Rookies compete in Coast Challenge

Six members of the Umina Surf Life Saving Club took part in the Central Coast Rookie Challenge at Toowoon Bay on January 22.

Aiden Arnold, James Rooke, Mitchell Seamen, Oliver Shepherd, Nicola Stone and Maddie Whyte were chosen to represent the club at the event, according to club publicity officer Mr Carl Krucler.

"Rookies are Under-13 and Under-14 members of Central Coast Surf Lifesaving clubs who participate in patrol activities on a regular basis as an introduction to the role of volunteer surf lifesaving for future years," Mr Krucler said.

"Umina selected six members from the Under-14 age group based on those with the highest number of patrol hours so far this season and who do not regularly compete at State Championship level."

Mr Krucler said the challenge involved six activities including signals, a trivia quiz based on the surf life saving manual, relay run, rescue relay, tube swim and board rescue, lifesaver relay and the body board relay involving all six team members.

"Umina finished a credible 10th considering they were up against state representative competitors and medallists from some other clubs," Mr Krucler said.

"They won the club two CPR kits, rescue tube and a resuscitation mask - all aids to further enable the club to protect the public on our local beach."

Press release, 29 Jan 2010 Carl Krucler, Umina Surf Life Saving Club