In the event of an emergency on the beach, phone “000” and ask for NSW Police

Meet our Ground-Breaking Female Surf Lifesaver

This article originally appeared in the Illawarra Mercury, November 22nd 2023

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Rachelle Balez is a trailblazer for surf lifesaving in the Illawarra. The Scarborough Wombarra Surf Life Saving Club stalwart has been the club’s patrol team captain for four or five years, including leading a very unique set-up for the past three years. 

It is the first time that the club has ever boasted an all-female patrol team, which is something that Balez is very proud of. It’s a far cry from when, as a teenager nearly two decades ago, she was among a small handful of women on patrol at Wombarra Beach. Balez has also proven to be a natural fit as captain. She was recently recognised for her leadership skills by being named Patrol Captain of the Year at the Surf Life Saving NSW’s Awards of Excellence.

‘When I started patrolling at 16, I was one of two girls at the club who patrolled,’ Balez told the Mercury. ‘For several years, I was the only girl that was on patrol. It was often me – as a 16, 17 or 18 year old girl – and a bunch of dads. But I loved being at the beach, so I had no problem being the only girl.’

Read the full article in the Illawarra Mercury –  How Rachelle Balez became a Surf Lifesaving Trailblazer

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