NOVEMBER UPDATE

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club – NOVEMBER UPDATE
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NOVEMBER UPDATE
SILLY SEASON
I don’t know about you, but I find this time of year absolutely crazy with the number of events, parties, activities and engagements.  The Surf Club is no different, so read on to stay informed on what’s been happening and all our upcoming events.

This weekend for example there are the regular Friday evening drinks at the bar, then the boaties have a carnival at Warriewood on Saturday morning (why not get down there and support them from 8:00am?), the Christmas party is on Saturday night, regular Nippers on Sunday morning, not to mention the Doug Crane Classic at 9:15am and a water Teams Carnival at Queenscliff, then the bar is open from 4:00pm with great live music.  The following weekend it’s Carols at the Beach where we will need all hands on deck for our biggest event of the year.  Bring it on!

This month’s member profile is of life member Ken Davidson, who this month achieved the truly remarkable accomplishment of seventy years membership with Avalon Beach SLSC.  That’s right, seventy.

There has been a slight improvement in our patrol attendance, but we still have a long way to go.  Last weekend showed the importance of what we do with three separate rescues on Saturday, including a mass rescue of three young girls in the rip at North Avalon.  Congratulations and thanks to all involved on a perfectly coordinated and executed rescue in difficult conditions.  If you are an active member you are committing to turn up to every patrol, or arrange a sub if you can’t make it.  Days like last Saturday show why we need all of our rostered active members to turn up to their patrol.  

In order to effectively patrol our beach at a bare minimum we need a Patrol Captain, IRB Driver, IRB Crew, First Aid and ART Operator, as well as a roving patrol of 2 at the North Avalon rip and a roving patrol of 2 on the balcony looking out over the South Avalon rip and pool.  That is at least 8 people, and if there is a rescue or emergency you really want more than that.  Sometimes when you are on patrol it may seem like you are not needed or not contributing much, but it is in an emergency situation when everyone has a role to play and the training kicks in that every member of a patrol team is invaluable.  And of course the more eyes on the water the more likely we are to spot someone in trouble.
 

CAROLS AT THE BEACH
This year, Carols at the Beach will be on Saturday December 10 at Avalon Beach.
 Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club is proud to host this wonderful event again in 2016.  The performance will feature JUBILATION choir, who will be singing the following week at Carols in the Domain as they have for the past 15 years.  Formed in 1993 by world renowned local singer Joy Yates, for 24 years this extraordinary, contemporary jazz / gospel vocal group has performed to enraptured audiences.
Carols at the Beach is a wonderful event which brings our Pittwater community together for a night of singing, Christmas celebration and fireworks all set against the spectacular backdrop of Avalon Beach. Featuring the fantastic voices of JUBILATION, the evening also includes a market style food fair commencing from 4:00pm, a visit by Santa and other special guests. More than 3000 people attended the event in 2014 and 2015. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the beach at 9:00pm.  Invite your friends, family and neighbours and don’t miss Carols at the Beach.
We need as much support from as many Club members, including General members (Nipper parents) as possible on the day.  If you can help with any of the following jobs please email our Event Manager Volker Klemm.  It would be great to see some new faces volunteering.  Thank you!

Handing out song books 5:00 – 7:00pm
Carrying around donation buckets 5:00 – 9:00pm 
Parking 4:00 – 6:00pm 
Set up 7:00am – 12:00 noon
Crowd Control 4:00 – 9:00 pm (kids on the cliff, families on the emergency paths)

