Life's a beach for Tom

12.05.2010

THE Gold Coast's busy beaches will be front
and centre once again for a new series of
Channel 7's Surf Patrol.
The observational series follows the dayto-
day dramas of Australia's volunteer surf
lifesavers and host Tom Williams says the
Gold Coast's famous stretches of sand get
plenty of airtime.
"The Coast's beaches do figure very highly
in the program," said Williams, who was on
the Coast in January reporting for Seven on
the beach from the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain
Ironman series.
"It's such a busy stretch and there's always
stuff happening.
"I think it's the shark activity that was
happening last summer that was very prominent,
especially the bull sharks, which are
very aggressive.
"It's the archenemy for anybody who
enjoys going to the beach, but of course the
lifesavers and air patrol do a good job making
sure that sharks ... stay away.
"They're total pros, these guys, with their
communications. I think all swimmers should
be well relieved the eyes are there and they're
protected at all times."
Williams, who has been involved with surf
lifesaving for nearly two decades, is
impressed with the dawn patrols carried out
by dedicated Coast clubbies.
"There's a couple who go out at 5am each
morning to survey the beaches and pull in
early morning revellers," he said.
-A lot of people walk out of the bars and
think it's a nice time to go for a swim. They
can get into trouble, especially when the sea
is rough. You really take your life into your
own hands when you do that kind of thing."
Williams hopes to make it to the l0thanniversary
Splendour in the Grass music
festival, moving to the home of the Woodford
Folk Festival on the Sunshine Coast.
Surf Patrol will be on a production break,
giving the presenter a bit more free time.
"It's an annual pilgrimage for me," he said.
"The line-up this year looks fantastic. I
hope I get a chance to pop up there. It's a
shame it's not at Byron.
"It's a wonderfully run festival and it just
has such a solid following.
"Big Day Out and Homebake - I try to get
along to those festivals but without a doubt
Splendour is one of the most well run."