Thursday, 15 January 2026
Sport

Have fun in the sand and volunteer this summer

SURFING doesn’t come easily for many of us, but, with the help of the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA), those living with a disability have the chance to enjoy the ocean safely. This January, the Bass Coast DSA team leaders will...

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by Sentinel-Times
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Have fun in the sand and volunteer this summer
Volunteers of all ages lend a hand to get participants with a disability into the water safely at the Smiths Beach DSA event. Z10_4622

SURFING doesn’t come easily for many of us, but, with the help of the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA), those living with a disability have the chance to enjoy the ocean safely. 

This January, the Bass Coast DSA team leaders will begin their 2023 season at Inverloch surf beach from 10am and are asking for volunteers to get ready for the summer sessions, because volunteers are essential to getting the participants out in the water carefully. 

President of the DSA Bass Coast, Stuart Yates, said the team are gearing up for a fun filled summer with roles for volunteers on land or in the water, so don’t forget to sign up now for a working with children’s check. 

“It is important for volunteers to sign up and get prepared for a full summer of adventure, remember to bring your own wetsuit if you are a water volunteer, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, because remaining SunSmart is essential for everyone,” said Stuart.

The team at DSA Bass Coast will run four events over the summer period with all volunteers starting at 10am and 
surfers ready by 11am. 

• Sunday, January 22 at Inverloch Surf Beach (Inverloch Lifesaving Club) 

The community involvement allows DSA participants to safely transfer from a wheelchair to a surfboard and hit the waves safely. Z11_4622
Z12_4622 DSA team leaders, volunteers and primary carers work seamlessly together to help those with a disability enjoy the ocean safely. Z12_4622
The rewarding event gives people with a disability the chance to be out in the ocean and their facial expressions are priceless. Z13_4622
The DSA and Inverloch SLSC provide wheelchairs and mats to enable easier access onto the sand. Z14_4622
Primary carers enjoy the day as much as the participants, and those of all ages can enjoy the surf safely. Z15_4622
It takes several volunteers to help participants enter the water safely and when they catch a wave the excitement is infectious. Z16_4622

• Sunday, February 12 at Smiths Beach, Phillip Island 

• Saturday, March 11 at Inverloch Surf Beach (Inverloch Lifesaving Club)

• Sunday, March 26 at Smiths Beach, Phillip Island 

Volunteers, carers, and DSA Bass Coast leaders work tirelessly throughout the afternoons, the carparks will be sectioned off with volunteers setting up hoists and beds in marquees to ensure the participants can be dressed into their wetsuits safely before transitioning participants from wheelchairs onto longboards and out into the water. 

To show your support, register today via social media. Facebook @DSAinverloch or Instagram @DSABassCoast, via the website at www.disabledsurfers.org or by calling President Stuart Yates on 0411 476 478. 

The day will run from 11am until 3pm and onsite registrations open at 10am.

Updated

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