Sailors band together to give firies a day out on the water
The sailing community does its bit to give volunteer firefighters a big pat on the backAustralia's sailing community has jumped behind an initiative to give hard-working volunteer firefighters and their families a free day out on the water.
The Above and Beyond Boating initiative is asking firefighters to register their interest in the scheme, which will give both them and their families a free sailing experience to remember.
The scheme’s target is to have 450 sailboats – each stretching more than 10 metres and hosting a single family – operating out of 15 hubs spread along Australia’s eastern seaboard providing day-long joyrides out on the water.
The target date for the first event is Sunday, March 15, with more to follow.
Devastating bushfires
The move is aimed at saying a big thank-you to the unpaid volunteers who have fought devastating bushfires that have ravaged eastern Australia since October last year.
“Across Australia, our dedicated firefighters have been stretched to the limit with the terrible bushfire season,” Darren Vaux, president of the Boating Industry Association of Australia – the industry group coordinating the event – said.
“They have worked tirelessly to keep our homes, friends, family, wilderness and wildlife safe, often at a huge cost to themselves and their family.
“We now have an opportunity to help those who have been helping us.”
Confronting danger
Marine biologist and author Dr Wallace Nichols, who is helping the BIA with Above and Beyond Boating, said first responders such as volunteer firefighters confronted danger on our behalf, day after day.
“As a result, even the most resilient among them carry a heavy load of stress and anxiety long after the fires subside and the story falls from the nightly news,” Nichols said.
“We have found that quality time near, in, on and under water can play an important role in the physical, emotional and social wellness and recovery of these men and women.
“Indeed, water is medicine for those who need it most, and everyone else."
Organisers aim to include a barbecue before the boats head out on the water.
Clubs that have already expressed an interest in Above and Beyond Boating include:
- Middle Harbour Yacht Club (NSW)
- Cruising Yacht Club Australia (NSW)
- Royal Motor Yacht Club Newport (NSW)
- Lake Macquarie Yacht Club (NSW)
- Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (NSW)
- Empire Marina Bobbin Head (NSW)
- Sanctuary Cove Marina (Qld)
- Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (Qld)
- Cruising Yacht Club of Tasmania (Tas)
For more information, or to register, go to aabboating.com/firefighters/
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