WEEKEND RESCUE
Congratulations to Patrol 4 who performed a mass rescue of three young girls caught in the rip at North Avalon last Saturday. The rescue was carried our close to the rocks in big and dangerous surf. A special mention to Brent Williams and Michael Kurtz on rescue boards and Alan Mahn and Sam Nesbitt in the IRB.
The attached photo is not of the rescue, but indicates what to do if you are in trouble in the water. A reminder that there is deceptively strong surf at present and the rip currents are extremely strong, particularly at North Avalon, in the centre of the beach and at South Avalon. Please only swim between the flags and do not swim if the beach is closed.
LIFELINE COUNSELLING
The tragic loss of another young member of our community in Avalon Beach brings home the need to be able to recognise and respond to the signs of a mental health issue.  This course may help .  Have you ever found yourself supporting someone with a mental health issue or in a crisis situation, by accident? The Accidental Counsellor program draws on the expertise of Lifeline’s proven crisis handling skills and presents them in a 4 hour workshop.
This 4hr training equips people to RECOGNISE when others are struggling, to RESPOND appropriately with confidence, and to REFER them to the best place for help. This course is offered by Lifeline Northern Beaches to members of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving club free of charge (normally $150).
Lifeline Accidental Counsellor Training
Thursday 8 December, 2016
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club
To book, email [email protected]. Numbers are limited.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Congratulations to the unprecedented number of Nippers selected for the Branch High Performance Squad this year.  Candidates will be in line to be selected to represent the Northern Beaches in the Inter-Branch Championships. 
U12 Jamie Lehman
U13 Jack Roberts, Nina McGuffog, Tegan Scott, Tyella Toll
U14 Thomas Kerr
CHRISTMAS PARTY
All Club Members – Don’t forget to RSVP to our upcoming Christmas Party this Saturday 3 December.  If you are coming we need to hear from you urgently for catering. [email protected]
LAST CHANCE FOR SKILLS MAINTENANCE (PROFICIENCY)
Proficiencies must be completed before 31 December or under SLSA regulations you are unable to patrol or compete.  All active members must complete both wet and dry skills maintenance (proficiency) sessions to ensure their Bronze medallion and other award skills are competent and up to date.  It’s a great refresher prior to donning the red and yellow and hitting the beach.  

Bronze Medallion Wet Skills Maintenance (Proficiency) dates
Saturday 3rd December 10.30 (Stephen Early)
Saturday 3rd December 2.30pm (Steve Broderick/Andrew Crow)
Saturday 10th December 10.30 (Stephen Early)
Sunday 4th December 2.30pm (Terry Barber)
Saturday 10th December 2.30pm (Michael King)
Sunday 18th December 2.30pm (Rick Mitchell)

Note, please consider surf conditions. Wet proficiency sessions may be cancelled at short notice at the discretion of the assessor running the proficiency.

POSITIONS VACANT
Are you keen to help the Surf Club but are not really keen on patrolling?  Are you a Nipper parent and keen to help but have limited time?  Have we got a job for you!  We are seeking members who can take on the role of CLUB SAFETY OFFICER or GRANTS OFFICER.  These are essential roles which are currently vacant.  The Club would really benefit from having the right people in these roles.  There is no prior knowledge required, we can teach you everything you need to know.
The CLUB SAFETY OFFICER will conduct an annual safety audit and ensure that the Club is complying with Surf Life Saving Australia safety requirements.  This need not be a time consuming job.
The GRANTS OFFICER will be responsible for researching and applying for relevant funding grants.  This can be done in your own time and just requires access to a computer and a way with words.
If you can help out in either of these departments, please let me know.
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS
The first Sunday of every month is LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY at the bar. The Barrenjoey Jazz Combo gave us some terrific jazz at the beginning of November, and this Sunday we have a young female vocalist Meg Mulcahy who will provide the perfect backdrop for a quiet drink while the sun goes down after a hectic weekend.  Bring your friends and family.  All welcome.
DOUG CRANE CLASSIC
The Doug Crane Classic Ocean Swim will be held at Avalon Beach on Sunday, 4 December at 9:15am sharp with registration by 9:00am. Prizes for first, second and third Men and Women’s division. Entry open to all Club members, however only Active patrolling members and Nipper carnival competitor swimmers are eligible to win. Who will have their name added to the Doug Crane Paddle? Mince pies for all entrants. See our website for further information.
BOATIES BLAST OFF
Our boaties continue their campaign with some solid results at the Bilgola and Newport carnivals.  Newport saw the U23 Pinkies get a 3rd place in the men’s, the Antiques get a 2nd and the Avalon Beach DB’s get a 4th in the Reserve women’s.   If you are interested in joining them or forming a crew, contact our Surf Boat Captain Matt Mayall.  Dates for this season’s Surf Boat Carnivals are below and are also in the calendar on our website.
3 Dec Sat: SNB Boats Rnd 3 Warriewood
10 Dec Sat: Ocean Thunder Dee Why
17 Dec Sat: North Cronulla Carnival
18 Dec Sun: National Team Selection Eloura
7 Jan Sat: SNB Boats Rnd 4 North Curl Curl
14 Jan Sat: Ocean Thunder Dee Why
15 Jan Sun: Young Guns Collaroy
21 Jan Sat: SNB Boats Rnd 5 Queenscliff
22 Jan Sun: East Coast Masters Collaroy
26 Jan Thur: SNB Boats Rnd 6 Freshwater
28-29 Jan: SNB Boats Rnd 7 Manly
4 Feb Sat: Ocean Thunder Dee Why
4 Feb Sat: Australia NZ Test Waihi NZ
5 Feb Sun: Best of the Best North Narrabeen
11 Feb Sat: SNB Branch Championships TBA
17-19 Feb: ASRL Open Shellharbour
25-26 Feb: Boat Carnival Pacific Palms
10-12 Mar: NSW State Open Championships Swansea
27 Mar-2 Apr: Aussies North Kirra
 
