Surf Life Saving SA provides a ringing endorsement to Chaplains in their Clubs
The following article has been published on the Surf Life Saving SA website. It provides a ringing endorsement to the presence of Chaplains in Surf Life Saving Clubs – particularly highlighting the value of confidential pastoral care within the surf life saving community.
‘As part of our member protection practices, Surf Life Saving SA offers all Surf Life Saving Clubs the opportunity to appoint a dedicated Club Chaplain through our partnerships with Sports Chaplaincy Australia and Lifesaving Chaplaincy. Our team of Lifesaving Chaplains are in place to promote wellbeing and support our Members who are facing challenges in their lives. Over-seeing the Chaplaincy program in South Australia are State Lifesaving Chaplains Brian ” Bandy” Edwards and Bruce Rankin.
Bandy Edwards says the role of the Chaplains is to “support the members and their families through good and tough times, with either personal issues or competitive highs and lows. They (the Chaplains) are impartial and are primarily concerned with the welfare of the people within Surf Life Saving”.
Most of the Members who have used the Chaplaincy service are surprised at how informal and comfortable it is. Surf Life Saving SA staff member Sita Bacher says “I’m not a Christian, so I was a bit hesitant to get involved with Chaplains but now I know that’s not what it’s about. Bandy pops in for a cuppa about once a month to check on me and see how I am. It’s great to have someone in my life who so openly cares about me and who I can talk to about personal things in privacy and confidentiality”. … ‘