There is optimism that a re-formed lifesaving club can provide more patrols at a “notorious” surf beach in a growing area.
Officials at the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club are hopeful the organisation will continue to attract more members, paving the way for extended patrol hours at the picturesque but sometimes dangerous surf break.
The club was revived in 2022 after spending eight years in the doldrums due to financial difficulties.
Steady progress has since been made and there are now 55 members, 92 associate members, 152 nippers, 14 long-service members and 42 supporter club members. But the club can only patrol on Sundays, from September until May.
President John Roderick hoped lifesavers could be on duty more often, especially because of the growing number of beachgoers.
“Long term, we would love to have enough members to extend our patrolling hours,” he said.
“Peregian Beach and surrounding areas have significantly increased in the last five years. A large influx is young families.
“Peregian Beach can be a notorious beach with changing rips and dangerous surf conditions, therefore having a lifesaving presence is an essential community service.”
The beach, unprotected by headlands, stretches for kilometres and is prone to strong sweeps, rips and rough surf.
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The club there has had a stop-start history.
It was initially formed by local lifesavers in 1962 but was disbanded in 1974 after a cyclone destroyed the small clubhouse there.
Community support led to the club’s second coming in 1984 and a new clubhouse in 1988.
But it was placed into administration in 2014 after it struggled to pay its debts and faced stiff competition from other clubs.
Noosa Heads Surf Club stepped in to ensure there were some patrols at the beach, while significant efforts were made by a dedicated working group to re-establish the club in 2022.
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Mr Roderick was confident they could continue to build momentum.
“With a passionate and experienced new board at the helm, and ambitious plans, we know that Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club is, and will be, an integral part of the community and provide essential lifesaving services to help keep our community safe,” he said.
“We want to drive membership to ensure we are sustainable.
“Our first priority is always to provide a patrolling lifesaving service to keep our beach and community safe.”
Progress has been made on making the club’s headquarters – once described as the third-worst surf lifesaving clubhouse in Queensland – more practical and appealing for members.
“To date we have tidied up the club and repainted where necessary,” Mr Roderick said.
“We have gratefully acquired some new furniture through funding provided largely from Bendigo Bank grants.
“We are also just about to renovate the kitchen area, largely due to grants and funding via the Peregian Markets.
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“Short-term plans are to continue making improvements to the clubhouse where possible.
“The clubhouse is a hub for our members to meet, store equipment and have a base to connect.
“We want to update the clubhouse to provide better facilities for our members and ensure we can continue providing lifesaving services at Peregian Beach.”
He said the backing of the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Supporters Club was crucial.
“(It) provides us with essential funding to keep not just the doors open and the lights on, but equipment to patrol effectively, first aid support and training opportunities for our members to continue and refresh their knowledge and skills.
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