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Hundreds of competitors, coaches and spectators were at South West Rocks’ main beach on Saturday and Sunday for the Surf Life Saving NSW Inflatable Rescue Boat carnival.
South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club president Rod McDonagh said the event ran smoothly despite the reporting of a shark delaying the event on Saturday afternoon.
“It was another great carnival with it running smoothly for the most part,” McDonagh said.
“Competition was suspended for about an hour on Saturday afternoon after a buoy picked up a tagged shark but after sending out spotters and deliberating with officials and competitors the show went on without a hitch.”
The South West Rocks competitors were eliminated in the opening rounds but McDonagh said it was a great learning opportunity for them.
“They compete against the best and picked up a lot of experience,” he said. “They all enjoyed themselves.”
The weekend was capped off with the news the NSW Surf Life Saving Country Championships will be held at South West Rocks for a third consecutive year.
‘We have great beaches and the conditions are great for competing,” McDonagh said.
“There is plenty of close accommodation available which makes South West Rocks the perfect location for the event.”
McDonagh said planning for the competition will get underway in the next month and he is expecting South West Rocks to hit the beach with a strong field of competitors.
“Our strong team will start properly training within the next month or so,” McDonagh said.
The club president said the carnival’s run smoothly due to the support from the council.
“We thank the council for their ongoing financial support,” he said.
“They supply us with equipment and are very supportive.”
The NSW Surf Life Saving Country Championships are expected to be held on the weekend of February 3 and 4.