CONGRATS VIRGINIA
Virginia Head may not have been in the best of health lately, but she hasn’t lost her touch in the pool.  At the recent NSW Masters Swimming Branch Pointscore Round at Charlestown she cleaned up in the 70 years division with three golds and two silver medals.
 
NEW EXTERNAL DEFIBYou may have noticed the latest addition to the club, an externally mounted defibrillator at the bottom of the beach stairs.  This was possible due to a very generous anonymous donation and provides access for all to this potentially lifesaving equipment.  Please spread the word of it’s location, as the more people who know, the better.  Did you know that without the early intervention of a defibrillator, less that 5% of cardiac victims survive, even with CPR?  Defibrillation within the first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival to over 70%.  How to use a defibrillator is taught as part of our Bronze Medallion course.  To use a defibrillator just open the case and follow the spoken instructions carefully.
MASTER OF THE MASTERS
Congratulations Chris McGuckin who won the 60 plus Board Race at the Masters carnival at Freshwater last weekend. A very creditable fourth to Bob Richardson.
TRAINERS NEEDED
There is nothing more satisfying than the passing on of knowledge.  Our trainers do a great job of teaching us our lifesaving skills, but we need more of them.  You can find out more about becoming a trainer on our website.  If you are a Bronze medallion holder who is keen to teach people the skills you have learnt, or a long service member who could share the knowledge you have built from years on the beach, now is a great time to consider becoming a trainer.  You will be taught all of the skills you require for this rewarding role.  If you are interested or would like to find out more please contact Louise Lindop.
CLUB ACCOUNTANT NEEDED
Are you a qualified Accountant?  We need you!
Since time immemorial (well at least the early 1990’s, before which he did the Nippers accounts), Life Member Kevin Veale has managed the Surf Club accounts.  He is finally putting his calculator back in the drawer and following this financial year’s accounts, we need to find a replacement.  A quick search of Surfguard shows that there are currently 23 accountants in the Club (I know who you are!)  If you can help in this department, please let me know.
UNDER 20s FACEBOOK PAGE
There is a new facebook page specifically for Under 20s Surf Club members (no nippers allowed).  It’s the best place to find out what is happening around the Club each week, and to share photos and posts.  Search for Avalon Beach SLSC U20’s on facebook or follow this link.
PRIZES FOR 100% PATROLLERS
There will be some great prizes for patrolling members who complete 100% of their patrols this season.  Prizes will be awarded at Presentation Night in 2017.  There will be the choice of an exciting Red Balloon experience voucher or a fantastic local restaurant voucher.  To qualify members must be proficient and financial and must attend all of their rostered patrols, or have arranged substitutes and completed make-up patrols.
GREAT WINE, GREAT PRICE, GREAT CAUSE
Help send our Under 15 Age group to New Zealand in January. This is a terrific deal with specially labelled discount quality wine. Every case you buy contributes to the U15 trip. You can find out more and order your wine here.
CONGRATULATIONS TODD
One of our up and coming young members Todd Barber was selected as one of only 24 from across the state for the SLSNSW Development Networking Program.  Check out the story on Pittwater Online News.
HOW TO GET A SUBHow do you get a sub for your patrol?

