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Great Australian Volunteer Surf Life Saving Stories
After I'd got him out of harm's way, I dived back in yet again and swam out past the surf-break, out to where the other two lads were floundering. Then, one at a time, I took them back onto the rocks – all done against the raging rip and wild surf. By then an hour or so had passed. Still, severe cuts, bruises and abrasions aside, I'd successfully saved the lives of the four young people who, in all probability, would've otherwise drowned.
Surf Life Saving Australia is the nation's largest volunteer organisation, with over 300 affiliated clubs and more than 198,000 members – that's 198,000 Australians each with amazing stories to tell.
From the golden sands of Bondi to the remote coastlines of Arnhem Land and the chilly waters of Tasmania, Bill 'Swampy' Marsh has gathered some of the best of those stories – from acts of remarkable bravery and daring rescues against the odds, to lighthearted and humorous yarns of encounters with crocodiles and sharks. Each story shines a light on the unwavering dedication, community spirit and extraordinary experiences of everyday Australians who selflessly devote their time to protect others.
This audiobook contains the names of Aboriginal people now deceased.
Surf Life Saving Australia is the nation's largest volunteer organisation, with over 300 affiliated clubs and more than 198,000 members – that's 198,000 Australians each with amazing stories to tell.
From the golden sands of Bondi to the remote coastlines of Arnhem Land and the chilly waters of Tasmania, Bill 'Swampy' Marsh has gathered some of the best of those stories – from acts of remarkable bravery and daring rescues against the odds, to lighthearted and humorous yarns of encounters with crocodiles and sharks. Each story shines a light on the unwavering dedication, community spirit and extraordinary experiences of everyday Australians who selflessly devote their time to protect others.
This audiobook contains the names of Aboriginal people now deceased.
Audible Audio
Published July 16, 2025
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August 11, 2025
I have not encountered Bill 'Swampy' Marsh before. Readers of his will know what I mean when I say he has the knack of compiling hidden gems of a story!
Covering the vast country so far and wide this is a collection of many entertaining stories of mate ship, comradery, the saving of lives, the building of communities, fun and frivolity.
There are an abundance of light moments, but interestingly we hear from founders of surf clubs, lifelong members, and the breadth of community the life saving clubs protect and serve.
It's a dangerous job, one that does not pay its volunteers, and often these workers put their life on the line in situations that should not be. Like entering flood waters and being under the influence when swimming.
Teaching survival skills to be qualified to assist in emergency events takes a huge commitment of teaching and learning, and included are many stories of interest such as this. Emergency events become very serious very quickly and as a reader, I had never considered this side before.
So, this quirky book includes light stories, and heavy ones, because not everyone is able to be saved.
This book is also on audio, via the BorrowBox platform and your public library. Skilfully and humorously narrated by the author himself.
Thank you Harper Collins for my review copy.
Covering the vast country so far and wide this is a collection of many entertaining stories of mate ship, comradery, the saving of lives, the building of communities, fun and frivolity.
There are an abundance of light moments, but interestingly we hear from founders of surf clubs, lifelong members, and the breadth of community the life saving clubs protect and serve.
It's a dangerous job, one that does not pay its volunteers, and often these workers put their life on the line in situations that should not be. Like entering flood waters and being under the influence when swimming.
Teaching survival skills to be qualified to assist in emergency events takes a huge commitment of teaching and learning, and included are many stories of interest such as this. Emergency events become very serious very quickly and as a reader, I had never considered this side before.
So, this quirky book includes light stories, and heavy ones, because not everyone is able to be saved.
This book is also on audio, via the BorrowBox platform and your public library. Skilfully and humorously narrated by the author himself.
Thank you Harper Collins for my review copy.
Displaying 1 of 1 review