The Annual General Meeting of Yamba Surf Life Saving Club held recently saw only minor changes to the Board and Committees that have steered the club successfully over the past 12 months. Joe Dougherty was re-elected unopposed for his eighth term as Board Chairman and reflected on the past season which provided significant challenges including Covid restrictions and the ongoing severe disruptions to club activities created by the closure of road and pedestrian access to Main Beach.
Additional members of the Club Board all elected unopposed at the AGM are Chris Moran (Deputy Chair), Tim Small (Finance), Leah Essex (Administration), Frankie Aird (Lifesaving), Jill Ennever (Education), Jim Dougherty (Surf Sports), Kim McFarlane (Clubhouse) and James Forbes (Junior Activities).
A feature of the AGM was the awarding of Life Membership to two long term club members. Former Lifesaving Director, James Ryan was made a Life Member while Cathy Dougherty was awarded Associate Life Membership. The long and varied service within the club by both members was recognised with the granting of these special awards.
The new 2022/23 season is already gaining momentum with training of new Bronze Medallion candidates underway, as well as assessments of IRB crew and drivers who have been in training throughout the winter months.
The club is always keen to encourage new members to come along and join the volunteer patrolling ranks – anyone interested in becoming a patrolling member or updating their skills should contact the club office on 6646 2463 during office hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings to be included in the new training groups that will form through the season.
Director of Life Saving, Frankie Aird is in the process of finalising the volunteer patrol roster for the season which begins on Saturday September 24. The first Skills Maintenance Day (Proficiency) for all patrolling members and water safety helpers will take place on Sunday September 11, ensuring that patrolling members are up to date with the skills required in helping to save lives on Main Beach this summer. This is mandatory for all lifesavers at the start of each season.
Nippers board training for existing financial members is getting underway on Sunday mornings at 8am as well as some midweek training. Any enquiries should be directed to Director, James Forbes – nippers@yambaslsc.org.au.
The full Nipper season will commence with Proficiency Days in mid-September followed by Sunday morning activities from the beginning of October.
Memberships for the new season are now due and should be completed as soon as possible. This can be done online through the Members Area – members.sls.com.au. All fees remain the same as last season.
Yamba Surf Club is proud of its great tradition of service to the community and looks forward to maintaining the traditions of training lifesavers for the future and providing volunteer lifesavers on Yamba’s Main Beach during the forthcoming patrol season. Any club enquiries can be made to office@yambaslsc.org.au