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When considering surf lifesaving, you think of red and yellow, rescues and Bondi Beach. What you may not think of is that every Sunday morning, thousands of kids aged 5 to 15 are on the beach learning beach safety, rescue, teamwork, and first aid. You may also not know that out of those thousands of kids, hundreds compete nationwide at Surf Carnivals.
Some competing clubs have hundreds of members, and some do not quite push a hundred members. But what small clubs lack in numbers, they make up in sure grit and determination.
One such club is Moore Park SLSC, which has 150 active members, 27 volunteer patrol members, and 29 nippers. This little club, 20 minutes from Bundaberg, embodies the meaning of Surf Lifesaving. The whole club puts in, and the kids benefit from it. Indeed, a few are making quite a splash regarding competition.
North Aussies, a carnival held at Makay every year in October, was a stellar way to kick off the 2023-2024 competitive season. Twenty-three clubs from Port Douglas to the Sunshine Coast converged on Harbour Beach with hundreds of competitors. Moore Park SLSC had been missing in action at this competition for 12 years.
Isaac Figallo and Finley Fleming bucked the trend in 2023.
Despite the rough conditions in the water, the boys have it their all in the disciplines Of Board Race & Surf Rescue (Swim), finishing in the top 10-20. Finley competed in Beach Sprints and Flags, progressing through to the semifinals.
Due to the worsening water conditions, the Board Rescue event was cancelled. This was unfortunate because it was an event favoured by Finley and he missed the chance to progress to the finals.
Fortunately, Finley had a loud voice, which he was able to put to good use by cheering Isaac. Isaac’s cheer squad also consisted of Isaac’s dad, Finley’s dad and the team manager, who is also his mum!
Isaak bought home the SILVER medal in Male Sprints (under 12). But it was not the sprints that Isaac focused on. His pet event has always been the Beach Flags. To say he is good would be an understatement because he is REALLY good!
Issac made it look too easy, taking out the GOLD medal in under 12 Male Beach Flags.
Well done!
Finley’s, goal is a career with Surf Lifesaving – to don the Red and Yellow. To teach kids the importance of beach safety and also help them reach for the stars, whatever that may be.
Isaac dreams of becoming a lifeguard as he tries to break into the NRL. He wants to use NRL to encourage kids to play sports and become part of something special and worthwhile – like joining a surf club.