Lifesaver pride hits Bondi

Oxford Street may have hosted the big Mardi Gras parade on Saturday night but Bondi Beach got its own special preview with the final rehearsal of “Lifesavers with pride” (LWP) last Wednesday evening.

Under grey skies the men and women of LWP brightened up locals’ night with a fine display of song and dance decked out in the iconic red and yellow surf lifesaving colours. Amid flag twirling, hip-thrusting and booty-shaking, the performers worked out the kinks in their act before lining up for a photo.

Since their first march in 2007, the lifesavers have won awards for the “Sexiest Float” in 2007, “Best Choreography” in 2009 and the “Overall Best Float” in 2010.

The LWP float took pride of place in this year’s parade – it was last to leave and one of only two allowed to stop along the parade route. This year floats were asked to “Say Something” and the LWP chose to reinforce Surf Lifesaving’s motto, “Swim between the flags”.

The floats of parades past were so inspirational that lifesavers from around the country and the world travelled to Sydney for a chance to dance on the LWP float.

LWP chairman Mark Kuuse is from North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and said he was proud of his organisation’s recognition in the parade.

“Whether you are straight, gay or lesbian, surf lifesaving is a great way to give back to the community and make life-long friendships, while also being a fantastic way to keep fit,” he said. “I urge every gay and lesbian who loves the beach to find out how to become a lifesaver at their local surf club.”

The float consisted of not only gay and lesbian lifesavers but also lifesavers from many clubs supporting their gay and lesbian colleagues.

And no Mardi Gras would be complete without the Sydney Mardi Gras Drag Races at Bondi Beach held on March 4. The contestants battled it out in cocktail dresses and high heels, racing across the white sands in a battle of speed and glamour.