Southbourne Surf Life Saving Group: A Network of Beach Volunteers

Southbourne Surf Life Saving Group: A Network of Beach VolunteersOccasionally, there are some childhood memories that can be easily remembered as if itwas just yesterday. And these nostalgic memories are sometimes brought back by theocean. One survey conducted that, building sand castles on beaches are one of the mostmemorable childhood experience of many. And as time passes by, these childhoodmemories are something you will look back over and over again.Swimming is something we’re looking forward when summer comes. It is one of themost popular outdoor activities we love. However, it has one unfortunate downside -drowning. According to WHO, an estimated 80% of drowning can be avoided byrecognizing hazards and by avoiding risky behavior.Contributing factors to drowning are: - Alcohol consumption before swimming or using boats - The lack of education of water sports and swimming

- The lack or not use of lifesaving devicesFor this reason, lifeguards and surf rescue crews are very important to have to patrol inbeaches. Southbourne Surf Life Saving Club (SSLSC) is a network of volunteer beachlifesavers formed to provide safety and awareness to Southbourne residents andtourists. As volunteers, they patrol the beach at Southbourne every weekend and duringbank holidays between May and October.Aside from patrolling beaches, the club also offers various beach activities for membersof all ages. Their Young Life Savers (also known as Nippers) was trained to basiclifesaving skills and are knowledgeable in various rescue equipment. Moreover, theyhave elite members who compete in various Life Saving Sports events.Our abiding love for the ocean will never wither. However, the enjoyment brought bythe ocean doesn’t dismiss the idea of it being a potential danger to our safety. The oceanis never safe but SSLSC strives to make it as safe as possible.