Sport
23 May, 2026
Etty Bay surf club signs up 10 new families for season
ETTY Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has kicked off its volunteer patrol season in true red-and-yellow style, with patrol group 1 raising the flags and officially launching another year of community safety on the beach.
The club has already enjoyed a strong start to the season, with its recent sign-on day attracting 10 new families and boosting Nipper numbers to around 40.
Etty Bay joined Ellis Beach, Cairns, Mission Beach and Port Douglas clubs in hosting sign-on events across the region.
Etty Bay was also one of five clubs to take part in the ‘pink patrol’, celebrating the contribution of women in lifesaving. It was a milestone moment for Sarah Bristol, who captained her first patrol on 12 April.
Following the club’s AGM in early March, the 2026–2027 committee was confirmed as: president Shayne Cini, vice-president Neil Kleve, secretary Alana Witt, treasurer Blaise Cini, club captain Nick Cook and junior activities coordinator Mark Nucifora.
Earlier this year, club president Shayne Cini received the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Australia Day Service to Sport Award for his significant voluntary contribution to both the club and the wider community.
Training is already underway for the North Queensland Branch Pool Rescue Championships in Smithfield on 24 May, with members completing pool rescue drills and Nippers working through their age-specific swim proficiencies.
Nippers, catering for children from under-6 to under-15, provides youngsters with a fun and safe introduction to surf lifesaving.
Shayne Cini said the club was proud to be a family-friendly, community-focused organisation, with many younger siblings watching from the sand until they were old enough to join in.
“Throughout the March to November patrol season, people of all ages, from six to 90-plus are welcome to come and try without registering.”
The club will host its annual beach carnival on 29-30 August, welcoming competitors from Etty Bay, Mission Beach, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas.