Last Saturday marked a significant milestone for the QA Surf Lifesaving CAS program, with our latest group of students successfully completing their Surf Life Saving assessments and achieving either their Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate.
Delivered in partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland and Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club, the assessment was conducted at Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club in amazing surf conditions. Students were assessed on surf awareness, run/swim/run, signals, board and tube rescues, patient assessment, radio operation, spinal board and CPR.
These nationally recognised qualifications enable students to patrol as active members of a surf lifesaving team. There is also enormous upside to being part of Australia's largest volunteer network, with a vital role in keeping the public safe on our Gold Coast Beaches.
We extend our congratulations to the following newly qualified members:
- Baileigh Blatch
- Sienna Kim
- Finn Reynolds
- Justine Vu
- Matthew Voorhoeve
- Jonathan Wang
- Lorraine Wong
Several of these students are already rostered to commence patrol duties from this coming weekend, stepping directly into service for the Gold Coast community.
This achievement reflects months of preparation through the QA Surf Lifesavers CAS program. Our qualified members will continue developing their skills through Friday afternoon training sessions at Mermaid Beach and ongoing CPR refreshers on campus.
Importantly, qualification is just the beginning. Students now have further opportunities to upskill and engage in additional courses offered through the club and Surf Life Saving Queensland, including IRB Crew, Jet Ski operations, Drone operations, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, First Aid and many other specialist pathways.
Sharing the QA Surf Lifesavers Story
Recently, I was invited by Surf Life Saving Queensland to feature on their Successful Surf Club Series Podcast, sharing the story of the partnership between QAHS and Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club.
Our community can view the episode and learn more about this collaboration via the following links:
Successful Surf Club Series Podcast (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ohfARmdofc
Direct link via the SLSQ website:
https://lifesaving.com.au/sscs
If you missed last season's feature video showcasing the QA Surf Lifesavers in action, it is available here:
https://lifesaving.com.au/mermaid-beach-aeme-slsc-x-queensland-academies
These features highlight the strength of our school's CAS program and is one of many genuine leadership and service opportunities available to our students.
Red and Yellow Day at QAHS
On Wednesday 4th March, QAHS will join schools and communities across Australia in recognising Red and Yellow Day.
Red and Yellow Day is a national initiative that celebrates the volunteer lifesavers who keep our beaches safe and promotes important beach and water safety messages. You can learn more about the campaign here:
https://redandyellowday.org.au/
At QAHS, our Surf Lifesaving Captains will lead a series of exciting lunchtime activations in the Green Heart. The event will celebrate the volunteer community within Surf Life Saving while raising awareness about beach and water safety.
Students and staff can expect:
- A CPR Challenge on the big screen, supported by six new CPR manikins
- Beach flags competitions
- A rowing challenge
- Interactive safety messaging focused on beach and water awareness
Students are invited to wear a red or yellow accessory on the day to show their support. Please note, this is not a Free Dress Day event and full school uniform is required.
Supporting the Nippers – Community Car Wash
Does your car need a long overdue wash?
On Sunday 8 March, our QA Surf Lifesaving members will be assisting at a community car wash at Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club, raising funds for the Nippers and Youth Programs at the club. Our team will be there from 9.00am to 12.00pm.
This initiative reflects our commitment to giving back to the club that has supported the QA Surf Lifesaving program over the past five seasons. The Nippers and youth programs play a vital role in developing the next generation of lifesavers, building surf skills, confidence and community connection from an early age.
If you are in the area on Sunday morning, we encourage you to drop by and support the fundraiser.
Lastly, sincerely thank the entire QAHS Surf Lifesaving team and families for their continued support of this initiative and for the many volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to mentor and guide our students. A special mention to Mrs Carolyn Hudson who for her generosity in co-leading this initiative.
We look forward to continuing to deliver this unique opportunity for the QAHS community.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect