Since the Omaha Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1998, the Omaha Beach community, and the number of visitors to the area has grown exponentially. These changes make it all the more incredible that people, like lifeguard of 18 years Deb Collings, are willing to donate so much time and energy to making Omaha Beach a safe place to enjoy the water.

This non-profit, volunteer driven organisation is a supportive environment for people to learn and do good, and a place that can become a second home.

This environment and community are what make Deb so passionate about the surf club: “I've met so many people and made many, many friends through surf lifesaving. I've seen so many young kids who were really drifting along and getting into trouble, join up and flourish in the surf lifesaving environment, in some cases going onto successful careers like para medicine, based on the skills they acquired as lifeguards.”

“I've seen adults who couldn’t swim take the time and learn and go on to not only meet the qualifying standard to be a lifeguard, but then compete in swimming events in surf sports and wear the red and yellow uniform proudly.” 

The job can be intense at times - patrolling the water during peak times and high-pressure rescues - but it is a job that has a truly positive effect. 

One of the most rewarding things for Deb is seeing trainees (including her daughters) qualify as guards: “Every time a new group of trainees qualifies as lifeguards at Omaha beach I feel proud to have been a part of the process”.

Omaha Beach Surf Club welcome all and are always looking for new members to train and join the family. As Deb says, “You are never too old to become a lifeguard and support your local community.” The reward of the job is a big draw, not just saving lives in the ocean but the wonderful community within the club itself.

Deb and all the lifeguards at Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving club are dedicated to keeping Omaha a safe place for all to enjoy the water, and I think it’s safe to say, the community and visitors to the area are truly grateful to them for all the hard work they put in.