Some people grow up near the beach. Others grow up in the club.
For the Osborne family, Tugun Surf Life Saving Club is more than a weekend activity—it’s a way of life passed down through three generations. And it’s proof that when families volunteer together, they create legacies that last.
Volunteering That Connects Generations
From five-year-old Sophie on the sand to 70-year-old Franky mentoring Under 6s, the Osborne family shows that surf lifesaving is for everyone. Derek, known as “Dekka,” started as a nipper at age eight. Today, he watches his kids and grandkids walk the same beach he once patrolled.
“It’s about love, camaraderie, and giving back,” Derek says. “Watching Kale and Sophie grow within the club is so rewarding.”
Three Things the Osborne Family Teaches Us About Volunteering
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It’s never too early—or too late to start. From kids to grandparents, everyone has a place in the club.
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The beach is a classroom. Lifesaving teaches confidence, teamwork, and water safety from a young age.
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Clubs are communities. They offer purpose, connection, and a reason to come together across generations.
More Than a Club—A Cornerstone
Since 1982, Tugun SLSC has been a foundation for the Osborne family. Barbecues, training sessions, nipper carnivals, and surf comps have all helped shape who they are. But it’s the friendships, support, and sense of belonging that matter most.
“I’ve seen generations come through,” Franky says. “The biggest reward is seeing kids I coached return with their own children.”
Make Your Own Family Tradition
Surf Life Saving clubs welcome every age and ability. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, learn new skills, or just spend more time with your family outdoors, you’ll find more than sand and surf—you’ll find your people.
This season, don’t just visit the beach. Be part of the story.
Join your local surf life saving club today and create your own legacy in the red and yellow.
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