Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to briefly mention the recent success of Australia's surf lifesavers at the 30th Olympiad. Twenty current surf lifesavers and six former lifesavers competed in the London games. This does not include Sally Pearson, who I understand was a nipper at Surfers Paradise as a child.

Surf lifesavers competed and excelled in a number of sports, including swimming, water polo, rowing and kayaking. Between them they achieved two gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal, which as a team would have meant they were placed 30th overall in the medal tally. This is a fantastic achievement. If you think you have got what it takes to be an Olympian then check out the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia's talent identification program 'The Next Wave', which is designed to fast-track athletes towards Olympic glory in water sports. The Next Wave is funded by the Australian Sports Commission. The Next Wave helps improve athletes' performance and develop pathways for coaches, athletes and surf lifesavers. They have developed great partnerships to assist in this process, including with Swimming Australia, Australian Canoeing and Rowing Australia.

You could help save the life of someone close to you one day. I encourage you to stay safe on the beach and donate to or participate in the surf lifesaving movement. Every Australian, including many Olympians can and do help save lives.

See this speech in context