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Branch Rescue of the Month March – Cronulla SLSC

Congratulations to  Cronulla SLSC and in particular 17 year old member Brandon Leelong who has been recognised and rewarded as Branch Rescue of the Month March 2023.

At around 7.15 pm on Monday 6 March 2023, a lady in her mid 40s went into the water at Cronulla beach on her own but outside of the rip (middle north end of the beach) she looked confident entering the water and looked like she could swim.  A few minutes later the swimmer was caught in the rip and within seconds dragged about 70 metres out to sea. While members of the public started to seek help, one of Cronulla newest patrolling members, 17 year old Brandon Leelong picked up the club rescue board and paddled out to the lady in distress.

Brandon was not just able to get to the patient quickly, he was also the first one to notice the lady had been taken further out to sea.

Upon paddling back to shore with the lady, Brandon observed the lady looking to be non responsive. Fellow club member George Ordenes assisted the lady from the board assessing the patient who  was in shock and thankfully responsive,  she advised that she had not swallowed any water.

This rescue by Brandon certainly may have had a different outcome if he had not spotted the situation as early as he did to be able to effectively rescue this swimmer.  

Congratulations to you Brandon and thank you.

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SLS Sydney new Life Member – Kerryn Briody

Congratulations and welcome to the highest Branch Honour and Recognition to member Kerryn Briody.

It is with great pleasure that the SLSS Branch Council last evening,  voted unanimously to the elevation of Life Membership to Kerryn Briody, Bondi SBLSC for her distinguished service which is both sustained and has provided a conspicuous contribution to Surf Life Saving.

Kerryn was one of the first females to gain her Bronze Medallion award. Her involvement within Sydney Branch has included Education Manager, Board of Lifesaving Member & Assessor, numerous sub committees and SurfCom operator for SLS Sydney during the 90’s to 2000’s. Kerryn’s employment life has seen her share her outstanding lifesaving skills across four states of Australia. Her journey has given her involvement in all facets of Surf Lifesaving, patrolling, education, surf sports official and carnival announcer, trainer, assessor, facilitator, research, and development to name a few pathways of involvement Kerryn has excelled at.

Kerryn has been a pioneer in early female leadership and today continues to formally support the National Women in Lifesaving Mentoring Program as well as the many proactive activities supporting up and coming leaders.

Kerryn’s passion and commitment for over 40 years for Surf Life Saving is to be admired. Recognition of elevation to Life Membership of Sydney Branch is well deserved.
Congratulations Kerryn.