Red and Yellow VW Drives Home Surf Life Saving Message
Red and Yellow VW Drives Home Surf Life Saving Message
William loves being able to bring a bit of joy to visitors and locals up and down the Gold Coast, but hopes his Beetle can also convey a potentially life saving message.
Queenslander William Stanton has always loved a trip to the beach, growing up with holiday trips to the shores of Hervey Bay and Yeppoon.
When William joined the Emu Park SLSC in his forties, where he turned his love of the beach into a passion for patrolling. He has now been patrolling Queensland beaches for more than nine years.
“Throughout my life, the beach has been synonymous with growing up,” said William.
“As I grew older I gained knowledge of surf clubs, patrolled areas and Surf Life Savers.
“I developed a deep respect for their voluntary efforts to help keep Australian beaches safe, and I’m extremely proud to have been part of those efforts over the years.”
William started his career at the Emu Park SLSC in 2011, and continued volunteering as he moved from beach to beach, from Sarina up in Mackay to Mermaid on the Gold Coast, and many in between.
As well as a love for the beach, over the years William developed a soft spot for Volkswagens. He purchased his beloved 1972 Beetle in 2001 and by 2020 it was due for a restoration.
Once the project was complete, he found the perfect personalised plates to complement the car he uses to make the trip to his regular patrols on the Coast.
“I chose the plates ‘SLSCVW’ for ‘Surf Live Saving “Clubbie” Volkswagen’ - a “Clubbie” is an individual who is a member of a Surf Club,” explained William.
“Since my voyages in my Beetle are generally to the Gold Coast, I have nick-named my car ‘MeterMaid’ as it has been described as a classic staple to the Coast.
“MeterMaid has the distinctive Surf Life Saving red and yellow colours, a rescue board on top and the best personalised plates in the world to tie it all together.
“The plates complement my car so well and they’re an essential part of the package - one could say they are the cherry on top.”
William loves being able to bring a bit of joy to visitors and locals up and down the Gold Coast, but hopes his Beetle can also convey a potentially life saving message.
“I’m passionate about surf lifesaving and educating beach-goers on the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags,” said William.
“As I drive from place to place, if people see my car and the plates, I hope they think of beach and water safety and spread the message.
“Beach and water safety should be a must for everyone, it’s so important and can save lives.”
Looking back, William couldn’t be happier with his decision to join Emu Park Surf Living Club almost a decade ago.
“I’m forever grateful to be involved with surf lifesaving, as I have met many wonderful people from all sorts of walks of life, visited amazing landmarks and made memories that will last forever,” William said.
Remember to swim between the red and yellow flags this beach season.