Surf lifesavers are safeguarding the region’s beaches, and they’re becoming a vital source of employment for community clubs.
Finding and retaining hospitality staff – particularly during holiday periods – has become a challenge for many organisations.
Surf lifesaving supporters’ clubs, which raise funds to keep our beaches safe, have found a home-grown solution.
The answer lies in the volunteer army sitting right between the famous red and yellow flags on weekends and public holidays.
From the beach to the bistro and saving to serving, an increasing number of patrolling members are being recruited and taking up paid jobs “upstairs” in bar, reception, kitchen and wait roles.
Dicky Beach Surf Club general manager Natalie Bell said the refreshing new-wave workforce had been a huge success on many levels.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
“Finding staff has become such a headache, attracting lifesavers has saved us,” she said.
“We now have 25 per cent of our team who are patrolling members and they include a number of surf sports competitors like ironmen, surfboat rowers and board and ski paddlers.
“They are fit, focused and loyal and a wonderful face for our club when it comes to the public, who can see the direct connection to lifesaving and what we are all about as a supporters club.”
Ms Bell said as well as boosting patronage, the move had also helped many young people gain valuable skills and earn money to support their sporting pursuits or university studies.
She said some had looked to carve a career in hospitality as apprentice chefs.
“Most are young people and it’s their first working experience so it’s great that this first experience is a very positive one … they are in an environment that is well known to them.
“It’s their club, just a different part of it. Some have been here since nippers.”
Other benefits have been an increase in team spirit and higher motivation levels among non-lifesaver staff.
“Having the lifesavers around reminds everyone what we are doing, it educates the rest of the workers in why we exist,” she said.
“We’re raising money that helps fund equipment, run programs, supports volunteers and saves lives.”
Among the lifesavers who are enjoying serving patrons and gaining hospitality skills at Dicky Beach Surf Club are Mia Warner, 15, who has been with the club since she was a nipper, and Cooper Bessell, 18, who is also an ironman competitor and patrol vice-captain.
Further up the Sunshine Coast, Alex Surf Club is a trailblazer in employing members from within the lifesaving ranks.
The prominent CEO who has driven the club’s growth for 14 years, Ashley Robinson, said the club had 20 lifesavers currently on its books.
“It creates a very real experience for customers having active lifesavers on staff,” he said.
“For the workers, it’s a supportive one as we understand the need for roster flexibility around training and competition schedules.
“It goes without saying they understand teamwork and processes and they are very motivated.”
Patrons at Alex have had the honour of being served by Olympic kayaker Alyssa Bull, as well as Nutri-Grain ironwoman Emma Woods and champion swimmer Lani Pallister, to name a few.
“More clubs are employing lifesavers and as far as I’m concerned it’s a win-win,” Mr Robinson said.
dent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
