Denmark Surf Life Saving Club overjoyed with new home base as Ocean Beach precinct reopens for summer

The Denmark community and its surf life saving club swarmed to the newly reopened Ocean Beach precinct for the first weeks of summer following the shire’s announcement of the completed upgrades last month. The Shire of Denmark announced the reopening of Ocean Beach and the adjacent boat ramp on November 19, with the surf lifesaving club’s first official day back celebrated on November 23. The upgrades at the popular beach include a new amenities block with heated showers, accessible concrete paths and grassed areas, as well as the freshly refurbished Denmark Surf Life Saving clubhouse. The Denmark Surf Life Saving Club has been operating without a clubhouse for close to 18 months as construction on the precinct was under way, and president Jane Kelsbie said its members were overjoyed to be let into their new digs. “It’s amazing to be back,” she said. “The first day the precinct was open, there were people down at the beach, kids running around on the grass, people hanging around the clubhouse, it’s clearly been so missed by the club and the community as a whole.” The club is looking forward to getting their regular competition, event and nippers programs back on track throughout the summer season. Ms Kelsbie said having the clubhouse back would be a relief for program co-ordinators and the club’s committee, who had been working overtime to keep the club operating without their Ocean Beach building. “We went on our first patrol back at Ocean Beach last weekend, which was so exciting to see,” she said. “Another big asset for us is our storage facilities for our emergency equipment, like our quad bike and jet ski. “Previously to put the jet-ski in the water, we had to take it through the car park, which was usually packed to the brim in summer, get it down to the boat ramp and then get it ready to go. “Now, our jet-ski is stored right near the boat ramp, it’s right there and ready to go when we need it.” The club is organising a series of coastal safety workshops to educate locals and visitors on how to safely enjoy the Denmark coast. “Beach safety should stay at the forefront of everyone’s mind this summer, and now that we’re back in the clubhouse, please don’t hesitate to come and have a chat with any of our members who are around the club or on patrol and ask any safety questions,” Ms Kelsbie said. Shire president Aaron Wiggins said he was eager to see the new precinct welcome more of the Denmark community than ever. “Ocean Beach is part of Denmark’s heart and soul, and it’s great to see this area transformed into a more accessible, and more inviting destination for everyone, restoring the feel and access the area had before the storm erosion,” Cr Wiggins said.