Surf lifesavers at a Gold Coast beach have undergone intensive fitness training to keep them prepared for any emergency situation that arises.
On a dreary and wet Saturday morning at the Tallebudgera Creek beach, 25 lifeguards from the Tallebudgera Creek Surf Life Saving Club got ready for a gruelling morning of activities.
Maintaining optimum fitness ensures they are ready for any task.
Senior lifeguard, Mitch Yates, said the activities simulate their expected duties when they are on the beach.
"That includes our fitness testing, board and rescue tube, [regular] rescues, jet ski rescues and a few first aid scenarios," he said.
Surf lifesavers across Queensland are kept on their toes, as they are required undergo the training regime three times a year.
"It gives a very little chance of slacking off, and it keeps everyone honest and in peak physical condition to be able to complete rescues," Mr Yates said.
"We do get a lot of first aid and complex scenarios that require a lot of thinking and knowledge."
Their calling
For lifesaver Samuel Dick, surf lifesaving was a passion that started when he was four years old.
"My parents took me to the Currumbin Surf Club, and I started Nippers there," he said.
Mr Dick been a surf lifesaver for 17 years, with six of those as a professional lifeguard.
He was keen to help people and to educate them about the dangers of being in the surf.
"It's a great place to work … we're in a really unique position on the Gold Coast," he said.
"We have that opportunity as lifeguards to help [beachgoers] out."
The profession attracts people from all ages — from teenagers at 18 to seasoned veterans who are over 50.
Harrison Tucker, 20, is just starting his career as a professional lifeguard.
"I love it … it's been great," he said.
"You get to help people, which is awesome, and you get to work with some amazing people."
Mr Tucker encourages young Nippers who want to follow his path to keep up with their training.
"Keep your swimming and board skills up … and try to get as much knowledge from the older members of the surf club," he said.
Returning to a 'new normal'
Mr Yates said surf lifesavers still had a lot of training work to do during the coronavirus pandemic, despite the beaches being closed.
"People were still visiting the beach," he said.
"It was obvious we had to keep up that training."
With the restrictions easing, maintaining their fitness became easier and he hoped things would go back to normal.
"It's good to see everyone returning to the beach … the population is increasing again so that's keeping us nice and busy," Mr Yates said.
Gold Coast beaches progressively reopened from April 20, after a 13-day shutdown period.
