High above the clouds and along the iconic coastline, a Qantas pilot is performing a vital dual role, safeguarding travellers both in the air and in the water.
From Cockpit to Coastline: A Pilot's Unique Perspective
Qantas Second Officer Tim Staunton, a volunteer surf lifesaver at North Bondi, frequently encounters a startling scene: fully clothed international tourists wandering past 'No swimming' signs and straight into dangerous rips. "We get a lot of international tourists down at Bondi from countries which are landlocked or where they don't have the same Australian culture of swimming at surf beaches," Tim explains. He notes the irony of his situation, flying tourists to Australia and then later ensuring their safety in the surf.
With a background in surf lifesaving dating back to his days as a nipper, Tim draws a powerful parallel between his two high-stakes roles. "I think the link between Qantas and surf lifesaving is very strong," he says. Both are fundamentally built on a culture of safety and trust. Whether wearing a pilot's uniform or a lifesaver's patrol shirt, people instinctively look to him for guidance and protection.
Earning Points for Safety: The Beach Passport Initiative
This shared commitment is the driving force behind Qantas's major sponsorship of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), a core part of the Back Australia campaign. A key initiative is the Beach Passport, a free online training tool designed to promote water safety. The incentive for participants is significant: everyone who completes the training receives 150 Qantas frequent flyer points.
The program has been a resounding success, with an impressive 37,000 Australians having already completed the challenge. Qantas's support extends to all of SLSA's more than 300 clubs nationwide, providing essential funding for equipment, clubhouses, and the vital Nippers program that educates children about surf safety from an early age.
Building a Safer Future for Australian Beaches
Tim Staunton emphasises the critical importance of this corporate support. "Without the funding from sponsors like Qantas, we wouldn't have the equipment to teach kids in Nippers about surfcraft, safety, the clubhouses – all the things that go into it," he states. This early education is crucial for fostering a wider understanding of beach safety for generations to come.
This partnership, bridging the gap between corporate Australia and community volunteering, showcases a powerful model for national safety initiatives. It demonstrates how trust earned in the cockpit can directly contribute to saving lives on the coastline.
