24/05/2026
As we finish up the end of National Volunteer Week and the end of the Surf Life Saving season, I want to give a massive shout out to all volunteers that make a Carnival happen. Whether you're an official, first aider, water safety, liaison, IRB driver, drone operator, safety coordinator, etc. We all work together in any and all conditions on the beach and in the surf, to provide a safe and fair experience for all.
Now, I would like to share a bit about my personal volunteering experience in being an Official for Surf Sports.
I have had the pleasure of being a part of Yamba Surf Club these past 5 odd years since moving down from Brisbane 6.5 years ago. We went from mangroves and mud flats to sand and surf. Now surrounded by countless options of beaches, I knew I had to sign my kids up for Nippers. I needed that peace of mind. I had also been craving a community. I hadn’t really made friends in the year or so we had moved down and was hoping this could help. It's hard trying to integrate yourself into a community where everyone knows/ is related to someone, and you yourself have major social anxiety. I always say that Yamba isn’t 6 degrees of separation, it's more like 3.
I signed my eldest up, put on my big girl pants, and off we trotted.
The JAC Director at the time took one look at me and knew I was a sucker... I mean people pleaser... I mean happy to help, and BAM. I was thrown in to it. We need more help Bec, you reckon you can do these courses and help us out? We don’t have enough officials, and we need to supply X amount for Y number of kids. “Sure, James.” I did my Age Manager and Officials course that season in 2021. I couldn’t stand the thought of kids missing out if we didn’t supply enough officials. Call me a bleeding heart; I will proudly wear that title. The different roles I have filled over these years include JAC Secretary, JAC Registrar, Social Media, Uniform/Merch, Photographer, Age Manager, and of course, an Official.
Little did I know at the time where this would lead me. The community I would find. The pride I would feel for my club and for kids that weren’t mine, because if they’re in Yamba colours then you better believe I cheer them on like they are my own. Because little do they know just exactly how much some of us officials give up for them. For kids that aren't ours. The abuse we sometimes cop from adults who disagree with us. The Annual leave we take and time off work, the money we spend on fuel, accommodation, food etc. The time away from our own families and children that don't want to compete. For example, the Aussies Championships were 9 full days on the beach, waking up at 5am. Which for me, a night owl and NOT a morning person, was a massive thing. We are there on the beach from start to finish, anywhere between 6 to 13 hour days. In rain, wind, storms, sunshine, hot temps, big swells and no swell. Sentinels on the beach.
My eldest daughter competed for a few years in Carnivals, and I didn’t even get to be by her side to cheer her on in each event. I only saw her at the end of her race on the sprint track. I really do wish I could have watched her first season. Not all of us Officials have children at Carnivals, not all of us do it to supply a “quota”, and not all of us do it for accolades. It just needs to be done, and luckily, we enjoy doing it and look forward to doing it at each carnival.
One of my favourite things about officiating at Carnivals is being on that finish line on the sprint track. Offering a cheeky little thumbs up/ congrats, or an encouraging smile/word if they didn't place where they wanted. Always there for them regardless. “Go Yamba” I whisper under my breath.
As I moved away from age managing a few years back, I feel I am less of an influence now. My focus is Officiating and photography. But, when I’m able to have a chat with the kids after any event, I really do hope they take on board what I have to say. Because I might not be a trainer, but I am the one standing here and judging them. I do know “some” things. (LOL)
There is a young man in our club that I had reminded at the end of almost every race, “M, we don’t Naruto run or bow at the finish line. You throw that chest out proud! You win with your chest, not you head.”
Then one carnival was so close between him and another that if he had his chest out, he would have gotten 1st and not 2nd. I think that was a turning point. The next race when he won GOLD and came over that finish line chest first, I couldn't help but cheer! I was so elated and proud of him. I may have shed a small happy tear or two...
I have had the privilege of watching many wonderful kids come and go. Grow and learn. Push themselves to do their best. Win medals, come last, laugh, and smile with pride. The good, the bad, and the ugly – but heavy on the good.
Your surf club community also grows, as you join other Officials volunteering for their respective clubs. You make friends, you network, you learn, you grow, you laugh and joke and make plans to catch up. You look forward to each big event to see those same people with smiles on their faces, zinc on their nose, and sand between their toes. You know that you are supported, the competitors are safe, and the fairness of the sport is upheld with integrity. You get the privilege of watching kids from other clubs to make their way through the ranks. You have your favourites you cheer for. You cheer for the clubs that are in your Branch when you’re at bigger events like Country Champs, State Titles, and Aussies. You get to witness children show empathy, good sportsmanship, and fairness -sometimes even better than adults.
One of my most memorable examples of this was a young Byron Bay boy a few years back. There was a question of placings, and we almost sent off the wrong child. But little “T” put his hand up and very politely told us that the other child actually came in front of him (it was close!), which resulted in “T” being the one eliminated, and therefore missing out on a medal. This child always has a smile on his face, is very polite, and always offers congrats or condolences/ words of support to other children around him. A fine example of fantastic Sportsmanship.
So why do I volunteer?
Volunteering in general gives me a sense of purpose, social connection, and personal growth. I’m more than a mum, a wife, a friend, and a family member. I enjoy feeling and being a part of something more than myself, giving back to the community, helping to lessen the workload on others, and providing a safe space for others. It is fulfilling. It is connection.
Just remember, your local sports club and various other organizations cannot run if there are no volunteers.
So honestly, why not volunteer?
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
SLS FNC Branch
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Australia
