We’re still saving lives

Recruitment numbers have doubled for Lifesavers With Pride (LWP), the national group for gay and lesbian surf lifesavers.

The increase in numbers over the past 12 months has been credited to the exposure the group gained last year after appearing in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Seeing the guys and girls in last year’s Mardi Gras made me reconsider the lifesaving movement completely, recent recruit Michael Webster said.

I always loved swimming but I never thought I would be the right fit.

LWP spokesman Ronan McSweeney said the response to the volunteer call was pleasing.

Gays and lesbians have literally been flocking to the beach over the past four months and doing their Bronze Medallion -“ the qualification that enables them to become active lifesavers on Australian beaches, he said.

In the lead-up to the parade this year, LWP are keeping their float plans under wraps, though McSweeney assures that their entry will be even bigger, with even smaller swimsuits.

www.lifesaverswithpride.blogspot.com.