Illawarra surf clubs opposed to Saturday patrols are preparing to break ties with Surf Life Saving NSW over the issue, in a move that would end more than two centuries of combined history.
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Management of Port Kembla and Corrimal clubs are investigating insurance options that could allow their nippers programs and Sunday and public holiday patrols to continue without the blessing or involvement of SLSNSW.
The discussions come as an impasse with SLSNSW shows no sign of clearing.
At issue is a SLSNSW requirement for the clubs’ volunteer life savers to patrol on some Saturdays, alongside council lifeguards.
Presidents Tony Cartwright (Corrimal) and David Erskine (Port Kembla) say their volunteers have spent past Saturday patrols sitting idle because there is nothing for them to do.
SLSNSW have threatened the clubs with deregistration from 5pm Thursday unless they sign agreements that will mandate peak-period Saturday patrols for the next three years.
On Tuesday Surf Life Saving Illawarra president Val Zanotto intervened in the dispute, arguing for a week-long stay of execution at a SLSNSW state council meeting.
Late Wednesday Mr Zanotto directly emailed the members of both clubs, in an apparent bid to bypass the dissenting presidents.
“At the [state council] meeting I raised my concerns that the management of Port Kembla [and Corrimal clubs] may not be representing the best interests of you, the members,” he wrote.
“I have … negotiated another week … to ensure all members have the opportunity to consider the situation and voice their concerns with the club’s management.”
Elsewhere in the letters, Mr Zanotto notes a number of concessions made to the clubs as part of an 18-month negotiation on the agreements.
He appeals to members to “question the decision made by the management” of the clubs, both of which have been part of the surf life saving movement fore more than 100 years.
“You are a valued member of a club that has a long and proud tradition and your forebears over the years have made an incredible contribution to protecting the public,” Mr Zanotto wrote.
“What a tragedy that the club’s management is willing to throw all that history and community goodwill away because of the personal views of a few who refuse to compromise and finalise the agreement, which has been negotiated in good faith by the Illawarra clubs and Branch, Wollongong City Council and SLSNSW.”
On Wednesday night, a meeting of more than 50 Port Kembla club members voted in support of the stance taken by club management to date.
Mr Erskine has led a petition on the issue, which has gathered more than 1800 signatures.
“We’re getting a lot of support, not only through the petition,” he said.
“We are getting a lot of emails from clubs across the state. They’re all saying the same thing: they’re sick of being dictated to.”
