Lifesaving patrols commence at Alkimos Beach

Western Australia’s 31st and newest surf life saving club has grown so fast that they have kicked off their first season of volunteer beach patrols this year.

Alkimos Surf Life Saving Club opened its doors to volunteers in 2017 and is the State’s fastest growing, with more than 320 members. It currently operates out of a purpose built temporary facility provided by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) community partners Lendlease and LandCorp and will deliver volunteer lifesaver patrol services every Sunday morning from 8am – 11 am through until the 24th March 2019.

Alkimos Surf Life Saving Club President Garry Bunford said the new patrols were the result of 18 months’ hard work by the newly formed club’s members.

“It is a testament to the members that our club has been able to build capacity in such a short time to enable us to deliver a beach patrol service for the local community and beachgoers” said Mr Bunford.

These volunteer patrols will complement the existing roving lifeguard patrol service delivered by SLSWA under contract to the City of Wanneroo.

Alkimos Surf Life Saving Club is also delivering their second season of Nippers, the iconic Australian junior surf life saving program, this season.

Lendlease General Manager of the Communities business in Western Australia Anthony Rowbottam said that the first season of volunteer beach patrols signalled the next stage in the growth of the club.

“The Club has become an important community hub within Alkimos Beach and also provides a place for new residents to meet and bond over shared interests, which is essential for a well-connected community,” said Mr Rowbottam.

“Congratulations to all the club volunteers and the hard work and dedication involved in achieving this milestone.”

In 2015 SLSWA and Alkimos Beach project partners Lendlease and LandCorp entered into a partnership which saw Alkimos Beach become the first BeachSAFE Community in Australia. This has included the delivery of SLSWA Community and School Programs free to residents of Alkimos Beach, and the realisation of this patrol service is another step forward in building this BeachSAFE Community.

Lendlease and LandCorp have recently extended the partnership until 2021 so these important beach programs can continue to be delivered for Alkimos Beach and Alkimos Vista residents.