Could You Be A Lifesaver With Pride?
No Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is complete without the Lifesavers With Pride (LWP) float, which marches every year with their hot guys (and girls) wearing nothing than speedos and glitter!
As a way of making lifesaving more accessible, the LWP offers scholarships to those in the LGBTIQ community so they can undertake the first step needed to join – complete their bronze medallion swimming certificate. Last year, they provided three scholarships – one each in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Calling the program Proud Beach the LWP scholarships are open to anyone regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation provided they can demonstrate they can swim at least 400 metres and show how they’ll lift the profile of the LGBTIQ community with Lifesavers Australia.
LWP Chair, Gary Driscoll says, “The Surf Life Saving community has made great progress in terms of LGBTIQ inclusion, with SLSA joining Pride in Sport, and the states supporting our participation at each of the capital city LGBTIQ Fair Days last summer. Surf Clubs are welcoming, safe and inclusive, and we really encourage our LGBTIQ friends to visit their local surf club and try out lifesaving.”
The scholarship covers the cost of the course, and can be applied for by first going to your local club.
“Completing the Bronze Medallion course is the first step towards patrolling the beach and competing in surf sports, and we are keen to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to becoming qualified lifesavers, and active surf competitors” said Driscoll.
Scholarships are open all year round and are reviewed on the 30th of September, October, November, December and April.
Visit the LWP website for application details and information and follow them on Instagram.
Watch the video below if you missed their Mardi Gras parade entry or just want to reminisce about pre-covid times.
