Incoming Board Member embraces surfers’ rescue as a “game changer” for safety on our beaches

SYDNEY, December 13: Almost two in every three of Australia’s one million-plus recreational surfers are estimated to have saved someone in trouble in the ocean and incoming Surfing NSW Director, Francis Coady, is one of them.

Mr Coady, whose day job is Chief Marketing and Content Officer for Havas Media Australia, says it occurred in Sydney at Tamarama Beach in 2019.

“I noticed him in the corner of my eye - the look of a person in distress in the ocean is very confronting,” he said. “It’s a call-to-action and you’ve only got seconds to think about what you need to do to help them but protect yourself too.”

He said Surfing NSW’s Surfers’ Rescue program, which has taught some 11,000 surfers life saving techniques to date, was one of the initiatives that drew him to the organisation, describing it as a game changer for water safety on Australia’s beaches.

“As someone who’s conducted a rescue, I can see the value in creating an army of surfers who are trained to save lives,’” Mr Coady said. “Most people who get into trouble are not those swimming between the flags.”

Surfing NSW Chairman John O’Neill welcomed Mr Coady who, he said, would bring a powerful corporate network to the sport and its lifestyle.

“Francis is a great communicator and I believe his involvement will help brands who have not traditionally associated with our sport, or the surf lifestyle, realise the power and value of doing so.”

He also thanked outgoing director Rob Smith for his work on the board during the last three years. He said the organisation looked forward to continuing its association with Rob, who is now domiciled in New Zealand, including via helping it franchise programs like Surfers’ Rescue in that country.

Francis Coady joins the Surfing NSW board that includes; John O’Neill (Chair), Harry Hodge (Deputy Chair), Mark Windon OAM, Felicity Conlan, Ben Rolleston, Lyndel Gray and Robert Smith.