Rebecca Wilson, Courier Mail, on lifesaver Matthew Barclay's death

[bob10]

Those who read the Courier Mail will be familiar with Rebecca Wilson, whom I think writes very sensible @ even handed articles in the sport section. Her article on the tragic death of the young lifesaver deserves wide coverage. So, Courier Mail, Saturday, 31 March :

"The surf lifesaver has become an iconic symbol of the modern Australian warrior.
In a world that has become way too complex, the bronzed Aussie wearing a red and yellow skullcap patrolling our beaches is pretty much as good as it gets when we talk about who we are as a nation.
The lifesaving movement pride themselves on the fact they are an amateur organisation, manned by a large volunteer army of young, fit Aussie men and women. The national titles are called "The Aussies" and the organisation's website is headlined with the slogan "Australian for Life."
It is precisely the organisation's refusal to let go of its old-fashioned Aussie war horse roots that has senior surf lifesaving officials fighting for their reputation, trying to defend the indefensible.
A Queensland family is today facing a future without their 14-year-old son after he drowned during the national life saving titles at treacherous Kurrawa beach on the Gold Coast.
Matthew Barclay was the third lifesaver to have drowned at the beach during the nationals at Kurrawa. Late last year, when the beach had already cost two lifesavers their lives, the Bligh government announced the nationals would be held there until at least 2014.
Events Queensland and the Gold Coast City Council are sponsoring the titles, so there is little doubt that the deal was conditional on being held at Kurrawa.
'So far, there has been no mention of whether commercial imperitives meant the event proceeded no matter what the conditions.' Nobody in surf lifesaving has answered the tough questions since Matthew Barclay's body was found more than a kilometre down the beach.
Some have, though, found time to criticise Saxon Bird's family and lawyer for daring to say what many observers have been thinking. Wasn't Saxon's death in treacherous conditions two years ago enough for the organisers to desert Kurrawa forever?
Matthew was competing in an under 15 board event in seas that had been deemed suitable earlier in the day by the organisers. This was in spite of the fact that Olympic paddler and champion lifesaver Ken Wallace was thrown from his board five times during an event several hours before Matthew took to the water.
Even to the naked eye, the beach was rough and the notorious Kurrawa rip was in full swing.
This was no place for 14-year-olds and a decision should have been made that at least the junior events would be postponed or moved to another beach.
Nobody in the lifesaving movement is willing to criticise the decision to proceed.
Lifesavers like their tough-guy reputations. It is this machismo that appears to have cost three young men their lives.
While the service they provide on our beaches every weekend is admirable, the expertise does not extend to running elite sporting contests.
National titles in all sports are meant to feature the country's best athletes. Not in surf lifesaving. Everyone is eligible to compete. Just join your local club, fill out a form and you are in. This policy would be laughable in any other sport in the world.
A lack of leadership is apparent. While locals have been reluctant to criticise the movemet, the calls for chief executive Brett Williamson to stand down are growing louder. The Bird family lawyer has even called for a royal commission.
A coronial inquiry will be wasting its time if its only ruling is for safety equipment to be used by all competitors. The finding must point to the personnel in charge. The game is up. If the power to stop these contests is not handed to someone with a safety first brief, and some professional expertise, more deaths are inevitable.
Nobody should die on a beach full of lifesavers, let alone one of their own."

Amen to that, Bob

[akelly]

+1 to that.

I've always thought when my son got old enough I would take him to Nippers - having seen the absolute idiocy and arrogant refusal to learn from mistakes of the SLS mob he wont be going within cooee of those clowns.

Cheers,

Adam

[uninformed]

The paper in mention is just POS commercial crap.....How many people are saved by life gaurds and life savers each year? how many clubbies etc die? what happened to him could have happened at any beach on any given day. You might want to hear what the family has to say on the SLS.

[bob10]

how many clubbies etc die?.

Ok, how many? On the day in question, on that beach, if it was a normal patrol day, the beach would have been closed. No public, no " clubbies" in the water. Bob

[bob10]

+1 to that.

I've always thought when my son got old enough I would take him to Nippers - having seen the absolute idiocy and arrogant refusal to learn from mistakes of the SLS mob he wont be going within cooee of those clowns.

