When Qantas second officer Tim Staunton spots a fully-clothed tourist heading toward the dangerous 'no swimming' zone at North Bondi Beach, he knows another rescue mission is about to unfold.
The experienced pilot, who regularly flies international routes across Asia, witnesses this scenario repeatedly as visitors from landlocked countries or nations without strong beach cultures encounter Australian surf for the first time.
From Skies to Surf: A Pilot's Unexpected Rescue Missions
"We encounter numerous international tourists at Bondi who come from countries that don't have the same Australian beach swimming culture," Tim explains. "Many don't understand what the flags represent, it's often their first ocean experience, and they're not reading warning signs - they're just drawn to the water."
The irony of his dual roles isn't lost on the aviator. Tim literally flies tourists to Australia only to later rescue them from hazardous surf conditions during his volunteer shifts as a surf lifesaver.
"I've watched people walk directly past 'No swimming' signs while wearing jeans, straight into the water and directly into rip currents," he shares. "While it might seem humorous, the reality is they simply don't comprehend the dangers."
Safety First: Connecting Aviation and Surf Protection
Having begun his surf lifesaving journey as a young nipper at North Bondi, Tim identifies clear parallels between his two safety-focused professions.
"The connection between Qantas and surf lifesaving is remarkably strong," he notes. "Both Qantas staff and surf lifesavers wear uniforms that inspire public trust and confidence. When people see me in my lifesaving gear on the beach, they approach for assistance and information about surf conditions. The same trust exists when passengers see Qantas crew in uniform."
Tim views Qantas's significant sponsorship of Surf Life Saving Australia as a perfect embodiment of the Back Australia campaign's objectives.
37,000 Australians Embrace Beach Safety Initiative
The partnership includes Qantas supporting Surf Life Saving Australia through multiple initiatives, including the innovative Beach Passport program. This free online training tool has already educated 37,000 Australians about water safety, with each participant earning 150 Qantas Points upon completion.
The airline's backing extends to branding on patrol shirts and supporting SLSA's network of more than 300 clubs nationwide.
"Without funding from sponsors like Qantas, we wouldn't have the necessary equipment to teach nippers about surfcraft and safety, maintain clubhouses, or fund all the essential components of our operations," Tim emphasizes. "Early education is crucial for developing widespread beach safety knowledge across generations."
The article forms part of the Back Australia series, supported by multiple Australian companies including Qantas, Australian Made, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, and other major national brands.
