Surf club takes on RUOK Day message

Killcare Surf Life Saving Club is urging the community to take on board the message of RUOK Day, which was held on September 12.

"One of the great things about belonging to a club like Killcare is that you are surrounded by people who care," said club information officer Mr Craig Sheppard.

"The very nature of people who put up their hand to train, qualify and then pay money for the privilege of giving up hours and hours of their favourite season to put themselves in danger to pull people out of harms way, means that there's plenty of people you can talk to if you're struggling.

"Tragically, we have lost club members to suicide in the past and we never want it to happen again.

"If you are feeling up against it on any front, please know we're here to help.

"You can talk to any of the club hierarchy or simply put up your hand to someone you know and trust.

"It can be hard to ask for help, but please ask.

"On the other side of the coin, we spend relatively short but intense periods with each other, whether it's your patrol, Nippers, committee meetings, comps, the list goes on.

"The simplest of questions - are you ok? - can be the start of a journey out of the mire for someone.

"Ask it.

"This is also an appropriate place to reiterate that the club has zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination of any kind for any reason.

"Everyone is welcome at Killy no matter your race, gender, religion, sexuality or anything else that makes you, you.

"If you see it or are experiencing it at any level, from our youngest nippers to our most senior ranks, we want to know.

"We have a formal grievance procedure in place or you can simply tell someone you trust and rest assured it will be dealt with appropriately.

"We're not just about helping strangers in the water, we're here to help and support our clubmates.

"If you feel caught in one of life's rips, put up your hand and we'll come and get you.

"If you spot someone who's been 'out the back' longer than you think they can handle, ask if they're ok," Mr Sheppard said.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 12 Sep 2019

Craig Sheppard, Killcare SLSC