Cheers,

Adam

Don't stop him going , I took my sons to nippers, the best thing we did together, Don't judge the SLS movement by the mistakes of a few. Bob

[uninformed]

Ok, how many? On the day in question, on that beach, if it was a normal patrol day, the beach would have been closed. No public, no " clubbies" in the water. Bob

which day are you refering to?

when the public swim in bad and dangerous conditions, do the life gaurd/savers say its to dangerous to go in and resuce them? All competitors have the choice whether or not to enter the water? btw how much of Aus coastline is "open beach" as opposed to safe points/bays etc....

[akelly]

The issue is not wether the Life Savers do good work - they obviously do. The issue is that the idiots running the organisation don't understand simple risk management concepts and think it's OK to put people in life-threatening situations for the sake of a competition.

3 kids have died from being struck on the head and the idiots are still debating the merits of head-protection. Why would anyone trust their kids to this lot?

[uninformed]

maybe we shouldnt get out of bed! go to any beach on the GC on ANY day of the week when the sun is out and see how many board riders are out there. Matthew was in a group of 3 when the incident happend. Not 15 or 20....It was a very bad luck horrible accident. Try swimming with a helmet on....yes they loose their boards and have to swim...whats that you say, they should also where a leg rope. I challange you to go paddle a clubbie mal with a leggie and see how your ankle and knee is after a few bail outs.

[bob10]

maybe we shouldnt get out of bed! go to any beach on the GC on ANY day of the week when the sun is out and see how many board riders are out there. Mattew was in a group of 3 when the incident happend. Not 15 or 20....It was a very bad luck horrible accident. Try swimming with a helmet on....yes they loose their boards and have to swim...whats that you say, they should also where a leg rope. I challange you to go paddle a clubbie mal with a leggie and see how your ankle and knee is after a few bail outs.


Please answer the question, how many lifesavers die each year in their normal duties? Another question, are you involved in the life saving movement? The point I make is, in normal operations, the club will determine safety, in the championships, a small committee determines if it goes on, and it seems that committee might have had commercial interests , instead of safety, as their priority. I ask you another question, would you have sent that 14 year old kid out in surf that an olympic champion found hard to handle. If you can't answer those questions in a sensible manner, mate your just a gibberer Bob

[akelly]

maybe we shouldnt get out of bed! go to any beach on the GC on ANY day of the week when the sun is out and see how many board riders are out there. Mattew was in a group of 3 when the incident happend. Not 15 or 20....It was a very bad luck horrible accident. Try swimming with a helmet on....yes they loose their boards and have to swim...whats that you say, they should also where a leg rope. I challange you to go paddle a clubbie mal with a leggie and see how your ankle and knee is after a few bail outs.

Nice use of the strawman concept. That's exactly the kind of thinking that keeps getting kids killed. Well done you.

A 'bad-luck horrible accident'? I paddle a kayak in surf pretty regularly, always wear a helmet and PFD - been struck in the head by my boat, my paddle, the bottom, other people, surfboards.... still alive. You can argue all you like - when I get hit in the head the impact is absorbed by my helmet, and when I'm a bit dazed and confused from the blow my PFD keeps me upright and helps me float.

An accident is some sudden and unexpected event taking place without expectation, upon the instant, rather than something that continues, progresses or develops; something happening by chance; something unforeseen, unexpected, unusual, extraordinary, or phenomenal, taking place not according to the usual course of things or events, out of the range of ordinary calculations; that which exists or occurs abnormally, or an uncommon occurrence.

Getting hit on the head by a board/kayak in the surf is not an accident, it's a risk event that is highly likely to occur - probably at least once in every five outings (that's what I base my own risk assessments on for expedition paddling with novices). Not protecting yourself from a highly likely risk event that will lead (almost certainly) to your death is idiotic. We used to carry kids in wicker baskets on the backseat of cars - we don't do that anymore because it was dangerous.

Kids are not expected to have developed a reliable risk assessment ability - that's why these activities are supervised by adults. Adults should be protecting kids against the most likely and most dangerous risk events.

