Marcoola Surf Club

🌊👏 Life Membership Awarded to Sebastien (Bas) De Paula 👏🌊

At our recent AGM, we proudly awarded Life Membership to Sebastien (Bas) De Paula in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club over many years.

Bas's journey with Marcoola SLSC began as a Nipper and has evolved into a lifetime of service, leadership and commitment to keeping our beaches safe. Along the way, he has become one of the club's most respected members, contributing across patrol operations, training, leadership and emergency response services.

To date, Bas has completed an incredible **1,587 patrol hours**, while also dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours to training and mentoring fellow members. As a Trainer, Assessor and Facilitator, he has helped develop countless lifesavers and played a significant role in building the capability of our club.

His contribution extends beyond Marcoola through his service as an SLSQ Duty Officer and SurfCom Operator, supporting lifesaving operations across Queensland.

Throughout his membership, Bas has held numerous leadership roles including:

🛟 Junior Activities Water Safety Officer
🛟 Vice Patrol Captain
🛟 Patrol Captain
🛟 Club Captain
🛟 Youth Development Committee Member

His repeated appointment as Patrol Captain reflects the respect and trust he has earned from fellow members over many years.

Life Membership is the highest honour our club can bestow and recognises exceptional and sustained service to Marcoola SLSC. Bas's dedication, leadership and willingness to support others embody the very best of our club.

Congratulations Bas and thank you for your extraordinary contribution to Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club and our community. ❤️💛

Contining our shout-outs! Our Surfboat Rower of the Year has set a standard that reflects not only exceptional athletic ability, but the character and commitment that truly our boat section.

He has demonstrated remarkable rowing talent across the season - powerful, consistent, and always dependable in the boat. But what has set him apart even more is his generosity, his willingness to step up, and the diligence he brings to every responsibility, whether on the water, around the club, or supporting his crewmates. He embodies what it means to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

While this rower is taking a well-earned year off next season, we send him forward with our warmest wishes and full support. And let’s be honest - we fully expect to see him back the following year, refreshed, recharged, and ready to make waves again.

We honour not just a rower, but a crewmate, a clubman, and a young man who has given much to Marcoola. Please congratulate Jude Lategan, our Surfboat Rower of the Year. 👏

Now our Surf Boat Crew, The Maxibons season has been marked by excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club.

This crew claimed the State Title, made finals at the majority of carnivals, and proudly contested the State Team Selection Trials. Their performances have been outstanding, but it is their response to adversity that truly defines them.

After the disappointment of the Australian Titles, they showed remarkable character - continuing to train, support the club, and uphold their duties with diligence and pride. Their decision to return next season speaks volumes about their loyalty, their belief in each other, and their dedication to the sport. They are a credit to Marcoola, to surfboat rowing, and to themselves. Well done boys!