Vollies sought for disabled surfing day

You do not need surfing experience to become a vital volunteer in the Disabled Surfers Association Great Southern’s first Let’s Go Surfing Day at Middleton beach this Saturday.

The new local branch despe-rately needs volunteers to help people with all levels of disabil-ity take to the water and learn to surf.

Volunteer committee member Janet McCartney said being part of a community group catering to a minority was an extremely rewarding experience.

“Not only do the participants enjoy themselves but carers and parent volunteers on the sides appreciate seeing the participants have fun,” she said.

“Normally, these participants don’t get an opportunity in the water.”

“It is great for their senses, and they benefit from being a part of a healthy activity, learning a new skill, and laughing and screaming with joy.”

DSA Great Southern formed last year after the success of smaller events supported by DSA Southwest and will make the surfing days an annual event.

Mrs McCartney said that volunteers are required for two levels of assistance, of which the first is to be a water volunteer and the second will help lining slides of the water run.

The volunteer training is at Middleton beach at 7am. Registrations for surfing participants opens at 8.30am for a 9am start.

Surfing days are also scheduled March 17 and April 21.

For more information, visit the Disabled Surfers Association Great Southern Facebook page.