I surfed a lot growing up, into my early 30s - I didn't wear a helmet because I didn't understand the risk and there wasn't a helmet suitable anyway. Now I understand risk a lot better and there are helmets designed especially for board sports (Gath for example). I wouldn't consider paddling a kayak in the surf without a helmet. I probably wouldn't wear one on a surfboard unless I was on a reef - but I was a longboarder (and not a good one) so really only paddled in pretty benign conditions.

If your counter-argument is more 'maybe we shouldn't get out of bed' then don't bother - that's sort of nonsense is not part of a culture that understands and respects risk. No sensible person deliberately ignores an obvious threat - expecially to their kids.

Cheers,

Adam

[uninformed]

Please answer the question, how many lifesavers die each year in their normal duties? Another question, are you involved in the life saving movement? The point I make is, in normal operations, the club will determine safety, in the championships, a small committee determines if it goes on, and it seems that committee might have had commercial interests , instead of safety, as their priority. I ask you another question, would you have sent that 14 year old kid out in surf that an olympic champion found hard to handle. If you can't answer those questions in a sensible manner, mate your just a gibberer Bob

the conditions where not that bad on the day, not enough to close the beach for regular duties (ie the public swiming between flags)

he wasnt forced to go out, and he actually enjoyed big surf, "the bigger the better" he was one of the best in the country for his age.

[akelly]

the conditions where not that bad on the day, not enough to close the beach for regular duties (ie the public swiming between flags)

he wasnt forced to go out, and he actually enjoyed big surf, "the bigger the better" he was one of the best in the country for his age.

The fact that the beach was not closed and he was a competent paddler just highlights how easy it is to be killed by a strike to the head when you are in the water.

I like big surf too - it's bloody excellent - but I don't want to die in it.

[uninformed]

Getting hit on the head by a board/kayak in the surf is not an accident, it's a risk event that is highly likely to occur - probably at least once in every five outings (that's what I base my own risk assessments on for expedition paddling with novices). Not protecting yourself from a highly likely risk event that will lead (almost certainly) to your death is idiotic. We used to carry kids in wicker baskets on the backseat of cars - we don't do that anymore because it was dangerous.


Adam

well lets look at the the total number of clubbies out there x the number of times the enter the water x the number of head injuries.

Yes it can happen and is a risk, but so is GETTING OUT OF BED!

if you are getting a head knock 1 in 5 times on your kayak, you may want to re address your approach. I surf 2 -5times a week and in the last 3 years have had 1 head injury and thats because I was stuffing around. btw my board is a 10.6 so its very similar in size to a clubbie mal, all be it thinner. The clubbie mals would be a touch lighter given they are epoxy and mine is PU.

I have plenty of friends that surf O/S in heavy reef brakes and some where helmets, most of these have had neck injurys due to the added mass/surface area of the helmet.

Dont make this a black and white argument, it is not. The SLS have evaluated helmets and PFD's but are yet to find something that suits there needs. At this stage there are negatives that are coming with those.

remember its easy to comment with Hindsight.

[akelly]

well lets look at the the total number of clubbies out there x the number of times the enter the water x the number of head injuries.

Yes it can happen and is a risk, but so is GETTING OUT OF BED!

if you are getting a head knock 1 in 5 times on your kayak, you may want to re address your approach. I surf 2 -5times a week and in the last 3 years have had 1 head injury and thats because I was stuffing around. btw my board is a 10.6 so its very similar in size to a clubbie mal, all be it thinner. The clubbie mals would be a touch lighter given they are epoxy and mine is PU.

I have plenty of friends that surf O/S in heavy reef brakes and some where helmets, most of these have had neck injurys due to the added mass/surface area of the helmet.

Dont make this a black and white argument, it is not. The SLS have evaluated helmets and PFD's but are yet to find something that suits there needs. At this stage there are negatives that are coming with those.

remember its easy to comment with Hindsight.

It's also easy to ignore the facts. 3 kids have died from being hit on the head.

It is black and white - if you get struck on the head in the surf you are in trouble. If you are wearing a helmet the risk is reduced. Black - and white. Anyone claiming a neck injury from wearing a helmet is either wearing the wrong helmet, or lucky they are in a state to complain. The idea that helmets cause injuries is ridiculous. Hillbilly idiots in the US make the same claims about motorcycle helmets.

