NORTH Haven Beach was awash with pink on Sunday, 1 March as the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) paid tribute to 45 years of women in surf lifesaving.
It wasn’t until 1980 that women were permitted to be official full members of surf life saving clubs in Australia.
Today females make up 48 percent of the Camden Head SLSC membership and the majority of the club’s executive committee.
“Women proudly represent our Club in leadership and operational roles – from President, Vice President, Finance, Training, Administration and Junior Activities, through to patrol captains, IRB drivers and crew, jet ski operators, ECOT members, ART-qualified lifesavers, surf sports officials, education officers, BBQ and bar volunteers and more,” the club said in a statement.
“We are especially grateful to the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and grandmothers who support our patrolling members each season – your contribution is just as vital.
“Congratulations to our female Life Members, Patrol Captains, Age Managers, and every woman who gives their time, skills and heart to our Club.”
One of the club’s tireless female leaders is Director of Administration Nicole Crowe, who paid tribute to the ongoing contributions of her volunteer colleagues.
We’re a small club, and we’re proud to have had so many women involved over the years,” she said.
“We all love what we do; I started in Nippers and this is such a huge part of my life I really think I’d be lost without it.”
Surf boat crew take bronze
In a major win for the club’s female members, this season has seen the launch of a competitive women’s surf boat crew for the first time in 20 years.
Last week the crew achieved its primary goal of participation at the Surf Life Saving NSW State Championship.
Held on 27 February at Swansea Belmont SLSC, the crew of Karen Bell, Susie Bell, Mel Sanbrook, Cassie Pensini, Brooke Burgess and sweep Peter Bagnall tackled extremely challenging surf conditions to take home a bronze medal.
In a statement to social media, the club said it was “proud as punch”.
“What a year, what a crew,” it said.
“Thanks to Pete [Bagnall] for making this happen and pushing the crew out of their comfort zones.”
The Camden Haven team rowed in a boat that was originally used by Collaroy SLSC and named “Bruiser” in honour of life member Graeme Bruce.
By Rachael THORPE
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