  • Email or call other Surf Club members and arrange to swap.
  • Post a request for a sub or to swap a patrol shift on our closed Facebook group. If you would like to join this group search for Avalon Beach SLSC Closed Group on Facebook and send a friend request.
  • Use the Members’ Portal.  In the members portal under “Lifesaving Online / Patrols / Patrol Roster” you can look at each of your rostered patrols and click on “I need a substitute”. There is also a tab called “Substitutions” where you can nominate yourself to take somebody else’s patrol.  This is a good place to start as you can see who is requesting a sub and when their patrol is.  If you need their contact details, please contact our administrator or look on the patrol roster that was emailed to you (the roster on the web has contact details stripped for privacy reasons).
  • Contact a member of our SUB PATROL.  Names and details are below.  Don’t be shy, they are waiting for your call!

Charles Lindop 0419224214 [email protected]
Chris McGuckin 0418601389 [email protected]
Chris Hopton 0410596196 [email protected]
Diane Lees 0414952050 [email protected]
Guy Halsted 0404020576 [email protected]
Jean Harper 0424320203 [email protected]
Louise Lindop 0414997320 [email protected]
Mark Baylis 0431496996 [email protected]
Michael Bright 0419639094 [email protected]
Michael Mitton 0419488202 [email protected]
Michael Thomas 0412464167 [email protected]
Neil Petersen 0414416069 [email protected]
Nicholas Wood 0425339215    
Robert Hopton 0412328887 [email protected]
Bill Wall 0404619153 [email protected]

LIFE MEMBER PROFILE – KEN DAVIDSON
In November 1946, 70 years ago, Ken Davidson joined Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club. The photos above show Ken in 2014, Ken in November 1946 when Malibu surfboards were first demonstrated at Avalon Beach and Ken with Doug and Joan Crane receiving his fifty year Service Award in 1996.  Ken was awarded his Bronze medallion in 1947.  His father Thomas was a former President of the Surf Club.  Ken was a board specialist and won the board event at many carnivals.  His toothpick board is hanging in the Hall of Champions in our Clubhouse.  He was treasurer of the Club for 14 years and has outlasted 4 clubhouses.  Ken has completed many rescues over the years but he says his most memorable rescue was when he saved a father with his two young daughters caught in the rip at South Avalon.  This rescue was carried out with the belt and reel.  
Ken was awarded life membership of the Club in 1963.  Ken has turned 89 this year and this week is off to Western Australia on his own to visit a mate in Bunbury and go sailing with him on his new boat.  Ken may not be out there amongst the waves these days but he’s obviously still young at heart.

You can read an interview with Ken Davidson on Pittwater Online News here. There are some great stories and a photo of a 12 foot shark which was caught at Avalon Beach and which Ken helped bring in, as well as a story about the the time that Ken and some mates paddled out and and intercepted a shark that was heading towards a group of young kids.

Ken’s seventy years of service will be celebrated at next years Life Member and Long Service Awards luncheon prior to the AGM.  Thank you Ken for an incredible and extraordinarily sustained contribution to our Club.

CLUB CALENDAR
30 Oct: Club Championships
20 Oct: Club Championships
10 Dec: Carols at the Beach
15 Jan: Avalon Beach Surf Swim
12 Feb: Club Championships
 
NIPPERS CALENDAR
12 Nov: 8am Water Carnival Newport
20 Nov: 8am Carnival Manly
27 Nov: 8am Ironman Carnival Freshwater
4 Dec: 8am Water Teams Carnival Queenscliff
11 Dec: Christmas Nippers
15 Jan: 8am Carnival Narrabeen
21 Jan: Twilight Nippers
27 Jan: 8am Nipper Nats Manly
5 Feb: 8am Branch TBA
12 Feb: Club Championships
3 Mar: 8am State ChampsSwansea Belmont
12 Mar: Final Fun Nippers
2 April: Presentation Day
SEE YOU ON THE BEACH
 
Copyright © 2016 Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, All rights reserved.

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