Colin Rae – Bungan Beach SLSC, Queenscliff SLSC, North Palm Beach SLSC and Manly LSC
While Col Rae didn’t start out at Bungan Beach SLSC, it became his home for a big part of his life – 28 years in fact. Col grew up in Queenscliff. He was a member of the Queenscliff Swimming Club but found he wanted to do something outside of swimming.
He joined Queenscliff SLSC in 1968. During his time at Queenscliff, Col also joined the Shelly Beach Jet Rescue Boat team and was a crewman from the late 1970’s until it closed in the early 80’s. Col found his way to North Palm Beach SLSC in 1983 and became the Club Captain. He also spent two terms as Club President (1989-91). He was also a member of Collaroy SLSC.
But Col found his niche at Bungan Beach. He held just about every position at the Club – President, Club Captain, Secretary, Competition Manager, Gear Steward, Radio Steward and was also the Branch delegate and served on the building committee. It was during his time as President (1999- 2006) that he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal.
Former Club President Matthew Lloyd said Col’s arrival at Bungan Beach in the 1990- 91 season was a godsend as the Club was struggling to fulfil patrol commitments. “The impact of his presence was immediate and he was a vital cog in ensuring the Club subsequently met its patrolling requirements,’’ Lloyd said. “Col was integral in forging stronger ties with Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, presiding over an upskilling of our patrol members, encouraging and enabling members to gain the many awards required on the beach. He introduced new ideas, implemented alternate procedures and streamlined many others.’’ Col became a Life Member of Bungan Beach and Sydney Northern Beaches Branch.
Long before this he became the Manly Warringah Branch Superintendent in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons, Col was the man who occupied the radio room for the NSW Helicopter Service at Fisherman’s Beach base in 1973. His close friend Peter Gard said the role Col played was invaluable to the helicopter service.
‘’Without Col’s efforts co-ordinating rescues for both the Sydney and Manly Warringah Branches and other NSW emergency services, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and other rescue services might not be in existence today,’’ Gard said.
Colin was awarded SNB Life Membership in 1999.
Colin passed away on September 3rd, 2018. He was aged 67.
