The healing process for the family and friends of Bronson Rhodes and the surf life saving community continues with the presentation of a rescue board on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The board carries Bronson's name and the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club will use the board during its patrols.
Bronson, 14 and a student at Wauchope High School, drowned at Flynns Beach on December 16, 2017 after he and two mates went for a swim.
While his two friends were rescued, Bronson could not be recovered despite an exhaustive search mission.
Surf Life Saving NSW president George Shales said he hoped the board would honour Bronson's memory.
"I can't ease the pain in this matter and I acknowledge that," Mr Shales said.
"In memory of Bronson we (Surf Life Saving NSW) would like to present the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club this rescue board which bears Bronson's name.
"I am sure the club will make good use of this board and it will perhaps assist in rescuing or saving someone's life in the future.
"I know this offers no solace to Bronson's family in their loss and grief.
"But I hope we honour the memory of this beautiful young man in a small, but practical way," he said.
Mr Shales acknowledged the subsequent coronial inquiry into Bronson's drowning made eight recommendations to the state body and the club.
He said those recommendations had been implemented across the state.
"On behalf of the surf life saving movement across the state and its 75,000 members, I offer my sincere condolences to the Rhodes family and their friends and mates," he added.
Bronson's mother Rachel said she was happy that there will be a significant reminder to patrols and the public about the dangers of the surf.
"Having this board there (on patrol) will be a constant reminder of what occurred on that day and the need to be constantly vigilant," she said.
"I think all patrols must remain vigilant; on that day Bronson was from the high risk demographic and swimming at a high risk time of the day."
She said the fact there were eight recommendations shows there was a need for improvements within the surf life saving movement.
Rachel said she would have liked to have seen the coronial recommendations extended to include either an age limit or an achievement (award) level in surveillance training for people stationed in the surf life saving towers.
"I would have liked to have seen that (recommendation) a bit tougher," she added.
Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving president Rod McDonagh said Saturday's event was to give Bronson's family recognition of their ongoing support.
"We have stayed in touch with the family throughout this process," he said.
"As an organisation we are ensuring that the coronial findings are carried through and making sure things are done.
"This board will be on the beach and it will be up to the club to manage that.
"Hopefully the board will raise a bit of awareness too."
Mr McDonagh said the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving club had been very cooperative throughout the process.
However, he also acknowledged that Bronson's drowning was still having an impact on people.
"This is still having an effect on a lot of people and we are working together to move forward," he said.
"Initially there was counselling services and support locally and from the state body. There has been a couple of debrief sessions held that also involved a chaplain.
"I know that this support is still ongoing.
"Hopefully this support will help everyone into the future."
Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club president Rick Rolfe acknowledged Bronson's drowning along with the successful rescue of the two boys on the day and said the club will continue to support the family and members.