13/10/2024
Bronze - IRB Driver - Patrol Captain - Emergency Call Out Team - RWC Operator - Duty Officer,
Dave also a former President, CTO and still trainer
Below is a small article about him and him being a Duty Officer.
Meet Our Dedicated Duty Officers!
Over the coming months, we’ll introduce you to the incredible Duty Officers who play a vital role in Surf Life Saving within the Surf Life Saving NSW Rescue Services Group.
This small, highly skilled, and dedicated team covers two months of shifts each year, where they serve as the SLS primary emergency point of contact for our region. During this time, they are responsible for managing after-hours callouts, coordinating with local partner emergency services, and supporting beach patrols. Even when they aren’t the primary Duty Officer, many are still available for tasking and ready to assist when needed. Our Duty Officers operate 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring there’s always someone available to respond.
Each Duty Officer is appointed to manage incidents within one of the three operational zones in the branch, offering critical oversight and leadership during emergencies. Their extensive qualifications include the Bronze Medallion, First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, Silver Medallion Patrol Captain/Beach Management, Powercraft awards, and Control Level 1 Incident Management. These certifications ensure they are fully equipped to lead when the call for help comes through.
You will see these members driving around in Surf Life Saving marked vehicles as they are generally checking on unpatrolled beaches, checking in with patrol teams or responding to incident’s.
Meet Dave Ellis ESM - Duty Officer
Call sign: LNC 15
Dave Ellis, affectionately known as "Maverick" (just kidding!), has been a dedicated member of Surf Life Saving since 1993, when his kids first joined Nippers. From there, his passion for lifesaving grew, and he's been a key figure ever since. As Patrol Captain with Pacific Palms and Duty Officer for the Lower North Coast, Dave plays a vital role in ensuring our beaches are safe. Above all this, Dave also volunteers his time with NSW Rural Fire Service Pacific Palms Unit.
🏅 Achievements: Dave's proudest moments include winning a bronze medal in Boat Rowing at the Australian Championships, and recently, being awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for his outstanding service. But what truly stands out for him is seeing the new members he's trained go on to reach their own milestones, using their skills to help the community. Dave also holds the National Medal for services to Surf Life Saving and the National Emergency Medal for services rendered during the 2019/20 Bushfires.
🚨 Why I became a Duty Officer: "It felt like a natural progression after years of callouts. Pacific Palms is a busy area, and there was a real need for Duty Officers to help manage the increasing demand."
Dave’s commitment to Surf Life Saving is inspiring, and we're lucky to have him on the team, keeping our coastline safe!
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Australia
Newcastle Permanent
Tanya Thompson MP
Dr David Gillespie MP