Why don't you reply again with your 'getting out of bed' analogy? It would be a pearler except that it just shows you don't understand risk.

[uninformed]

The fact that the beach was not closed and he was a competent paddler just highlights how easy it is to be killed by a strike to the head when you are in the water.

I like big surf too - it's bloody excellent - but I don't want to die in it.

well going by your long definition of an "accident" seems like you are tailoring it to suit your needs.

once again, given the conditions and the ability, what are the statistics of it happening?

yes it is a tragady, I feel deeply for Matthew's family, friends and club. But no matter what, you can not control everything, ESPECIALLY mother nature.

Personally I believe there are many more areas of our society that need attention before the SLS

[uninformed]

Glad to hear you're not wearing a helmet.

its my choice. I surf for my own reasons....If I die out there that is a risk I take. I am how ever more likely to die on the roads or at work.

[bob10]

the conditions where not that bad on the day, not enough to close the beach for regular duties (ie the public swiming between flags)

he wasnt forced to go out, and he actually enjoyed big surf, "the bigger the better" he was one of the best in the country for his age.
Answer the questions, gibberer, I think the only surfing you have done is in your bathtub. [ all said with the utmost respect] Bob

[uninformed]

Answer the questions, gibberer, I think the only surfing you have done is in your bathtub. [ all said with the utmost respect] Bob

well it was 3-4 foot light to medium offshore at 5.30 am in my bath tub this morning mate.....glad I had those waves to myself...NOT!

[incisor]

Answer the questions, gibberer, I think the only surfing you have done is in your bathtub. [ all said with the utmost respect] Bob
and when you start attacking the man instead of the ball it is obvious to most that you have lost respect in the discussion.

the kids family have publicly stated they don't hold the sls or the competition organisers at fault

the courier mail should have shown enough respect for their wishes to hold off on this sort of reporting till a more appropriate time. the venue had already been moved so the article achieves nothing but distress to the family and some sensationalist satisfaction points for the peanuts.

all to easy after the fact to chime in with "facts"

[uninformed]

btw your question was a loaded gun....if I say yes to sending him out to support my argument, then I am sending him to his death. Give it a rest Bob, hindesight is 40 40.

[uninformed]

It's also easy to ignore the facts. 3 kids have died from being hit on the head.

It is black and white - if you get struck on the head in the surf you are in trouble. If you are wearing a helmet the risk is reduced. Black - and white. Anyone claiming a neck injury from wearing a helmet is either wearing the wrong helmet, or lucky they are in a state to complain. The idea that helmets cause injuries is ridiculous. Hillbilly idiots in the US make the same claims about motorcycle helmets.

Why don't you reply again with your 'getting out of bed' analogy? It would be a pearler except that it just shows you don't understand risk.

Well considering you are taking a head knock 1 in 5, I would take the word of my friends that have each surfed, paddled and swum in the ocean for the past 30 or more years to know how to wear and use Gath's....dont confuse the issue by bringing in a unrelated arguement of MC. You have alot more risk of hitting your head with fatal results on a MC than a water craft.

Do you wear a helmet in your defender?

[bob10]

and when you start attacking the man instead of the ball it is obvious to most that you have lost respect in the discussion.

the kids family have publicly stated they don't hold the sls or the competition organisers at fault

the courier mail should have shown enough respect for their wishes to hold off on this sort of reporting till a more appropriate time. the venue had already been moved so the article achieves nothing but distress to the family and some sensationalist satisfaction points for the peanuts.

all to easy after the fact to chime in with "facts"
Thank you, you are right, but I put this question to you, would you have sent 14 year old kids into surf that an olympic champion could not handle.That question has not been answered. Bob. [ The Courier Mail was not the first media outlet to take this up, and Rebecca Wilson is a very respected journalist, and any man who talks rubbish deserves to have his opinion questioned. As for respect, it is a two way street, the truth will come out after the coroners investigation, Bob

[350RRC]

Close to where I live there is the long established SLA, which is still like holiday camp for rich kids with all the 'social benefits', and some undesirable consequences. Thankfully now there are professional lifeguards that are employed by the local council for the tourist period.

