This event recognises the contribution of local life savers who volunteer their time over the summer season, with a firm focus on keeping our beach goers safe.

Member for Oxley, Minister for Roads and Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey,who is a great supporter of surf life saving, was on hand to assist with the proceedings.

“The eight clubs that make up the Mid North Coast Branch save countless lives every season, as well as providing our young children with a taste of service and fun as part of an important family that keeps our community safe,” Ms Pavey said.

Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch President Rod McDonagh welcomed fellow life savers and club Presidents to the annual event and thanked them for their ongoing contribution to the safety of the community and volunteering. He congratulated them on being part of a great organisation.

Mr McDonagh also thanked the Branch’s major sponsor, Newcastle Permanent Building Society, for their ongoing support of the surf life saving movement.

Ken Parish, Hat Head Surf Life Saving Club President, was proud to have this even held at his local beach.

“It was great for Hat Head to be able to host this event, although we are only a small club we have a high standard of patrols and always embrace the life saving movement,” Mr Parish said.

The Mid North Coast Branch consists of eight surf life saving clubs extending from Macksville-Scotts Head in the north to Camden Haven in the south. During the 2017/2018 season there was 21,408 patrol hours carried out by active members, 214 rescues, 405 first aid treatments and 4213 preventative actions.

Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast not only operates between the flags, but also provide a 24/7 emergency response capability with on-call Duty Officers and Call-

Our teams from local clubs who are supported by regular Jet-Ski patrols along the entire coastline.

Volunteer patrols are made up of people with different skill sets who all have a passion for helping people and providing surf education and awareness. Clubs within the Mid North Coast Branch will be facilitating education courses ranging from Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue Certificates, Radio Operators Certificate, First Aid Certificate and Advanced Resuscitation Certificate.

For more information, contact your local club or visit slsmnc.com.au.

Also making the news: