State lifesaving championships being held

The Umina and Ocean Beach Surf Clubs has just hosted the Junior State Lifesaving Championships from March 4 to 6.

The Masters NSW State Lifesaving Championship will take place at Umina and Ocean Beach on March 9 and 10 and then the premier NSW Opens Surf Life Saving Championships will run from March 11 through to March 13.

The State's premier event has been held at the two beaches for the past three years, attracting thousands of visitors to the Central Coast.

"We are expecting over 7000 competitors during the time and along with 600 volunteer officials as well as up to 15,000 spectators," said Umina SLSC publicity officer, Ms Christine Lavers.

"Umina SLSC has many top competitors who are expected to do well and we will update Peninsula News with their results as they come to hand," she said.

Umina SLSC also recently hosted a group of young student over the age of 17 years from all over the world who are currently studying in Australia and sponsored by local Rotarians.

"Our club captain Jess Thomas as well as other Umina members gave them an insight to Surf Lifesaving Culture.

"They were shown how to use rescue equipment in and out of the water and given instructions about beach safety.

"The young adults finished off their visit with a friendly barbecue get together with Umina SLSC members," she said.

A Woy Woy supermarket has recently donated $2000 to the Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

"As a volunteer organisation, we rely heavily on the support of the community," said Umina SLSC publicity officer, Ms Christine Lavers

The donation from the IGA supermarket at Deep Water Plaza was of "much needed funds to keep our beach a safer place for our community and visitors", she said.

Email, 3 Mar 2016

Christine Lavers, Umina SLSC