Dear fellow Lifesavers
Again we see our lives, our livelihoods, our lifestyles and our families and friends affected by this terrible COVID emergency with state-wide restrictions and an extended lockdown in Greater Sydney.
No one is immune to the ripple effects of the current situation. We are all affected by the uncertainty, psychological impacts and financial and social strains.
It’s times like this, as lifesavers, that we can call on who we are, what we love and draw strength that we are part of a broader extended family and support network in Surf Life Saving.
We can all make a positive impact within our own clubs. Check up on your fellow club members as just a simple phone call can, and will, make all the difference for some people. Professional support is available through Lifeline, Men’s Helpline and Kids Helpline and we encourage you to reach out if you are feeling isolated, stressed or concerned during this time.
While we are still in the grips of a chilly winter, summer is just around the corner and this is something that as lifesavers, we can look forward to and embrace again soon.
The thought of getting out on patrol, training and competing, in the sun and fresh air is something that I and all my lifesaving friends and colleagues can’t wait to do again. For many of us the beach is our happy place, so if looking forward to summer helps get you through these tough times, then that’s great.
For us, season preparations have not stopped and the team here are working continuously to ensure we have as much updated information relating to patrolling arrangements in the lead-up to patrols kicking off in September so that everyone is set and ready to go. We will share this as soon as we have some firm direction from the government to ensure we can comply with any revised Health Orders leading into this period. In the meantime, if you have questions please reach out to the team at Surf Life Saving NSW.
I want to sincerely thank all those members who have, and are, continuing to respond to coastal incidents and emergencies as part of club callout and Support Operations teams. You continue to demonstrate how important our volunteers are to protecting and saving lives at any time of the year.
On behalf of the SLSNSW Board and staff, please stay strong, stay safe and do what you can to support each other to stay mentally and physically healthy. We will get through this together and we will be back on the beaches in no time.
For information or support, contact:
- Men’s Helpline 1800 041 612
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline 13 11 14
Monday 26 July 2021