Down at Caloundra Bar this morning reluctant hero Greg Griifo Griffiths rescued a girl in big trouble after losing her surfboard
The under current today was huge with the big tide
Lucky Griffo caught a wave in a further than normal and had seen the girl apparently not long more and it could have been a real tragedy

Well Done Griffo

Last year, I used my SUP to rescue a Nipper that had got into trouble, but due to the swell could not be seen by the 10 or so lifesavers on the beach.

Being involved in Surf Lifesaving, I see lots of advantages to using a SUP for SLSA use, the main ones being:
– You can get out and patrol the back of the breakers and remain dry, which is particularly good if your on patrol for a long period of time.
– You have great visibility over a large area on the water.
– You have great visibility into the water that you don't get at water level.
– Your less susceptible to undertow.
– You can use the paddle handle to reach people in trouble.

There are a few brands that make lifesaving versions of SUPs, but unfortunately, most surf clubs and SLSA as a whole is very resistant to change and therefor will most likely not adopt SUPs for rescue equipment. Maybe a few more good stories like this will make them change their minds.

DavidJohn said...
Nice.. I don't think it will be long before we start seeing lifesavers on stand ups.

DJ

IMO



No way... Never... So illogical.... The basic idea is they are a rescue device... And ImO They are useless on a decent sized beach break, how easy is it to get through a 4 ft straight line beach break no leggy without losing your board, I doubt all but the best could, then to locate and pick someone up in a wave zone? How cold you stay standing up and look for some one in the impact zone?
And then how do you get them back in on the board using your paddle.... Or even grab hold of them whilst holding a paddle...

A prone board is quicker safer and proven to be a reasonably safe option..

And not to mention, jetskis and boat all being a better rescue tool. I'd go as far as saying a guy swiming with a buoy would even be better.. I know you are supporters of SUP and that's fine but IMO a sup as a rescue craft is not a good idea.

But good stuff for old mate doing what any experienced beach user does and helping someone out in trouble...