily the club exists to be surf lifesavers on the beach to protect beachgoers,” Mr France said.
“No lives have been lost between the flags.
“We’ve had some significant rescues here and some significant first aid cases on the beach.”
Mr France said lifesavers were trained to identify possible spinal injuries, particularly if people were dumped by waves, and provide appropriate first aid.
He said they also provided treatment for blue bottle stings, with an ambulance required for a recent incident when a child picked one up.
“It’s those seemingly minor things that can happen on the beach that lead to serious issues,” he said.
The volunteer said a person’s swimming ability could be a factor and wearing inappropriate clothing, such as jeans.
For more information, call 9305 1870 on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or visit www.qmslsc.com.au .
Wanneroo Council is due to consider a report on a $150,000 project to install a surf patrol tower at its November 13 meeting. The proposed location will be on the beach near the Quinns Road-Ocean Drive corner.