Rich kid clubbies have proved to be dangerous, hence the pros being employed.

Clubby comps are another thing altogether. Is the SLSA still bragging that no-one has ever drowned at a SLSA patrolled beach?

DL

[incisor]

As for respect, it is a two way street, the truth will come out after the coroners investigation, Bob

And thats the time to start bagging the org or the people


1955 Series I 107" LWB
1959 Series II 88" SWB

If you dont have a sense of humour you probably don't have any sense at all!

[uninformed]

Bob, I have answered all but 2 of your questions. No I am not affilated with a SLC. Now will that mean I dont know what Im talking about or is it a unbiased view? If I was a memeber/supported would that mean it was informed infomation or a biased view....choose what suits you best I guess. The 2nd question I already told you why I would not answer it. It is a BS question that is loose loose if answered either way. Now you say the beach would have been closed on the day Matthew died, on what grounds do you base this? I asked earlier to which day you were referring to as your first post spoke of more than 1 incident on different days. You did not answer that either. Was Ken falling of his race ski or his race mal? What would you prefer to be in the surf on, a ski or a mal? Are all elite ski paddlers automaticly elite board paddlers? what were the tides and sand bank conditions when Ken went out and when Mathew went out. How many clubbies/life gaurds are on the water on average per day? How many club carnivals are held, what numbers are in the water and what is the number of related deaths?

As far as the couiermail etc. If it suits your emotional needs then I guess it is crediable, but in reality it is commercial emotional journalism at best. This is clear by the reporters taking stand points/sides on any given topic. True Journalism is to report the facts without bias and allow the individual to decide. Maybe switch to ABC for something that is starting to head towards this concept. BTW I have on more than one ocassion had friends write to the courier mail with actual FACTS against reported material, and each time they refused to print it either online or in hard copy. Funny how where ever/who ever is giving the couirer mail its information is gospal and all else is rubish.......

350RRC, are you refering to all clubbies as rich kids, in a negative way? or just a couple that you know personaly and that are well off AND are incompentant and arogant?

With regards to pro's, Im guessing you mean Life Guards as opposed to Life Savers? How many Life Guards have NEVER been a member of a SLSC, ie clubbie?

[Hoges]

Let's put this whole sad episode into perspective: How many of you have driven in the right hand lane at 80+ kmh with your family on board passing vehicles travelling in the opposite direction at a similar speed ...separation distance less than a metre and just a white line to separate the traffic streams.... we accept risk as a necessary consequence of living!:eek:

A heap of kids were having fun in a "rough surf"...the waves were officially measured at between 800mm and 1m .... similar scenes are happening all along the east coast every day.

Except this time sad and all as it is, there was a freak accident and one poor little fella died... so the press, educated as they are in the mathematics of rare events demand someone must pay because three people have died in different circumstances at the same beach in ...wait for it: 16 years!!!... gimme a break:eek:

The only sane and reasoned response to all of this has been from the lad's family who stated they hold no-one to blame... I say bless 'em and all power to them!


FWIW: The Courier Mail changed its format from broadsheet to tabloid several years ago... the quality of the journalism changed accordingly.

[lambrover]

I have to agree with Hoges and Uninformed. Yes it is a sad accident.

Helmets have been talked about, and some one said that adults are to look after the kids. So if this is the case then shouldn't the parents have told there son to wear a helmet. Why does it all ways come down to passing the blame, if you have a bloody problem with the safety then you as the individual get of your bum and wear what ever saftey device you feel you need.

This country has enough bloody rules and regs as it is, I don't want to hear that it will be mandatory to where a bloody life jacket and helmet to go to the beach, just because a sector of society have lobbied to make it law.

If you as a individual find some part of life to risky stay indoors. To many weekend warriors with money come out to play, they have a false sence of security as they have GPS, EPIRB's, life jackets,(all the gear) but havent educated them selves in the safety aspects of the chosen adventure and get lost, drown, hurt. They need to spend time with people in the know for a while.

I have seen this so often around the water front.