Alyssa Norris had just wrapped up a day at TAFE when we spoke to her. She’s about to finish her electrical apprenticeship and she’s so excited for the new season to start this weekend.
The 21-year-old Windang SLSC member has taken over the Rookie program from her mum. She proudly compliments her as a legend in the club, but Alyssa has ideas and goals of her own, too. She’s got big plans for the kids who transition from Nippers to patrols and has seen the difference a program makes, especially for kids who don’t have the parental involvement in the club that she had.
Alyssa can’t remember the first time she went to the surf club – she was a baby, that much is for sure. It was likely on patrol with her parents, Kay and Jayson, who are both now life members of the club and continue to be her biggest inspiration.
“The effort from both my parents in their lifetime has been amazing,” she boasted.
“Mum won the first ever female IRB race when women were allowed to compete and she was the second woman to get RWC qualified in the Illawarra. She’s been Lifesaver of the Year twice too!
“Dad first joined in 1986 to do his Bronze Medallion and has been 100% attendance every single year for what’s coming up to his 39th patrolling season, what an absolute powerhouse.”
Alyssa couldn’t begin to express the amount of gratitude she has towards her parents for bringing her up in the community club with a community-minded attitude to life.
“People say I got the best of both my parents and especially their passion for Surf Life Saving,” she said.
So what’s in store for the Rookies in the class of 2024-25? Alyssa says she’s been busy building a network within the wider Surf Life Saving community to help support her ideas, and already has some big events on the calendar.
“This season we’re collaborating with Bellambi SLSC and other clubs to boost skills in first aid and we’ll be running an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. We have made some really great partnerships over the last year and are looking forward to taking this year’s rookies to New Zealand as a first for the club,” she said of the program for 12–14-year-olds.
As well as the activities, the rookies train for and complete their SRC or Bronze Medallion with the support and guidance of Alyssa and the club.
“We have a great support system to keep them learning and growing, we want to keep them involved. They’re part of a rookie patrol to keep the group together and as they get to know the club, we begin to integrate them into other patrols to help them make more friends and open up even more opportunities,” she said.
Alyssa emphasised that joining the club or the rookie program doesn’t mean you need to be an excellent swimmer, nor have family already in the club.
“When I was younger, I was terrified of the waves, I wouldn’t even go past my knees… and it took me a few goes to get passed in the board rescue. But there’s a place and a job for everyone,” she said.
“My grandmother was club secretary and has always been in the background of the club’s operations but was never a patrol member, but I know how much relief she gave others by taking on that role.”
As for not having any family involved, she said you find yourself in the most amazing support system with so many people ready to help.
“In any size club you will find support. At Windang, I’ve been especially lucky. The club has helped me reach any goal and my amazing group of friends have all come from the greater Surf Life Saving organisation.”
She has seen the impact it all makes on others too, having watched a younger girl who was bullied at school complete her Bronze Medallion and come to life with new skills, friends, and confidence.
She also notes the people her mum taught and mentored from the rookie program over the last 20 years who are still active patrol members.
Alyssa is a firm believer that the more you put in, the more you get out and that every opportunity is for the taking.
Whether you’re interested in joining a club for the first time, or want to try something new within your club this season, all NSW clubs are open for registration now. From five to 95, there’s something for everyone.
The new season starts Saturday 28 September. Find your local club and join the family.
Thursday 26 September 2024
