MDNSW Members join the Coogee Surf Life Saving Team!

Last year we partnered with Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (Coogee SLSC) for a NSW first online training program, offering young people living with a neuromuscular condition the opportunity to become official volunteer Coogee SLSC Patrolling members, and hold a Surf Life Saving Award.

Patrick, Scott and Jai all joined the free program and completed three training sessions where they learned about radio operations (two online and one in person). The third and final session was held earlier this month where all three were assessed and successfully completed the course. They are now official members of Coogee SLSC!

It is hoped in the future they will be part of regular patrols, were they will be situated in the Surf Life Saving Club which looks over the whole beach and report via the radio on any issues they see like swimmers caught in rips or drowning.

“Being part of the Coogee surf life saving club has given me the chance to be part of the community. It’s great to have an organisation so inclusive to people with physical disabilities such as muscular dystrophy. I would like to thank Muscular Dystrophy NSW and Coogee Surf lifesaving club for this opportunity.“ – Scott.

“I would just like to say that I’m very proud to represent the community as a surf lifesaver as well as someone who has a disability and I think it is important for people to know that and how having a disability doesn’t stop us from doing such things.“ – Patrick.

“Training to be a surf lifesaver was fun. I would love to go there again and be a part of the patrol.” – Jai.