Surf club raises flags and launches boat for new season

Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club has raised its flags in a ceremony marking the start of the Surf Life Saving season.

The multi-faceted ceremony was held on Saturday, September 26, which also included the launch of a new inflatable rescue boat and the announcement of a sponsorship arrangement.

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch attended the ceremony, where Aunty Robyn Reid from Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation gave a Welcome to Country.

Indigenous and Australian flags were raised along with the club's flags.

Three young club members performed a practice open-water rescue to "christen" the club's new rescue boat: driver Jasmine Rybie and crew Liam Drake, and eight-year-old Henry Tame.

Club rookies Ollie Tucker and Thomas Callaghan presented Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank chairman Mr Mick Gage and branch manager Mr Peter McKeon with an Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving paddle-head in appreciation of the bank's sponsorship.

Club president Mr Dean Slattery ended the ceremony by presenting Ollie Tucker with his Central Coast Surf Lifesaving Rookie of the Year award.

Club director Mr Mick Cairnes noted that, in the 98 years of the club's existence, a life had not been lost in the waters off Ocean Beach.

SOURCE:

Media release, 18 Sep 2020

Mick Cairnes, Ocean Beach SLSC