Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association (DSACC) will hold its first Smiles on Dials event of the season at Umina Beach on Saturday, December 2.
Following a volunteer training day set to take place on November 25, the event will celebrate International Day of People with Disability with this year’s theme being United in Action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.
“We need large volunteer numbers to make our surfing experience safe and enjoyable,” a spokesperson said.
“Interested volunteers are asked to register online via Humanitix or via https://bit.ly/December2Umina prior to the event so we know how many surfers we can accept.
“Volunteers will also be accepted on the day.
“Volunteers do not need to know how to surf although water skills are highly valued.
“A water refill station and a rash shirt will be provided for the day, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own wetsuits.
“A sausage sizzle will complete the festivities.”
Volunteering at a Smiles on Dials event consists of helping participants to and from the beach, assisting them in and out of the water and helping set-up and clean-up.
Food is provided and smiles are always encouraged.
The free volunteer training day will be held at Umina Beach on Saturday, November 25, from 9am with a theory session followed by training in the water.
You can register at https://bit.ly/CCVolunteerTraining
DSACC is a volunteer-run organisation which enables people of all ages and abilities to take part in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes, beach surfing.
Volunteers provide a safe and happy surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities who would otherwise be unable to access the beach.
In order to ensure safety, DSA has a very high volunteer-to-participant ratio, with a minimum of six-to-one, up to as high as 30-to-one for more challenging participants.
They only surf in broken waves, in waist depth water.
The organisation was established in 1986 and currently has 19 branches across Australia and New Zealand.