From members who joined as teenagers in the 1950s to those who discovered surf lifesaving later in life, these Sunshine Coast volunteers have one thing in common: a commitment to serving their communities that has stood the test of time.
Together, they represent more than 300 years of service across nine surf life saving clubs.
Some have spent more than six decades on patrol, while others found their place in the movement through family, friends, or a simple desire to give back.
One used to hitchhike from Brisbane to Coolum just to make patrol. Another brought a patient back to life after more than 60 years of service.
Others speak of friendships, family traditions, and watching generations of young members grow into confident lifesavers.
While every journey is different, the reasons they keep showing up season after season are remarkably similar.
More Than a Volunteer Shift
For Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Tony Frost, surf lifesaving has been part of life for 66 years.
Starting at Long Reef in 1959 before moving to Sunshine Beach, Tony has seen generations of members come and go.
“I’m passionate about my community,” he said.
“I love the camaraderie of fellow members and giving opportunities for them to achieve their goals, especially the youth.”
Even after six decades in the movement, some of his most memorable moments have come recently, including helping bring a patient back to life in 2024.
At Coolum Beach, Dave Cush tells a different story.
Living in Brisbane when he first joined in 1962, Dave would regularly hitchhike to the Sunshine Coast just to volunteer.
“I went along and got the bug straight away,” he said.
More than 60 years later, he remains a Patrol Captain.
“I love being around the young people, seeing my family, my grandkids and friends all safely enjoying the ocean.”
“I feel like surf lifesaving has given me much more than I’ve given it.”
A Place to Belong
While some members have spent a lifetime in the movement, others discovered surf lifesaving later in life.
Mooloolaba’s Janelle McCosker joined after moving to the Sunshine Coast and quickly found more than just a volunteer role.
“I absolutely love it. I love my patrol family and I have made so many friends,” she said. “Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club is my second home.”
For Maroochydore’s Michelle Burnett, surf lifesaving became part of a family legacy stretching back more than a century.
“From the very beginning, I was welcomed by an incredible group of people who made me feel like I truly belonged,” she said. “It quickly became more than just a club, it became a community.”
That sense of belonging was echoed throughout every club represented.
Whether members had been involved for 10 years or 60, the friendships remained one of the strongest reasons for staying involved.
The Next Generation
Ask almost any veteran surf lifesaver why they continue volunteering and eventually the conversation turns to young people.
Dicky Beach president Ian Irwin sees the future of surf lifesaving every weekend.
“It’s all about the nippers, the next generation,” he said.
At Kawana, Bob Clements finds joy in watching young members grow in confidence and capability.
“I love watching the nippers grow into confident ocean swimmers, learning to be aware of surf conditions.”
For Mark Porter from Peregian Beach, mentoring young members has become one of the most rewarding parts of his 19 years in the movement.
“The camaraderie of the patrol group is something special,” he said. “I enjoy watching the young ones develop their lifesaving skills.”
Across every club, there was a common theme: the desire to help create opportunities for the members who will one day take their place between the flags.
More Than Beach Safety
While surf lifesaving is ultimately about keeping people safe, many of the memories that have stayed with these members have little to do with rescues.
For Metropolitan Caloundra’s Brian Dreves, one of his most meaningful moments came when a family asked if their 96-year-old father could experience the ocean one more time.
“We watched his absolute joy as the waves washed around his legs,” Brian recalled.
For Janelle, it was winning a Board Relay Gold Medal alongside close friends in her 60s.
For Mark, it was sharing patrols with his three children on Christmas Day.
For Rita Stefanovic, it has been the encouragement and support found within her patrol team and masters competition group.
The stories are different, but the impact is the same.
Surf lifesaving has given these members far more than qualifications, patrol hours, or years of service.
It has provided friendships, purpose, community, and memories that last a lifetime.
Season After Season
Before patrol, some start their day with cereal. Others grab coffee, porridge, fruit, toast, or simply a cup of tea.
The routines may be different, but the result is the same.
Season after season, year after year, these volunteers continue pulling on the red and yellow cap.
Not for recognition.
Not for awards.
But because they care about their communities, believe in helping others, and understand the value of giving their time to something bigger than themselves.
More than 300 years of service is an extraordinary achievement.
The fact they’re still showing up might be even more impressive.