Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin with Trigg surf lifesavers Shaun Jessop, Emily Windsor, Jakson Egan and Macarah Mallis.
Camera IconJoondalup Mayor Albert Jacob and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin with Trigg surf lifesavers Shaun Jessop, Emily Windsor, Jakson Egan and Macarah Mallis. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d476832

Stirling and Joondalup mayors on board for Surf Life Saving WA’s Boardies Day

Laura PondStirling Times

THE mayors of Stirling and Joondalup have ditched their suits for boardies to raise money for volunteer surf lifesavers.

Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin and Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob are calling on residents to support Surf Life Saving WA’s Boardies Day in December.

The fundraiser urges people to wear boardshorts, beach attire or a red and yellow themed outfit for a donation.

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“Our surf lifesaving clubs play a vitally important role in our communities,” Cr Irwin said.

“It costs an average of $86,000 to put a patrol on the beach each season, which includes vital equipment and training to support our lifesavers, so they can in turn save lives.

“I call on City of Stirling residents, employees, schools and the wider community to support the lifesavers and crews who are part of the helicopter and jet-ski teams, to the volunteers who give their time across the season.”

Mr Jacob praised the work of Sorrento and Mullaloo surf clubs, the latter of which he is a member.

“With over 2000 active members and nippers combined, the Mullaloo and Sorrento surf lifesaving clubs are two of the biggest in WA and they provide a wonderful service to local residents and the wider community who utilise our pristine beaches,” he said.

“The 2016-17 season alone saw approximately 20,000 patrol hours recorded between the two clubs, resulting in 52 rescues, 250 first aid actions, and intervening almost 1200 times to prevent beachgoers getting into trouble in the water.”

Scarboro and Trigg surf clubs comprise 2000 active members and patrol more than 7.5km of beaches. Cr Irwin is a current patrolling lifesaver at Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club.

The Boardies Day initiative launches on December 1 and volunteers will be collecting donations throughout the metropolitan area.

For details on holding a fundraising day or to donate, visit www.beachsafeappeal.com.au.

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