PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
I am very proud on behalf of the Club to say “no lives lost” for
Bondi this year.
Our Patrols had 380 rescues during patrol hours, which takes our
total rescue count to 28,205 since 1924. I thank Simon Smith and
his team for developing an excellent management structure for
our growing lifesaving capability. Our patrols were strong with
most patrols with over 30 lifesavers and many patrols having
multiple IRB drivers and crew. Patrol leadership from Captains
was at a level that I believe is our best in my memory; with skills
development, concern for Member safety, modifying numbers
based on risk and weather, and keeping morale high. We were
also proud to see Thomas Hough recognised as Branch Lifesaver
of the Year and Jack Castles as Junior Lifesaver of the Year. For the
fifth year, Alex MacLaughlin led the IRB section providing strong
and capable support to the patrols, Nippers, water safety and
many other Club activities. She leaves the role this year with my
thanks for building up this section.
Mason Kemeny and the Education team had all systems
running smoothly with significant numbers of Trainers for each
group which led to 120 Bronze Medallion new holders. Since
its foundation, the Club has trained 4,188 bronze holders. In
addition, the section ran a large number of ART and First Aid
update programs delivering a higher skill level. Thanks to Ronny
Krite and the IRB training team we gained ten new Drivers and 36
Crew Awards - a record level in Club history.
Dori Miller and her team delivered a seventh consecutive Masters
win at the Australian Titles - this is one of the most consistent
records of all time and recognises the countless hours she
and Nick Nezval put into team development. Dori also ran the
Bondi Blue Water Classic with many helpers - this had perfect
conditions and provided vital funds for the competition team.
The Stan Mac stayed at Bondi after a close race where the lead
changed many times, and we thank North Bondi for hosting this
important event. Nixy Krite has been building our IRB competitor
team for this year’s competition and that has also seen the
rescue of many beachgoers out of hours, including a Branch
Rescue of the Month.
Liz Webb and her team again grew the Junior Activities program
- with 29 new SRCs entering patrols, the culmination of a process
that delivers amazing lifesavers. Our Junior Members have
Brent Jackson
President
BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB