A chat with the Pres!
 
Hello again members and what a whirlwind start to 2026 with so much happening on all fronts. Lets just quickly go through some of these events and if your head isn’t spinning by the end, I’ll buy you a beer!
A big thanks to everyone that has contributed over what was an extremely busy period with State and Australian titles very quickly creeping up on us. Check out the below which doesn’t include our weekly Surf Patrol Commitments or Social Sunday, Club hire events we’ve also hosted.
 
December 2025
 

• 14th December - Our club mourned with the rest of the nation after the Terrorist attack at Bondi targeted members of the Jewish Community.
• 20th December – President Stretch and DOY Peter K presented flowers to the shrine at Bondi Beach on behalf of our club and joined the massive turn out of members showing support to Bondi and North Bondi Surf Clubs and recognition of the Bondi Tragedy
• 20th December – Our newest Bronze Squad joined the club
• 21st December – At our Nipper Christmas breakup and fantastic nipper family paid tribute to those lost at Bondi and again to our sister clubs affected by the tragedy
• 21st December – Our IRB Santa Photo fundraiser successfully concluded. A big well done to our IRB team for this initiative!
• 31stDecember – South Maroubra SLSC held our New Year Eve BBQ dinner

 
January 2026
 

• 9th January – We became a movie cinema for the night showing the ‘Chasing the Gold’ movie in the Horizons lounge.
• 2nd January – Our lifesaving team including Ben our UAV drone pilot, Noah and Alicia joined the search for a missing Coogee swimmer.
• 7th January – Our club hosted the farewell wake for retired Detective Sergeant Peter Meagher, a victim of the Bondi shooting.
• 8th January – 70 of our Senior Club and Nipper competitors spent a morning having fun at UrbnSurf Sydney Olympic Park
• 9th January – A number of our talented beach competitors were selected for ‘The Australian Interstate Championships’ at Maroubra Beach.
• 17th January – Our Competition Team participated in the Shaw & Partners World Open Series at Manly
• 18th January – We ran our annual ‘Remembering our Members Day’ – paying tribute to those members that have past. We also christened our new Johnny Marks Express 2 club bus.
• 22nd January – We participated in the National Day of Mourning for victims of the Bondi Terrorist attack plus our members participated in the Beachstormers Round 4 at Manly.
• 23rd January – Aiden, Dan and Riley flew our club colours at the Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic, a televised lifesaving event.
• 24th January – Our Competitors headed to the ‘Weekend at the Roy’ Collaroy carnival where they enjoyed success.
• 25th January – Our Nipper family made a return after their Christmas break.
• 26th January – We celebrated this great nation of ours during our annual Australia Day Celebration.
• 26th January – President Stretch and Vice President Linda received the Randwick City Australia Day Award for Community Service (Group) to our community.
• 30th January – We hosted day 1 and 2 of the Sydney Branch Carnival. Big effort by a small band of club volunteers!
• 31st January - We welcome 4 more new bronze squad members to the club

 
February 2026
 

• 1st February – We ran our very successful Sportspersons Day where we enjoyed great speakers, food, refreshments and of course mate ship.
• 1st February – Our lifesaving team again swung into action after a snorkeler went missing at the south end of our beach around the rocks.
• 2nd February – The search for the missing snorkeler continued by our lifesavers until the morning of the 3rd when the missing man was located near Mahon pool having drowned.
• 7th February – The Branch carnival continued this time over in the Shire with plenty of success for all competition areas. Well done to you all.
• 7th February – A group from our lifesaving team lead by DOL Simon headed over to Garie Beach to support that club’s lifesaving efforts.
• 13th February – The second largest boat competition kicked off at Wanda and continue over a 3-day period with South Maroubra boaties in fine form.
• 13th February – We hosted our fantastic club sponsors and supporters during our Annual Sponsors Lunch in Horizons. Our small way of saying thanks.
• 13th February - Our Nipper Trivia Night was run and won with DOY Pete and Mary thanking those that supported this important fundraising event.

 
So, my fellow members there you have a short recapping of the last month or so, and what a period of 6 weeks it has been…
 
What’s coming up soon you ask?
 
State Championships at Swansea Belmont kicked off 2 weekends ago with Nippers just finished today.  We enjoyed the ASRL Boat carnival last weekend at Wanda, Aussie Titles in March so to those going make sure you get your flights and accommodation booked. Our Social Sundays continue each Sunday so be sure to pop on down. Our Club Function Room hire is on fire with most Saturdays and some Fridays getting booked by members and non-members (don’t delay with your special event, check out our website and or give Jen a call in the office 93140070). Don’t forget we have now opened up our Footie Season tipping comp led by Tracey. More details in this newsletter on how to join, we encourage you to join this social group for the off-season.
 
Special thanks to all of our Lifesavers during what has been a testing time. Our Red and Yellow army are just so important to our club and as our Instructors commence the final Bronze course for the season, a big thank you to each of them for your time and commitment to growing and improving our lifesaving capability.
Finally thank you to my fellow Board of Management Team that have been flat chat along with our Office staff and Coaches as they prepare members for the major competitions of the season.
 
See you all during Social Sunday where everyone is welcome.
 
Paul ’Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM
President.

Last weekend, several of our U13 Nippers attended the Surf Life Saving Development Camp. It was a fantastic opportunity to build skills, make new friends, and enjoy plenty of fun activities. Here’s what some of our South Maroubra participants had to say:

Violet Morris
“I had an amazing time at the camp! At first I only knew two friends, but by the end I had made lots more from different clubs. I learned CPR and how to use a defibrillator, and we played pool rescue games. My favourite activity was riding the IRB and jet ski — especially getting flung off when they turned corners! South Maroubra even won the trivia competition, and I scored a free t-shirt and hat. I wish I could do it all again!”

Alessia Grilli
“The surf lifesaving camp was the best time with my friends. We went on the IRB and jet ski, enjoyed the water slide and pool, and played lots of games. I’m so glad I attended because it connected me with many more nippers I might never have met otherwise. The night games were hilarious, and my trivia team won, which meant we all received a Sydney Branch polo shirt and hat!”

Zoe Canning
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend the camp. Over the weekend I learned tube rescues and CPR, and even got to ride on an IRB and jet ski. I loved meeting new people and working with them in the activities. It was unforgettable, and I’m thankful for everything I got to experience.”

Indigo Stewart
“Nippers camp was honestly so much fun and such an awesome experience. No matter your confidence level, you learn so many important skills — CPR, tube rescues, pool rescues, and even about Rescue Boat 30. Each day had different activities, and we were put into groups to meet new people. My favourite part was definitely getting flipped off the IRBs and jet skis, and winning trivia! I’m super grateful I got to go, and I’d love to do it again.”

Well done to our U13s for representing South Maroubra so proudly! Not only did they sharpen their lifesaving skills, but they also built friendships and showed great team spirit.

​

Sydney Branch Makes History — Four-Peat Champions!What a weekend it was for Surf Life Saving Sydney at the Interbranch Championships, and we’re proud to say South Maroubra athletes were right there in the thick of it!
Can we do it? Yes we can. Did we do it? Yes we did! Sydney Branch stormed home with a final tally of 1176 points, finishing an incredible 142 points ahead of the nearest competitors. An outstanding achievement that cements Sydney Branch as the first in history to claim four consecutive Interbranch titles.
Congratulations to Our AthletesA huge shout-out to Christopher Kondilios (Captain), Katahra Boyle-Raniga, Billy Holford (Junior Captain), Sophie Maley, Ethan Costa & Grace Kiernan who were selected to represent Sydney Branch. Every single athlete contributed to this remarkable result, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way you competed and carried our club spirit onto the big stage.
Teamwork Behind the SuccessThis victory was built on dedication and collaboration, from selectors, coaches, and team management, to the athletes themselves. Their professionalism, passion, and commitment created the winning formula that delivered this historic result.
Thanks to Officials, Parents & SupportersWe extend our gratitude to the Sydney Surf Sports Officials whose expertise ensured fair and safe competition. To the parents and supporters, your energy, encouragement, and willingness to do everything from cheering to sunscreen duty (and even rescuing tents from the surf!) made all the difference. A special mention goes to those who provided water safety, enabling our athletes to compete proudly for Sydney.
This weekend was proof of what happens when a community comes together with pride, energy, and belief. South Maroubra is thrilled to have played a part in this historic four-peat victory.
Congratulations, Team Sydney — champions and history-makers! 💙💛🌊

​

A very big Surf Life Saving Welcome to ALL of our members.

This week marks the return of Australia’s largest Nippers following on from the return of our Lifesavers several weeks ago. If you know of any lifesavers that for one reason or another that haven’t received re-joining information, we’d appreciate it if you could get them to make contact with our Lifesaving Team via [email protected] . Ash will sort out any lifesaving concerns including rosters, rejoining and the new CPR upskill requirements which all lifesavers must complete.

• A big THANK YOU is in order as we head into the new season. To all of our Directors and Office staff that have been overwhelmed with calls and visits to the club for help and preparation for the new season, a big thank you. To our club educators who have been working non stop to deliver the new CPR upskill program to all Lifesavers, thank you guys! To our Nipper admin team, a big well done, to prepare clothing, admin for 1400 kids is amazing and Sarah for helping me with posting the 5 top nipper tips on Facebook thank you. To our Age Managers and Assistants – can’t wait to see you in action again and encourage all parents to get involved in this wonderful activity. Simply reach out to your age managers if you’d like to join the volunteer teams.
• Just on Nippers – to all our families please make sure if you haven’t already done so, join the Clubs and Nippers Facebook sites for the latest information including any change of times or cancellations. We have posted 5 top tips for nippers to consider for this season, take a read. Some tips include parking. If you’re a part of the 9am crew then parking in and around the club car parks will be FULL so do yourself a favour and consider other options such as drop and go, or nearby parking options away from the club. When coming off the beach use the public showers to wash down your children, remember the club house is NOT a play school, so children should play outside or on the beach. If you need change rooms or private showers and toilets we HIGHLY recommend using the new YELLOW AMENITIES block as you’ll enjoy clean open private space for boys, girls and disabled. Simply walk down the beach ramp on the northern side of the club, connect with the footpath which brings you to the facilities. Food and drinks each Sunday are available from the kiosk, your morning coffee from our coffee van, your social refreshments from our club bar which opens at 10.45am – everyone is welcome all day for these.
• What’s coming up? Plenty of activities with competition training underway, planning for Octoberfest on Sunday 26/10 in the park. If you’re a competitor or would like to help us run the bbq, serve customers for a couple of hours, have an RSA and can pour a few beers we’d appreciate that help. Email Linda [email protected]
• A reminder to members, our club offers financial members a fantastic venue hire deal for your birthday, anniversaries, work Christmas parties and special events in the Heritage room, Whilst bookings are coming in thick and fast we love seeing our own members enjoy the venue. Our bar staff are all club members so there’s a special feel about using your club for your events. Enquires to [email protected]
• We’re always after volunteers and sponsors so if you’re looking for a task, working for an organisation that would like help keep a very ‘Australian’ iconic club healthy, perhaps you’re retired and would like a small job to keep you focused or occupied, or simply would like to help us run this club of over 2000+ members why not make contact with us [email protected]
• Sunday Socials – we’re super proud of our Sunday Socials where our entire community is welcome to come down and join members in a beautiful and unique part of Maroubra. We’re open every Sunday and most Public Holidays btw 10.45am to 6pm. Members are entitled to an electronic membership card which gives you a discount on all refreshments and snacks via the bar, simply show that card to bar staff. Enquiries re the electronic card to [email protected]
• If you know of anyone that would like to do their Bronze Medallion and join us on the beach, Nicole and her education team will be running a course very soon. Check out our website for more information or email [email protected]
• Finally, a big shout out to Randwick City Council that has helped us tremendously  with Nipper and Octoberfest preparation and to Michael Daley MP Member for Maroubra that has helped us to fund the upgrade of our Audio/Visual system ensuring that we can communicate to over 2000 people each weekend in a professional and clear manner. Council will soon be installing a bubbler system near the showers, we are also seeking information about a bike rack to store pushbikes when coming down to the beach. As you can see its all happening @ South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club!

