ISSUE 10
- Beth Landon
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Welcome to the tenth issue of the Port Kembla blog! Read about our upcoming events and competitions. Hear from our Illawarra Junior Lifesaver of the Year nominees about the exciting initiatives they would like to bring to the club.
GENERAL NEWS
TEST YOUR ENDURANCE
On the 8th February all club members are invited down to the beach to take part in a series of competitive events:
Queen & King of the Hill Race
In this race competitors put their swimming and running skills to the test. The start line is usually located on the sand and competitors conquer the hill behind the swimming pool, they then come out left of Patties to swim around, with the final sprint to the finish line. Last year's winners were as follows:
Queen of the Hill - Bethany Landon
King of the Hill - Alex Pozzer
The John Birch Race
This race involves a 100 meter swim in Port Kembla pool. Competitors nominate a time and it is up to them to swim as close to that time as possible. The winner is the competitor who has the most consistent time. For this race, based of the 2025 results, the people to beat are:
1st Alex Pozzer - Nominated 1:20, completed in 1:20
2nd Mick Imrie - Nominated 1:24, completed in 1:23
3rd Angelo Zadel - Nominated 1:48, completed 1:45
The Noel Mulligan Race
The Mulligan race is similar to the Birch race only it is located in the ocean and involves a swim and a run. Competitors put forward an estimated time and the closest to it is the winner. Not only are competitors battling the waves, but it is also a game of chance as well. Last year the winners were:
1st: Mitch Crowl - Nominated 4:30, completed it in 4:31
2nd: Josh Wiffen - Nominated 6 mins, completed in 5:50
3rd: Alex Pozzer - Nominated 3 mins, completed in 3:17
GENERAL NEWS
18/1/2026Â
It was another cold day with rough conditions for the Patrols who had to unfortunately close the beach.
25/1/2026Â
Even though it was a sunny and hot day, lifesavers were forced to close the beach due to unsafe surf conditions. This did not deter many beach goers, so our lifesavers had to remain vigilant and performed five rescues.
LIFESAVER SPOTLIGHT
Meet lifesavers Sam Landon and Claire McLennan who have been nominated for the role of Illawarra Junior Lifesaver of the Year.Â
SAM LANDON
What does being a lifesaver mean to you?
Being a lifesaver means to me that I can help the Port Kembla community.
What would you like to accomplish in surf lifesaving?
I would like to become one of the drone pilots and I would like to be a patrol captain by the end of my surf lifesaving journey.
What are some initiatives you would like to put in place to support surf safety?
I think it would be better to give more advertising to surf safety so people know more about what it would be like and more education initiatives such as games and posters to put around the place.
CLAIREÂ MCLENNAN
What does being a lifesaver mean to you?
Being with my friends, supporting people and saving lives.
What would you like to accomplish in surf lifesaving?
Patrol Captain, I’d like to lead and inspire the next generation.
What are some initiatives you would like to put in place to support surf safety?
Getting more women and girls into surf life saving and pushing them to stay through social events to create friendships and strong patrols.
COMING UP...
1/2/2026Â - Patrol 4 (9:00 am - 1:30pm) & Patrol 3 (1:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
8/2/2026Â -Â Patrol 10 (9:00 am - 1:30pm) & Patrol 9 (1:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
8/2/2026 - Birch & Mulligan Swim Race (8:00 am)
8/2/2026Â -Â Queen & King of the Hill Race (11:00 am)