Beaches all across the Peninsula are dressing up in rainbows this February to show off their pride and support for inclusion.
Mardi Gras might be mostly localised to the inner city, but Surf Life Saving clubs (SLSCs) across the Northern Beaches are bringing their pride for Rainbow Beaches, an event which celebrates inclusion and queer joy on the coast.
Supported by SLS Australia and NSW and led by the Lifesavers with Pride organisation, Rainbow Beaches is an annual event to visibly demonstrate inclusion and support of the LGBTQ+ community. While the official date this year is set for 14 February, clubs are free to celebrate whenever suits them best.
Newport SLSC president, Bec Capell, is excited to present the event again this year. “SLS has sent us a bag of goodies to decorate the patrol tent and our members with,” she says. “Including a Progress Flag, which extends the original six colours to nine.”
Other clubs running the event in Pittwater include Bilgola and Warriewood, who are set to celebrate on 6 and 14 February respectively. Those who attend can expect the beaches to be decorated in all colours of the rainbow, with flags being flown from the patrol tents, buggies and IRBs.
“Dee Why SLSC is a diverse club, with a membership that largely reflects the diversity of the community in which we serve,” Lachlan Pike, President of Dee Why SLSC, told PL. “Rainbow Beaches is a great initiative that helps promote the message that everyone should feel welcome to swim between the flags.”
Dee Why SLSC has its activities planned for the afternoon patrol on Sunday 15 February, while other local clubs, such as Manly and North Steyne, will be celebrating on Saturday 14 February.
According to SLS Northern Beaches CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd, a majority of clubs across the Northern Beaches as a whole participate in Rainbow Beaches each year, from North Palm Beach, all the way down to Manly. Manly SLSC is planning to use the event this year to launch a larger inclusion campaign.
“Rainbow Beaches is a reminder that surf lifesaving is for everyone. At Manly LSC, we want every member – LGBTQ+ or otherwise – to feel welcome, supported, and proud to belong,” the club told PL. “This year we’re using Rainbow Beaches as the starting point for a year-round commitment to inclusion and positive club culture.
“We’re also exploring, in partnership with Lifesavers with Pride and in consultation with Northern Beaches Council, the possibility of creating a permanent symbol of inclusion at Manly – similar to what exists at Coogee. It’s early days, but we’re excited about the potential for something that reflects our commitment to belonging all year round.”
Last year, Lifesavers with Pride reported that Rainbow Beaches experienced a huge growth of around 25% in sign-ups nationwide, with over 165 clubs joining in.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to head to the beach this February, join in the fun, and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.