Shake off your wipeout worries in Australia

February 13, 2012

It kind of goes without saying that if you take a locum assignment in Australia, you have to at least attempt to surf. But if you're a first-timer or just a bit nervous about treading the waters; the country's got you covered.

With just under 159,000 surf lifesavers residing on the land. Surf Life Saving, Australia's official drowning prevention, water safety and rescue authority, has saved over 600,000 lives since their start in 1907. The nonprofit organization is an active part of local communities and provides friendship, education and experience for all volunteers who join. Above all else, though, the club gives members the chance to save a human life.

"I've done a fair bit," explained one Ormiston surf lifesaver, John Brennan, to The Redland Times. "But nothing gives you as much satisfaction as saving a life."

In one year alone, the surf and swim experts completed 12,042 rescues, but that's not all these aquatic superheroes do. Together, the trained lifesavers spend over 1.3 million hours a year patrolling beaches, pools and coastlines. During this time, they provide emergency care to about 35,000 people and give safety advice to more than 600,000 others. So the next time you're hesitant about taking that surfboard out for a spin, scan the beach and you'll be sure to spot a handful of lifesavers watching your every move.

 

• Learn the spiritual history of Western Australia's Beagle Bay
• Take a trip to the moon in Australia
• Queensland's Airlie Beach: Australia's entertainment scene