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Emily Napoleone of Cape Paterson SLSC - outstanding Life Saving Victoria member for National Volunteer Week

Recognising the effort and dedication for life saving.

By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2021 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria is thanking and recognising its incredible volunteers this week as Monday 17 May – Friday 21 May marks National Volunteer Week. One of the members being showcased for her efforts in the community is Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club merchandise officer and former club captain Emily Napoleone.

Many of our members say their lifesaving club is like a second family. This is especially true for Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club Merchandise Officer and former Club Captain, Emily Napoleone (pictured with hubby Andrew)

Completing more qualifications

Emily has been at the club since becoming a nipper in her childhood days. Now a mother herself, Emily is excited at the prospect of soon enrolling her children to become nippers at the same club she spent her childhood at. Upon completing her Bronze Medallion in 2009, Emily was eager to complete more qualifications to boost her portfolio as a lifesaver and completed her spinal management, advanced resuscitation techniques and inflatable rescue boat crew certificates.

Becoming a vice patrol captain

Emily said, "The various roles I’ve taken on in the club evolved quite naturally from here. The year I completed by Bronze I began searching for other qualifications I could complete. The following year I attended the Lifesaving Development Camp and later that season began volunteering on Bronze camps."

"This later led to gaining my training officer and assessors certificates and the year after, becoming a vice patrol captain, being involved in nippers as an age group manager and starting my first position on the committee as junior club captain."

Inspiring to continue involvement

Learning the ropes as junior club captain for two years, Emily eventually became Cape Paterson’s vice club captain for two years then club captain for three. At this time, Emily’s now husband Andrew Napoleone joined Cape Paterson, inspiring her to continue her involvement on the committee and around the club.

She said, "At the end of my third season as club captain I had my first child, which was my main motivation for not continuing in the role, however, after being club captain I took on the role of merchandise officer, which I have been doing ever since. It’s just a small way I can continue to do my part for a club that will always be so close to my heart while raising my family."

Getting back on the beach patrolling

Having recently had her third child, Emily is looking forward to getting back on the beach and patrolling again and having her whole family continue contributing to Cape Paterson for the long term. "In a couple of years I look forward to my own kids being able to start nippers. Thinking about seeing them as nippers at the same club I went to as a child is pretty special," she said.

"I had the privilege of doing my Bronze with a really special group of friends and family and the memories we made will always keep me connected to the Cape Paterson SLSC. It is exciting to think that in a few years, I’ll be able to watch my children make lifelong memories at a place that is so special to me."

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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