David O'Grady joined Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club in the 1976/77 season, beginning a dedicated surf lifesaving career that spanned more than two decades of active service on the beach and in competitive surf sports.
Throughout his tenure, David was a pillar of patrol reliability and operational leadership. He stepped into the role of Patrol Captain in the 1982/83 season—a year in which his exceptional commitment was recognized with the Patrol Member of the Year award. Over his career, he served as Patrol Captain for 9 seasons, including a continuous stretch leading patrol teams through the late 1980s and 1990s.
David's service record is highlighted by an outstanding 100% patrol attendance record across 10 separate seasons (1987/88–1993/94 and 1997/98–1999/2000). In addition to his frontline patrolling duties, David made valuable contributions to the surf boat section, serving as Vice Boat Captain in 1980/81 and representing the club in competition—notably placing 3rd in the Illawarra Branch Open Surf Boat Race in 1978/79 alongside crewmates Greg Hand, Peter Mills, Chris Emmett, Geoff Wood, and sweep Graham Cook.
Qualified as an IRB Driver and Bronze Medallion holder, David's sustained contributions over more than 20 years earned him prestigious Long Service recognitions, including the 15 Year Patrol Service Award in 1993/94 and the 20 Year Patrol Service Award in 1998/99.
Awards & Qualifications Received
- Qualifying Certificate: Earned during early junior service.
- Bronze Medallion: Awarded February 17, 1990 (Cert No. N 002804).
- IRB Driver Certificate: Qualified power craft operator.
- Patrol Member of the Year: Awarded 1982/83 season.
- SLSA 15 Year Patrol Service Award: Awarded 1993/94 season.
- SLSA 20 Year Patrol Service Award: Awarded 1998/99 season.
- 100% Patrol Attendance Record: Achieved 100% patrol attendance across 10 separate seasons.
- Illawarra Branch Surf Boat Placing: 3rd Place, Open Surf Boat Race (1978/79).
Service Record Breakdown
| Area of Service | Role & Contribution | Duration / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Patrol Service & Operational Leadership | ||
| Patrol Leadership | Patrol Captain (9 seasons total) | 1982/83, 1988/89 – 1993/94, 1997/98 – 1999/2000 |
| Patrol Duty | Active & Roving Patrol Member (100% Attendance in 10 Seasons) | 1976/77 – 1999/2000 (20+ active yrs) |
| Surf Boat Section & Competition | ||
| Boat Leadership | Vice Boat Captain | 1980/81 (1 yr) |
| Surf Boat Rowing | Open Surf Boat Crew Member (3rd Place Illawarra Branch Championship) | 1978/79 |
| Craft Competition | Senior Craft Point Score (3rd Place) & Swim Point Score (3rd Place) | 1978/79, 1982/83 |
"A dedicated lifesaver with over two decades of service, 10 seasons of perfect patrol attendance, and a proven track record as Patrol Captain and surf boat competitor."
