Regular beachgoers frequenting any of the Sutherland Shire’s Bate Bay beaches would at some point or another have heard the shark alarm as an indication of potential danger.
Used to signal there is a shark in the vicinity, a Shark Alarm sounding off prior to kick-off on Saturday at PointsBet Stadium will be for a different reason, that being to celebrate a local volunteer while warning the Rabbitohs a shark attack is imminent.
On a recently constructed ‘lifeguard tower’, proudly and generously sponsored by Aramex and located in front of the Peter Burns Stand, the Shark Alarm will be activated, not to clear out the crowd from PointsBet Stadium, rather in signalling the start of the 2023 season while welcoming the home team onto the field.
Set to become a feature of Sharks home games, the Shark Alarm will not only sound off when a Shark, in this instance the Sharks skipper is spotted running out of the tunnel, but also to recognise volunteers for their contribution to the local community.
For the round one clash between the Sharks and Souths, ACU Cronulla Sharks Water Polo volunteer and ‘all round legend’ Aedan Bonar will have the honour of sounding the alarm.
The first person to make himself available for the wide range of tasks required at Sharks Water Polo, from preparations for the weekly games, to fundraising initiatives and whatever is needed for the club to operate efficiently, Aedan is the perfect choice to launch the Sharks new Lifeguard Tower as the first Volunteer of the Round.
Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5-million people volunteer through organisations and sporting groups, and to show our appreciation for the tremendous work of volunteers in the Sutherland Shire, Sharks Have Heart have asked our community and sporting partners to nominate a ‘Local Hero’ as Volunteer of the Round.
The community contributions of each Volunteer of the Round will be recognised, with their deeds and those of their club or organisation, promoted through Sharks Have Heart social media channels.
‘Fins up’ Sharks fans on Saturday night, there are Sharks in the water, and the alarm is about to sound!