Rookie lifesavers hit the surf at Terrigal Beach to test their skills

Thursday, 18 January, 2018

More than 90 rookie lifesavers aged between 13 and 15 years hit the surf at Terrigal Beach last weekend to test their skills in the annual Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Rookie Lifesaver Challenge.

The event forms part of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Rookie Lifesaver Program, which includes more than 450 junior lifesavers aged between 13 and 15 years. The program participants provide assistance to the 15 Central Coast surf lifesaving clubs’ beach patrols.  

The Rookie Lifesaver Challenge is designed around life-saving scenarios that the juniors could be expected to face while on patrol. Rookies also participate in theory exams and knowledge about the flag signals used on patrolling duties and are mentored by senior lifesavers.

The event this year was made possible by a $33,550 grant from the Foundation. The grant funds were used to outfit, develop and reward young Rookie lifesavers from the 15 Central Coast surf clubs.

SLSCC CEO Chris Parker said the unique program could not be run without the grant money from the Foundation.  

"The program is a vital platform for Surf Life Saving Central Coast to retain and develop young lifesavers to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the organisation," Mr Parker said. 

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Phil Neat said it was a privilege to support such a meaningful program. 

"This year marks the third year that the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has been a supporter of Surf Life Saving Central Coast. Surf Life Saving plays such a huge role within our coastal communities. The Rookie Lifesaver Program has proved that it not only engages young lifesavers, who come from a variety of backgrounds, but it also teaches them life skills to enable them to become good community citizens."