Terry Aslanidis

 
Terry receiving his Gold award

Terry receiving his Gold award

A member since 2016 and now our Vice Chief Instructor, Terry’s commitment to ensuring Woolamai Beach and Smith’s Beach are patrolled by highly-qualified surf lifesavers is unparalleled. Terry routinely exceeds 100 hours contribution in a season and has even tipped 200 hours. 2019-2020 training calendar is looking stronger than ever. Terry is studying to be a paramedic, works as a professional lifeguard and referees state league basketball.

 

Why did you become involved in Surf Life Saving?

In year 12 I was watching a lot of Bondi Rescue (like obsessively watching each episode 3-4 times) and out of nowhere, i thought to myself, “I want to become a Bondi Lifeguard”. So I researched how i could become a Lifeguard, and read up about becoming a volunteer surf lifesaver. I thought that was a good starting point, as I could gain experience and awards.

I had no idea what I was doing. At some stage I was thinking about going to Port Melbourne as that was the only lifesaving club I knew. Funny enough, I saw a picture of my friend holding what looked like a racing board and I asked what club his at. He said Woolamai, and that’s pretty much how I came to this club!

What keeps you coming back every season?

Honestly, the people. I have made so many new friends from lifesaving it’s crazy! Despite all living a fair distance away, every time I go down to the island, I am excited to see everyone. Woolamai has been my second family to me for the last 4 years and the clubhouse is a second home in the summer. It is a place to get away, relax and forget about things that go on in your normal life.  I also love coming back every year as I am excited to push to my limits and not only learn more, but to also teach and inspire the younger generation.

Who are your mentors in Surf Life Saving?

Over my 4 years, I have had a few mentors/ people I look up too. First and foremost, right from the very start of my Life Saving journey, Brendan Smart  has been an absolute Legend and someone who I look up to and inspire to be. He not only is an all around great bloke, but he gives back to the club in so many ways such as being on the board, Chief Instructor etc. He has helped me be where I am today and I am grateful, he let me on the Bronze Camp 4 years ago.
Someone who is very underrated in this club but not forgotten of his hard work and dedication is Sean Carney. Sean has been around the club for a while and has always been there for me in tough times. He is always there to talk about anything and is also a funny bloke.
Last but not least, Kane Treloar is someone not from our club, but is very high up in Lifesaving Victoria. He is currently the duty officer for LSV and an LSV Comms operator/ Helicopter member. There are heaps of opportunities to learn and grow outside of Woolamai, and Kane inspires me to keep pushing onto bigger and better things.

What do you love most about being a Surf Life Saver at Woolamai Beach SLSC?

Apart from being the best club in Victoria, I feel so privileged to have come across such a diverse and loving club, and I can’t think of any other club I’d rather be at. You know that if you achieve something at Woolamai, whether your SRC, Bronze, IRB...you are able to do it anywhere in the state, and that's why I love being a Surf Lifesaver at Woolamai, because you are training on one of Victoria's most dangerous beaches with some of your best mates.

 
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