For this family, patrolling at Kawana Waters isn’t just a commitment — it’s a family tradition unfolding in real time, with grandad Chris, daughter Holly, and granddaughter Addien all wearing the same red and yellow.
It started, as these things often do, with a nipper. When Addien joined Nippers at Kawana in Under 7s, her family quickly realised they’d need to lift their own beach skills to keep up with her. Holly and her father Chris went on to complete their Bronze Medallion together, and from there, three generations found themselves patrolling side by side.
A Family Affair
For Chris, seeing two generations of his family patrol alongside him is something he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s incredibly special,” Chris says. “Seeing three generations of our family wearing the red and yellow, serving the community together, is something I’m very proud of.”
He says Surf Life Saving has given the family far more than qualifications and skills. “It has given us shared experiences, values, friendships and a commitment to helping others. To stand on patrol and watch my daughter Holly and granddaughter Addien carrying on that tradition is both rewarding and humbling.”
That sense of legacy runs deep. Chris says it’s reassuring to know the knowledge, culture and passion for lifesaving are being passed down through the family, and that there aren’t many opportunities in life where three generations can work side by side, contribute to their community, and learn from one another. Every patrol adds another memory to a growing family archive — and the next generation isn’t far behind, with Addien’s brother Albey set to join the patrol in a couple of years.
Both Chris and Holly have also taken on additional roles at Kawana Waters SLSC, allowing them to contribute even further to a club they consider a second home.
The Best (and Worst) Part of Patrolling Together
Ask the family what it’s like patrolling as a trio, and the answer comes with a laugh. The best part of being in the same club, they say, is celebrating together — and the “worst” part is simply that there are no secrets. Whatever happens on the beach, everyone hears about it.
Disagreements are rare, but if it ever comes down to who wins an argument on the sand, the family is fairly confident it’ll be Addien, the youngest of the trio, coming out on top.
Board paddling has already produced its fair share of family folklore, with Mum and Grandad “learning the boards” while Addien flies past — and admits she rather enjoys watching the wipeouts that follow.
Through Addien’s Eyes
For Addien, the club has turned out to be much bigger than she expected. “When I first started I thought Nippers was only until a certain age,” she says. “I now realise this was just the beginning, and I can’t wait to keep trying new things.” Next on her list: racing IRBs and trying surf boats.
What Kawana Means
Ask the family about Kawana Waters itself, and the answer isn’t about medals or milestones — it’s about people. The club has become a second home, a place where at any given time, they can turn up and find a friendly face. It has expanded their community and friendships, connecting them with people who share the same values in life, and there’s something special, they say, about watching your children train and learn alongside people of every age and skill level at the club.
Advice for Families Considering Joining Together
Their advice for families weighing up whether to join Surf Life Saving together is simple, echoing advice Holly once received from a friend: get involved, and get amongst it. There aren’t many activities, they say, where parents and kids get to train, learn and grow alongside each other, regardless of age. It’s a cliché, but the club has grown their community and connections — and any time they head down to Kawana, they’re sure to run into a friend.