Joining the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club at just 14 years of age in November 1965, Peter Beehag quickly established himself as a dedicated active lifesaver. After gaining his Qualifying Certificate in early 1966 and his Bronze Medallion in January 1967, Peter embarked on a distinguished career spanning more than two decades of active service on the beach.
Peter's courage and selflessness were dramatically demonstrated on January 16, 1972. In response to reports of a fisherman washed off the rocks at Bulgo Beach, Peter and fellow club member Lance Morton launched a double ski into treacherous, roaring seas considered to be among the roughest in years. Without regard for their personal safety, they searched the turbulent waters for three hours. For this heroic effort, Peter was awarded the Meritorious Award in Bronze—one of the highest awards for bravery in Australian surf life saving.
Beyond his heroics in the surf, Peter was deeply committed to building the future of the club. After obtaining his Instructor's Certificate in 1970 and Advanced Resuscitation Certificate in 1975, he stepped up as Chief Instructor for the 1974/75 and 1976/77 seasons. Under his expert instruction, dozens of new candidates gained their Bronze Medallions, Qualifying Certificates, and ARCs, giving the club a vital influx of skilled patrol members.
Peter’s contribution extended into every corner of club life—from serving as an Illawarra Branch Delegate to organizing social and fundraising ventures. As long-time coordinator of the Era-Stanwell Park Bowls Day, Head Cook for the Burgh to Beach Fun Run, and a key figure on the Social Committee, his efforts directly funded essential gear, including a second IRB motor and a new double ski. In June 1989, in his 24th year of continuous active service, Peter was formally nominated for Life Membership of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC.
Awards & Qualifications Received
- Qualifying Certificate: Earned January 22, 1966.
- Bronze Medallion: Awarded January 8, 1967 (Cert No. N15433).
- Instructor's Certificate: Awarded December 6, 1970 (Cert No. N8628).
- SLSA Meritorious Award in Bronze: Awarded in 1972 for bravery during a rock rescue attempt off Bulgo Beach.
- Advanced Resuscitation Certificate (A.R.C.): Awarded February 11, 1975 (Cert No. N603).
- Patrol Member of the Year: Awarded for the 1981/82 season (Inaugural Winner).
- Club Member of the Year: Awarded for the 1986/87 season.
- Life Membership Nomination – Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC: Formally nominated on June 10, 1989.
Service Record Breakdown
| Area of Service | Role & Contribution | Duration / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Lifesaving & Patrol Duty | ||
| Patrol Service | Active Patrol Member & Patrol Captain | 1965/66 – 1988/89 (24 yrs active) |
| Patrol Competition | Member of Winning Patrol Competition Team | 1981/82 & 1986/87 seasons |
| Rescue Duty | Bulgo Beach Rock Rescue Attempt (Awarded SLSA Bronze Meritorious Award) | January 16, 1972 |
| Instruction & Education | ||
| Instruction Leadership | Chief Instructor (12 BM, 3 QC, 12 ARC trained in 74/75; 14 BM, 11 QC in 76/77) | 1974/75 & 1976/77 (2 seasons) |
| Member Training | Squad Instructor & Training Officer | 1970/71 onwards |
| Governance & Representation | ||
| Branch Delegation | Club Delegate to Illawarra Branch | 1985/86 season |
| Community Engagement | Club Representative for Helensburgh Centenary Celebrations | 1983/84 season |
| Fundraising & Social Committees | ||
| Event Coordination | Coordinator, Era-Stanwell Park Bowls Day (Raised ~$700 annually) | 1981/82 onwards |
| Catering & Logistics | Head Cook & BBQ Organiser (Burgh to Beach Fun Run & Carnivals) | Multi-year commitment |
| Social Committee | Active Committee Member (Fundraised for 2nd IRB motor & new double ski) | 1986/87 season |
"Peter joined the Club in the 1965/66 season gaining his qualifying certificate in the same season... I believe Peter has given his utmost in support and effort in life saving and as a worker over the past 23 years. Here the Club owes a real debt for the hours given to training and fund raising."
