Life Saving
Weldon attributes much of his success to his activities in the lifesaving movement. He joined the Pacific Surf Club as a fifteen-year-old cadet during the 1948-49, and within a year attained the position of social organiser. He rose rapidly through the ranks, holding the posts of vice-captain, captain, chief instructor and ultimately president. Throughout this period Pacific flourished, becoming one of this most reputable clubs in the state. Moreover, the club accrued large parcels of surrounding land through Weldon’s drive and initiative, borrowing money from the bank, and then organising the sale of chooks through hotels to pay off the debt. Still a trustee of the club and living in Sydney, Weldon has continued guiding the club and promoting its commercial viability.
In 1970, having been the Queensland delegate to the National Council of Surf Lifesaving, Weldon was approached to form an international lifesaving group. Though honoured, Weldon only accepted on the proviso that it would be truly international, with the headquarters moved around the world. Because of this a great number of innovations were brought to Australia’s beaches. The ‘rubber ducky’ inflatable rescue boats, torpedo rescue tubes and the use of helicopters in surf rescue were all ideas that came from other countries. Ideas shared through what became known as World Lifesaving.
In the 1990s Weldon was instrumental in uniting World Lifesaving with both professional lifeguard associations and pool life savers. The International Life Saving Federation is now the second largest voluntary organisation in the world after the Red Cross. Throughout the years he has helped to raise literally millions of dollars for life saving in Australia and around the world.
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