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Smiles all round as competitors hit the beach for the opening surf lifesaving carnival of the season Archie Towe, Joel Dixon, Lander Doolan, Samuel Lardi, Jimmy Felan, Eli Dixon, Owen Ruthos, Ronnie - Photo Credit Sian Bantock
South Mission Beach was bursting with community spirit as Surf Life Savers kicked off their first carnival of the season.
Dunk Island was the perfect backdrop with bright blue skies and a gentle breeze; the stage was set for some friendly competition.
Around 170 Lifesavers took part in the carnival, hailing from five clubs between Mission Beach and Port Douglas. From nippers to masters, participants donned their team colours to compete in beach and water activities, showcasing the very best of their skills.
Camaraderie, resilience and team spirit were displayed in abundance across the two-day event, which showcased how integral Surf Life Savers are to their communities.
South Mission Beach was a hive of activity on Saturday, 18 July as 170 competitors from five Surf Life Saving clubs between Mission Beach and Port Douglas gathered for the first carnival of the season. With bright blue skies and the sun shining, Dunk Island framed the course and highlighted what a unique carnival this was set to be.
North Queensland Branch President Fiona Grant thought Mission Beach was the perfect place to kick-start the season.
“Mission Beach has one of the best beaches in the area and we tend to have it as our first carnival, conditions are always beautiful,” Ms Grant said.
The two-day carnival featured a variety of challenges, during which Surf Life Savers from different clubs competed against one another. Competitors of different age categories - from Nippers up to Masters in their 70s - put their fitness to the test, demonstratingtheir skills in beach and water-based activities.
Irene Knight, President of the Port Douglas Club, won the Female Mass Board Race - a high-intensity event which sees competitors line up on the water’s edge with rescue boards, run through the surf, paddle around a set of buoys and race back to the beach.
“It was a bit of a long range and it’s the first carnival of the season so we’re still a bit rough around the edges but otherwise that was beautiful,” Ms Knight said.
“The sport was born out of making sure our lifesavers are fit and we’ve got the fitness and skills to actually rescue someone… and are ready to take action whenever we need to.”
Beyond friendly competition, Ms Grant said the carnival highlighted a strong sense of community and connection within the Surf Life Saving clubs.
“It’s camaraderie, Surf Life Saving is really being part of a family. We all know each other and it’s a way of celebrating what we do,” she said.
“By joining [the surf lifesavers] you instantly have friends all around Australia, within any club wherever you go. You knock on the door and can join in with their training. It’s just one big community,” added Ms Knight.
The event reinforced how valuable Surf Life Savers are to local communities. If you come across them patrolling the beaches, be sure to thank them for the work they do.
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