LOCAL LIFE SAVER FOR TOP JOB



BEN WHIBLEY has been appointed National Life Saving Development officer for Surf Life Saving Australia after his devotion to education within the organisation.

Ben has been a volunteer surf lifesaver at Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club and worked with Hunter Surf Life Saving teaching first aid and CPR to local school children and the general public for the last four years.

He is confident the new role will allow him to have a greater influence on the training of Surf Life Saving in NSW.

 “The new job will give me the chance to have a small impact on the direction of training in surf life saving which is something that I take great pride in.”

Ben believes practical training of young people is vital to keeping our beaches safe and giving people a second chance in a near drowning.

“Prevention through teaching beach safety is the best way prevent potential problems from occurring. Training people while they are young is important so they can carry these skills throughout their life.”

Ben speaks from much experience, in early 2003 he saved a man from a potential life threatening heart attack performing CPR on his patient.

“After being in a situation like that I have learnt there is a lot more to saving a life then what can be read in a text book. Practical experience is really the thing that gives you the skills to act in a situation rather than just knowing what to do.”

The Australian Government has titled 2007 the year of The Surf Life Saver in recognition of thousands of volunteers across Australia who, like Ben, give up their time to patrol our beaches and save lives. Ben believes the year should not only be about recognition but about encouraging more people to join surf life saving and volunteering at their local beach.

“The classic image of a lifesaver was a bronzed Aussie, who was strong, muscly and very fit. The situation is different now as surf life saving is about a group of people who patrol and work together. It’s about everyone getting involved and playing a role.”

For more information about Surf Life Saving Australia visit www.slsa.asn.au.