Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine SANTA JOINS
DAY 1: A RED-SUITED VISITOR
DAY 6: SANTA LEARNS THE ROPES From radios to rescue tubes, Santa was keen to master every piece of patrol gear. The IRB was his favourite, though he insisted on calling the crew “elves.” DAY 7: SHARING THE SPIRIT Every day, more beachgoers gathered to see the big man in red lending a hand. Children waved, parents smiled, and tourists lined up for photos with Santa in his red and yellow patrol gear. DAY 8: A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION On Christmas morning, Santa stood with the team watching over a crowded beach. Families were laughing, swimmers were safe between the flags, and the reindeer dozed under the shade of a patrol tent. “This,” Santa said, “is the true Christmas spirit. Giving your time to keep others safe.” A CHRISTMAS GIFT OF SAFETY As the day ended, Santa climbed back into his sleigh—lighter, cooler, and carrying new memories. “You lifesavers,” he said, “give the best gift of all. I’ll never forget my Queensland patrol.” And with a final ho, ho, ho, he soared into the twilight sky, leaving behind more than just footprints in the sand. He left the reminder that Christmas is about community, kindness, and keeping each other safe. So this Christmas, if you see the red and yellow on the beach, give a wave and a smile— you never know, Santa might be among them.
Santa tumbled out of the sleigh, brushing sand from his boots. “Ho, ho, ho! Where on earth have I landed?” “You’re on patrol,” one lifesaver grinned. “And between the
flags, too. Good choice!” DAY 2: SWAPPING SLEIGH BELLS FOR WHISTLES By the next morning, Santa was eager to help. Out went the jingling bells, in came a shiny GWN radio. He practised the short, sharp commands, though he still added a little “ho, ho, ho!” after her “Surfcomm Surfcomm Surfcomm”. DAY 3: A NEW KIND OF TRANSPORT
The reindeer were given a rest while Santa tried out the
THE PATROL
rescue board. It wasn’t easy balancing in the surf with a belly full of Christmas pudding, but the lifesavers cheered as he caught his first wave. DAY 4: SUN SAFETY FOR SANTA
It was Christmas Eve on a Queensland beach. The sun was sinking low, the flags were still standing tall, and the last swimmers were heading home for prawns and pudding. Just as the patrol was about to sign off, a strange sound rumbled over the surf. Not the roar of an IRB, not the chop of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service—this was a jingling, clattering, bell- ringing commotion.
Sure enough, out of the clouds came Santa and his sleigh. Only something had gone wrong. With all the humidity and a strong nor’easter blowing, the reindeer were confused. They banked hard over the headland and—thump!—landed smack in the sand between the flags. The patrol captain blinked. “WELL, THIS IS NEW.”
Santa quickly learned that the Queensland sun is no place for a woolly red suit. He swapped into patrol shorts, lathered on sunscreen, and wore his cap proudly. Zinc stripes in festive red and green completed the look. DAY 5: FIRST AID, FESTIVE-STYLE When a tourist came running up with a bluebottle sting, Santa reached for the vinegar with a flourish. “Ho ho ho, let’s get you some hot water and you’ll be right!” His patient went home with both relief and a great story.
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