12 days of what Christmas means to me: Kel and Michelle Giddey – lifesavers

As we get towards the end of our 12 days of what Christmas means to me series, we meet Kel and Michelle Giddey – who have a hot date on Christmas Day!

These two smiling surf lifesavers seem to be Yuletide fixtures on North Wollongong Beach these days.

For the past four years, husband-and-wife team Kel and Michelle Giddey, both 58, have volunteered to work a Christmas Day shift to ensure the beachgoers who flock to their shores remain safe in and out of the water.

“Michelle and I married 15 years ago and we now have a blended family of six grown children, so we always consider family plans before we choose the timeslot for our beach shift,” says Kel.

“And it’s always on the understanding that ‘if you’re rostered on, I’m rostered on’.”

Kel and Michelle have grown up in a surf club environment. Michelle’s start was at Port Kembla Surf Club where she earned her Bronze Medallion, and she also holds an advanced resuscitation certificate.

Kel, after his early years as a nipper at Stanwell Park Surf Club, joined North Wollongong Surf Club when his family moved into town just streets from the club. By 13, he was doing patrols.

North Wollongong Surf Club has three Christmas Day shifts, which are busy due to the influx of holidaymakers.

“Michelle and I love the atmosphere on the sand with all the squealing kids keen to get into the water with their new surf toys,” Kel says.

“For some, it might be their first crack at, say, a boogie board but they get in and attack it, and have a great time doing it.”

The pair agree the crowd is a little different from the usual in that there are many unfamiliar faces who are holidaying away from home, and find the beach the ideal backup plan.

But regardless of what day it is, when these two dedicated lifesavers hit the sand it is all about a strong focus on protecting lives by directing swimmers to safe locations, as well as dealing with bluebottle stings and reminding sunbathers who are starting to burn to slap on the sunscreen.

“Michelle and I have different skills but ones that work well together,” says Kel.

“I’m trained for water rescues, while Michelle is terrific at coordinating rescues, managing crowds and administering first aid.

“I don’t recall any major incidents on the Christmas Day shifts apart from a few rescues and close calls, but Puckey’s is always an issue with people who swim there regardless of the warning signs we post.”

Asked whether many people personally thank lifesavers for volunteering at Christmas, the response was surprising.

“If you go back, say, 10 years, I only remember people thanking lifesavers perhaps after a rescue,” says Michelle.

“However, these days they seem much more inclined to come up and thank us for what we do, which probably has a lot to do with media coverage about the value of front-line volunteers.”

When it comes to Christmas and what it means to them on a personal level, Michelle sums it up.

“Now that our children are older, we recognise Christmas is mainly for young families with children, so we’re now looking forward to having grandchildren, hopefully soon,” she says.

“Our volunteer work on the beach is our way of keeping everybody safe and happy and to give back to the community.

“And what better way to enjoy the spirit of an Aussie Christmas, enjoying the sun, the salt water and the laughter of children.”