Speeches
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Present National Medals to Squadron Members of the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron
Rod and I, as your patron, are pleased to be with you all today here at the home of the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron to present National Service Medals or Clasps to 18 operational members.
Congratulations to each of you on your milestone.
Your service to South Australia as volunteer members is very much appreciated.
One of the Squadron’s rescues during the past year was triggered when a group of paddle boarders was swept out to sea from Rapid Bay on a gusty afternoon.
I understand from a witness to this event that, as the paddle boarders continued to drift further away from the shore in extremely choppy waters, onlookers on the beach held grave fears for their safety.
So, when the Squadron crew arrived from Wirrina, there was a great sigh of relief.
In fact, once the paddle-boarders were safely on shore, the audience watching the rescue erupted in a spontaneous and well-deserved round of applause.
We are fortunate to enjoy a beautiful coastline with many opportunities for boating, fishing ... and paddle boarding.
But as Frank identified, sometimes people don’t make the best decisions on the water and get themselves into trouble.
Thankfully, Squadron members volunteer their precious time to ensure that, overwhelmingly for the most part, we are safe on the water.
The Squadron has been supporting SA Water Police in search and rescues at sea for 65 years.
I can only imagine the relief that so many people over the years must have felt when they caught sight of one of your members coming to their rescue.
Your presence at West Beach, at Edithburgh and the Copper Coast – and, of course, at Wirrina – gives these communities comfort and reassurance.
Your work also extends to helping people avoid risky situations when they go to sea by offering training for boaties in seamanship and radio communications.
Friends
I know the algal bloom is affecting most of the coastal areas where the Squadron operates, and it’s meant fewer boats and people on the water.
I can imagine this is an unsettling time for the Squadron as you witness the devastating impact on an environment to which you are very connected … and reflect on what it means for your services.
As Frank has observed, you may be in high demand when the bloom recedes and people make up for lost time on the water.
In the meantime, I thank you for carrying on with the job at hand.
I know this is a closely connected community and that many of you knew John Baker, who was President of Surf Life Saving Australia and a member of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club for more than 40 years.
John’s sudden passing has been felt by many of us in the community. I pay tribute to his long service at all levels of Surf Life Saving – from president to actively patrolling the coastline. His legacy of water safety advocacy and unwavering service to the community is one that you all share.
Thank you to the National Medal and Clasp recipients, and all the Squadron members for your dedication to serving people on the water and helping to build a strong, safe community.
Your commitment to water safety, your courage during difficult rescues and your community spirit are inspiring.
And we can’t forget the families and friends who understand when your work extends into the early hours, or you need to drop everything to get to a rescue.
Thank you for supporting Squadron members while they perform this vital role in keeping the community safe.
Congratulations again to award recipients and to all members of the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron. I wish you all the very best for a safe spring and summer on the water.