Volunteer training for disabled surfing

The Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association will hold a free volunteer training session at Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club on November 17.

The association is running the session to encourage Peninsula locals to become volunteers for the association's regular events over the summer.

The training session will start at 9am and attendees are asked to arrive by 8:45am for sign in.

"Attending a training session will provide volunteers with valuable information and insight into how the association helps participants enjoy the experience that abled-bodied people often take for granted," said association president Ms Rae Fietcher.

A session in the water will follow the theory session.

Attendees do not need to know how to surf but are expected to be competent in the water and are encouraged to bring their own wetsuits.

A training manual and a rash shirt will be provided to attendees on the day.

Ms Fletcher said that the Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association was a volunteer organisation that enabled people of all ages and abilities to take part in surfing.

A ratio of between six and 30 volunteers to every participant ratio was maintained to provide a unique, safe and enjoyable surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities who would otherwise be unable to access the beach, she said.

The session is free but places are limited and anyone interested should contact the Association to book a place.

The association hopes that attendees will sign on to volunteer at the Smiles on Dials Day at Umina Beach on December 1.

SOURCE:

Media release, 10 Oct 2018

Rae Fietcher, Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association