Lifesaving club wins good sports title

Young nippers and cadets are learning more than just beach skills at Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, with a strong undercurrent of health messages flowing through the clubhouse.

The club was named WA’s Good Sports Club of the Year out of 238 clubs for its dedication to promoting the values of the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program and creating a family oriented zone.

Club sponsorship director Carolyn Wilson said winning the award highlighted to the community the club was “doing the right thing”.

“This is a wonderful reward for the club having already implemented initiatives to promote the Good Sports values,” she said.

“Our club doesn’t have a big alcohol culture, yes the bar is open, and I’ve been involved in many other sports where drinking is a bit more of a culture, but ours is sort of more in the background.

“It is more about being together as a family after being out on the beach all morning.”

Mrs Wilson said the club circulated the message by focusing on family, serving low and non-alcoholic drinks, clearly displaying taxi numbers, providing complimentary snacks and ensuring all bar staff have Responsible Service of Alcohol certificates.

Good Sports State manager Greg Williams said the award highlighted the club’s commitment to responsible service of alcohol and their involvement within the community.

“A club like Secret Harbour may already have a lot of the practices in place but we help clubs to build on them by helping them make positive practical changes,” he said.