PORT Macquarie Surf Club secretary Bill Amy loves being in and around the water.
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He’s been associated with the club for a period of time bordering on 30 years along with club president Rick Rolff who has been involved for 45 years.
“I originally ran into Rick down on the beach one day,” Amy said.
“I hadn’t been in town for long – probably only 18 months – and found joining a surf club was a good way to meet people.”
Amy said there were many benefits of joining a surf club.
“It’s a way of giving back to the community,” he said.
“We’ve grabbed a few people out of the water over our time who wouldn’t be walking or talking without our help.”
On October 16 surf clubs will open their doors to the public holding rescue demonstrations, equipment displays, nipper sign-ups, info sessions and barbecues as part of a state wide effort to get local communities more engaged.
We’ve grabbed a few people out of the water over our time who wouldn’t be walking or talking without us.
- Secretary Bill Amy
Mid North Coast Branch President Rod McDonagh is proud of the work his members have done.
"The clubs have been working round the clock to have everything ready to be on show for the public,” he said.
“Everyone should come past and see what Surf Life Saving is about as it's much more than just wearing the red and yellow uniform.
"There are literally hundreds of volunteer roles to choose from. This includes everything from education, to radio communications, administration and fundraising, or managing a team of competitors at a surf carnival," McDonagh said.
The season started four weekends ago and surf clubs on the Mid North Coast have been building their membership, but there is always room for more. The open day provides a chance to highlight to aspiring members the benefits of being involved with surf lifesaving.
“Last season our branch had over 2,300 members but we're always looking to grow the number of surf lifesavers on the Mid North Coast.
"It’s all about meeting new people, being a part of the community, giving something back and helping out when someone is in trouble or in need of aid in the water or on the sand," McDonagh said.
McDonagh and Mid North Coast members invite you to come down to your local surf club and enjoy what Surf Life Saving has to offer.
Federal member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker will officially open the upgraded clubhouse and veranda extension at 10.30am.
