This week for date night I decided some music and fine dining might be a good course of action. Especially after suggesting that the monster trucks might be good for our last date night. I had heard from a neighbour that the Maroochy Surf Club was taking the lead and promoting live local musicians every Thursday night – with no cover charge. I seemed to have a plan. Let’s face it, you really can’t go past Surf Club food, it’s always good, plentiful and very reasonably priced. Though I do admit that I love to see local talent get a helping hand. I’ve always been a supporter of local performers, and now my local Maroochy Surf Club was offering us the chance to have a great meal and listen to some live music at the same time. Bonus points coming up.

After heading to the website to see who might be playing I found myself on the club’s history page and it was a really interesting read. On 1st January 1916, under a tent provided by the Salvation Army at Cotton Tree, the Maroochydore Branch of the Royal Life Saving Society was formed. The formation was in response to the past constant loss of life. Maroochy Heads, or Cotton Tree as it’s probably better known, would attract around 2,000 campers every Christmas and Easter break. Lifesaving Squads from Bli Bli and Maroochydore first patrolled the beach the very next day on the 2nd January. And five rescues were performed on that day.

Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club joined the Surf Life Saving Association in January 1931, at the very height of its success in patrolling and in Royal competition. Maroochydore SLSC was crowned Champion Club at the inaugural Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships at Coolangatta in January 1932.

Today Maroochydore is ranked among the most respected and recognised Surf Clubs both nationally and internationally, having won the World Club Title in 2000 and 2002. The Club has accrued 38 World Surf Life Saving Championships, 29 World Champions, and 177 Australian Championships Gold Medalists. Maroochydore’s motto after almost 100 years remains: “Loyalty, Guts and Glory”.

Sorry here comes my soapbox piece. The service that surf lifesavers provide is incredibly important. Without their sacrifice and vigilance, a lazy afternoon at the beach would be infinitely more dangerous. These heroes aren’t getting the funding they need from the government, so supporting your clubs is crucial to their continued work.

Successful patrolling of our beaches is accomplished by volunteer lifesavers having specific, relevant and up to date training and education. Lifesavers apply their knowledge and skills to provide the beach-going public with prevention, promotion as well as protection. The training and education area provides introductory, standard and higher level training in the use of lifesaving equipment and advanced emergency care resources that enhances the lifesavers ability to provide support to the community, while maintaining and developing their own skills.

The trainers and assessors are lifesavers who have identified the importance of a well-trained organisation and further dedicate their time to provide ongoing access to training and education of new and existing members. Many of the courses delivered are nationally accredited to, which provides opportunities for the knowledge and skills gained through lifesaving to be used for gaining or maintaining employment outside of the lifesaving movement.

Back to date night, it was fantastic. We had beautiful, hearty meal and a little more wine than was probably necessary. I capped off the night dancing hand in hand with the love of my life. You don’t need to go clubbing to have a dance, or go to a fancy restaurant for a meal on a date night. Sometimes simple and well priced is all you need, add a great atmosphere with friendly staff a bit of fresh sea air and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic night to look back on every time. For more information visit the website Maroochy Surf Club.