BY ALEX DRISCOLL
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big effort, says Kevin Lee
When Narrabeen resident Kevin Lee thought it would be good for his partner’s child to enter nippers at Narrabeen Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, he did not think it would eventually lead him to a Citizen of the Year award from council. Especially because he was a surf novice!
“They just desperately needed help,” he tells Peninsula Living Pittwater. During a water safety course in 2008, the club required parents to help out, and Kevin decided to give it a go. “I really didn’t know how to swim in the surf!” he jokes.
But that did not stop the citizen of the year from looking to improve, visiting the local aquatic centre to practice and improve his swimming skills and fitness. Before long, Kevin was going on regular volunteer patrols, subbing in frequently for members during his free time. Kevin is now a valued member of the team, and has completed 1,490 patrol hours over 15 years, averaging nearly 100 hours a seson. Council said in its citation that this made Kevin ‘one of the most dedicated members in the club’s 60-year history.’
When Kevin found out he had been awarded citizen of the year, he was left speechless. “It’s a team effort. Every patrol needs a group of people,” the volunteer says. “I just enjoy being in the water.”
Kevin, 54, performs many tasks around the club, and has volunteered with the Bush to Beach program, where 50 outback kids from Far North Western NSW enjoy a three-day surf camp on the Beaches.
Bush to Beach is just one of many events Kevin attends
He is also co-convenor of the annual Narrabeen Beach Challenge Ocean Swim, spending countless hours planning and promoting the popular event. Kevin also spent many years organising training programs for certification and junior carnivals as the Surf Sports Director.
If there is one thing Kevin wants people to take from him receiving this award, it is that volunteering should not only benefit the community, but yourself as well. The martial arts instructor proudly states that since starting with Narrabeen Beach SLSC, he has never been fitter and has found himself a ‘great community’ that allows him to indulge both his social and competitive side. The regular patrols have also kept his mind sharp, and it also helps that riding the jet ski through the surf is a bit of fun too.
He encourages anyone and everyone to get involved with volunteer organisations: “It doesn’t have to be something big like becoming club president,” he jokes. “(It could be) a patrol or a book fair or just helping set up something.”
Having the time to volunteer can a challenge for some. However, it is volunteers such as Kevin that keep these vital community organisations running.
“I appreciate how hard it is to volunteer,” Kevin reflected. “But just do what you can!”