Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club members

Maria Girgenti

FOUR Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club members, returned from competing in the Junior State Championships held in April at Mooloolaba.

The Mission Beach members represented the NQ Branch team, comprised of 39 juniors from clubs from Port Douglas to Mission Beach, who competed against the top lifesavers in Queensland.

Around 53 people, which included 39 athletes, travelled together as competitors, managers and coaches.

Clubs around the southeast region boasted hundreds of members, paid professional coaches and have a strong history in the competition.

Far North juniors finish competing in October due to the presence of jellyfish in coastal waters; however, they continue to train in pools and ski parks around the region.

Meanwhile, their southern counterparts continue to compete and maintain their peak fitness levels, so the NQ Branch team are up against top athletes and fierce team rivalry.

These four juniors from Mission Beach, aged 12 - 15 years, competed in team and individual events. They did their club and branch proud, with all four progressing to the finals in events that averaged over 100 competitors.

Charlize Gee finished 9th in the Beach Sprints, Alex Bradley placed 13th in Beach Flags, Beau Westcott placed 15th in Beach Sprints, whilst Kai Westcott finished 18th in Beach Flags.

Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is hugely grateful to Tasman Holiday Parks, South Mission Beach, for their generous donation of $280, which will enable the club to purchase crucial first aid equipment/supplies to help keep beachgoers safe.

As the North Queensland patrol season is underway, Surf Rescue

Certificate and Bronze medallion courses are offered, with new members always welcomed.

Lifesaving is for all ages, with training provided from Nippers to adults in lifesaving skills on the beach and in the pool.