Sisters in the surf
• Bridport Surf Life Saving Club members on patrol Anne-Maree Coombe, Anita Street, Michele Grant, president Anita Howard, Bec Dennis, Kath Hawkins, Chloe Hawkins and Taylah Croucher.
By Daisy Baker
December 09, 2020
Bridport Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) held their first patrol of the season on Sunday, joining other clubs around the state in celebrating 40 years of female participation in Surf Life Saving with an all-female patrol.
Bridport SLSC president Anita Howard said the Sisters in the Surf initiative is all about celebrating women on patrol but stressed you don’t have to patrol to be involved in surf life saving – there is a role for everyone.
“40 years is not a long time in the history of surf life saving and it’s important to acknowledge this milestone,” she said.
“I also think it’s important for our young female Nippers to see women actively involved in a traditionally male dominated activity.
“At the Bridport club the number of patrolling men still outweighs the number of patrolling women 70/30 but we are getting closer to closing that gap.”
On Sunday the Club welcomed three new Surf Rescue Certificate graduates who have transitioned up through Nippers, all women, who will commence patrolling this season.
After nearly four years’ involvement in the club, Mrs Howard took on the president role earlier this year, becoming their first ever female president.
Mrs Howard has just started running Silver Salties locally, which is a national initiative for older Australians focussed on building confidence in the surf and playing.
Adults up to 80 years of age come along on Friday nights at 5.30 to catch some waves and Mrs Howard said so far, the response from the community has been positive.
“Going forward we’d like to get a few more female patrol captains but the key message is that we welcome women to the club, right across the board,” she said.
“Things are looking bright for the women at the Bridport Surf Life Saving Club.”