See you at the beach and make sure you bring sun protection.
Paul ‘Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM
​President

This article explains the Skills Maintenance requirements for the 2025/2026 season.

All require you to complete the online Skills Maintenance Modules - see how to access here

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole at [email protected]

All active patrolling members and competitors must maintain proficiency.
​
Requirements:

1. Complete the Lifesaving CPR Update (booking required – details below).
2. Complete Signals.
3. Complete a Run-Swim-Rescue:
   • Run begins from waist-deep water.
   • Swim with a rescue tube (fins optional).
   • Patient waiting at 100m marker; secure with tube.
   • Timed component ends once patient is secured.
   • Rescuer swims 100m back, assists patient to the water’s edge.

➡️ Signals and the Run-Swim-Rescue will be assessed on patrol.

Lifesaving CPR 
This season, Skills Maintenance includes a significant upgrade to resus for Bronze, SRC, and Advanced Resus awards.

Our Education Team will run 30+ sessions between late August and early December. You only need to attend ONE 1.5hr session.

What you must do:

• Register for a session using this booking form: BOOK NOW
  • When registering, select your highest award (ART, BM, SRC) only.
• Complete your online skills maintenance (BM, SRC, ART) via the SLS Hub → Applications tab → eLearning.
• Attend your booked session.

⚠️ Important: If you have not completed the online skills maintenance or pre-registered, you will be turned away.
​
NOTE: for those who require their Resuscitation Certificate (HLTAID009) to be renewed yearly for work please see the end of this article for instructions.

For the Advanced Resuscitation
​
Required components

• Complete the Lifesaving CPR update (as per above)
• Team CPR Scenario
• Bag-valve-mask - checks, set up and use

The above will all be covered in the Lifesaving CPR sessions

NOTE: 📌 If you still hold HLTAID007, you must upgrade to HLTAID015.​

Meet at the shed at 7:00am on:

• 11 Oct
• 01 Nov
• 14 Dec
• 20 Dec

​IRB Crew must demonstrate:

• Crewing positions (rise, standing, lock-in, emergency punch)
• Re-boarding the IRB
• Awareness of the Powercraft Code of Conduct

IRB Drivers must demonstrate:

• Safe driving practice (e.g., 1 o’clock wave negotiation, parallel running)
• Awareness of the Powercraft Code of Conduct

If you require yearly workplace renewal, complete these steps before attending your CPR session:
​

1. Complete the online assessment: SLS – Resuscitation Online Theory Assessment (via Hub → eLearning). Go to Training Library -> SLS Emergency Care -> SLS - Resuscitation Online Theory Assessment
2. Save your Certificate of Completion (digital is fine).
3. Print and complete the Assessment portfolio (skip theory questions page).
4. Bring these to your CPR session and hand to the lead trainer.

​We will process your paperwork.

Results Round 1 - Finals

• 3rd Open Female Mass
• 3rd 45+ Open Male Mass
• 4th U23 Male Mass
• 2nd U23 Female Mass
• 5th U35+ Male Mass
• 6th U35+ Female Mass
• 4th Open Mixed Relay
• 4th Open Female Rescue
• 1st U23 Female Rescue
• 3rd 35+ Female Rescue
• 7th Open Male Teams
• 3rd Open Female Teams
• 4th 35+ Male Tube
• 8th U23 Male Tube

Results Round 2 - Finals 

• 6th 35+ Female Mass 
• 4th Open Female Mass 
• 6th 45+ Open Mass 
• 4th U23 Female Mass 
• 5th 35+ Male Mass 
• 1st Open Female Rescue 
• 6th 35+ Female Rescue 
• 1st U23 Female Rescue 
• 8th 35+ Male Teams 
• 1st U23 Female Teams 
• 5th Open Female Teams 
• 6th U23 Male Teams 
• 4th 35+ Male Rescue 
• 4th 35+ Female Tube 
• 7th U23 Female Tube 

Well done team and good luck in future rounds!