08/01/2026
Keeping our community safe goes far beyond the shoreline.
On Saturday afternoon, our lifesavers were called to not one, but three separate incidents. In the space of just 30 minutes, they responded to a stingray barb to the foot, a woman found unconscious in the park, and a fight resulting in a serious head wound.
These incidents required coordination with three ambulances, two police cars, and the management of concerned members of the public, all while patrols continued to actively monitor and protect the beach on a busy day.
Days like this are a powerful reminder that lifesavers do so much more than just rescues in the water. From advanced first aid and emergency responses to crowd management and critical decision-making, our team is always ready when it matters most. Patrol Captain Steve Ward noted that the training he received through Surf Lifesaving and the Patrol Captains course made him feel confident and comfortable in managing these fast-moving, complex incidents.
Thank you, Patrol Captain Steve, first aiders Danny and Stuart, and the whole of Patrol Group 11, for your outstanding effort and professionalism. Thank you also to Charlie Wagner and Alastair McConnell, who weren’t on patrol but immediately stepped in when extra support was needed, and to Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Lifesaving and SurfCom for backing up our team to ensure the beach could remain open.
Whether on the sand, in the surf, or beyond the beach, our surf lifesavers are highly trained and always standing ready to protect our community when it needs them most
——————————————————————————-
