More visitors to the area this summer saw a busier than normal patrolling season.

The number of rescues increased significantly, as well as more out of hours emergency call outs than in the past five seasons.

Volunteer lifesavers were busy right up until the last day of the season on ANZAC Day.

The club's 101st season saw members involved in all facets of the surf life saving movement, especially training and development.

Two Sundays ago saw assessments of three new Bronze Medallion members and three Surf Rescue Certificate members, who will join the patrolling ranks for the 2021/22 season.

Current members also upskilled, gaining their IRB Crew and IRB Drivers awards.

All surf life saving clubs across Australia celebrated 40 years since female members were able to gain their Bronze Medallion and the importance of women within the organisation.

This was no different with two females gaining their IRB Crew awards this season, Alys Farley and Georgia Gaddes and three females gaining their IRB Drivers award, Bobbie Brenton, Erin Cook and Brienna Elford.

Chief Training Officer, Ian Everingham, was very proud of the training candidates.

"The girls spent many hours over the season gaining experience and increasing their crewing and driving skills in various conditions," he said.

"It is fantastic to see these female members being recognised for gaining these specialised awards."

Youth Club member Georgia Gaddes, was selected to attend the inaugural Youth Lifesaving Development Camp, held on Sydney Northern Beaches.

The week long camp provided opportunities to gain education awards, meet other youth from around the state and engage in first aid training and scenarios.

Miss Gaddes is an ambassador for young members within the organisation and enjoyed her time in Sydney.

"I learnt so much from the camp that I can bring back to my club," she said.

"It has shown me there are many career opportunities and pathways just through being a surf life saving volunteer."

Club Life Members, Bruce Caldwell and Rod McDonagh, were recognised for their contribution to surf sports officiating at the annual Australian Championships held on the Sunshine Coast.

Both men were recognised with Officiating Long Service Awards, for 50 years and 30 years respectively and still officiate at various levels of competition from local carnivals through to World Surf Life Saving Championships.

They were both very humbled by the recognition.

"It has been good to see many of our volunteers across the Mid North Coast finish the season on a positive note," Mr McDonagh, President of the South West Rocks Club and Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast, said.

"There have been some rough patches during the summer, including search and rescue operations and volunteers assisting with the recent flood event."

Even though it is the off season, there are two major events that will be held at South West Rocks in July.

The Surf Life Saving New South Wales IRB Championships will be on main beach from Friday July 9 to Sunday July 11 and a 50 Year Reunion for Country Surf Life Saving Branches from Friday July 15 to Sunday July 17.

Contact the club for more details www.swrslsc.com.au

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