Albany Surf Life Saving Club joins clubs around the country in silent tribute to Bondi attack victims

Albany Surf Life Saving Club joined surf lifesaving clubs around the country standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity to pay tribute to those impacted by the mass shooting at Bondi on December 14.

Surf lifesavers were called to take a moment before their patrol duties kicked off on Saturday morning to silently reflect on the tragic events that unfolded at Bondi.

Albany members donned their patrol uniforms and lined up at the water’s edge on Middleton Beach to observe three minutes of silence before their morning patrol, facing out to King George Sound to quietly reflect on the tragic impacts of the shooting at Bondi Beach that claimed the lives of 15 people.

They joined hundreds of clubs around Australia participating in the silent gesture of solidarity and reflection.

ASLSC president Anna Emery, who attended the silent vigil with her young daughter, said it was an important moment for surf lifesavers to stand together, to reflect.

“It’s an important time to come together and recognise that we all feel for everyone who’s affected by the Bondi attacks: the victims, their families, friends, the first responders, and the people who were there when it happened as well,” she said.

“For us here it’s about showing up, being present, and showing that we care.

“It’s a time to stand together with our fellow surf lifesaving clubs, especially in New South Wales who were directly involved with the incident and who were there putting their lives on the line to help people.

“It was obviously a very terrifying event, and so we want to do whatever we can right now to show that we are united, that we stand behind them and we support each other in times like this.”