Pilbara surf club members lap up end of season

Port Walcott Surf Life Saving Club wrapped up its second season on the water with an awards afternoon at the yacht club overlooking Wickham’s Boat Beach last month.

It was a breakout year for the club, with member numbers swelling to 130. Fifteen members received bronze medallions or surf rescue certificates.

The season was capped off with a successful foray north to Broome’s Sunset Carnival, where several members placed well among highly competitive fields.

Club president Ben Unbehaun said growth in membership and qualified members had contributed to a big second season.

“We had a good core re-sign from the first year and a pretty healthy intake of new people,” he said.

“Surf lifesaving is just a quality family activity, where everyone can come down to the beach for the morning.” Mr Unbehaun said the club would look to grow its cadet and senior ranks next season and hoped to get a few members competing in Australian championships. Surf lifesaving will return in February next year, with a few come-and-try days to be hosted beforehand.