Sailability, at the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club (GRYC), is an international organisation which promotes and facilitates sailing for people with any form of disability or disadvantage as a safe, fun and rewarding recreational and competitive activity.
Paul Smith has been the volunteer secretary with Sailability for a number of years.
Prior to retiring to Hindmarsh Island, he held a number of jobs from Civil Engineer to flying instructor to B&B owner.
He learned to sail Heron dinghies as a teenager and joined GRYC in 2015.
Paul decided to volunteer because, “As a new resident and freshly retired from a human resources career, volunteering is a good way to engage with the local community, make new friends, learn the history and culture of a place, both Indigenous and colonial”, he said.
His decision to volunteer with Sailability stems from an enjoyment of all kinds of water sports, and his ability to coach and train people from all walks of life.
He said his application process was as simple as walking into GRYC and asking if it needed volunteers, followed by an informal discussion about his background, hobbies, sport and sailing abilities.
He then did an on-site First Aid and CPR workshop, and hands-on dinghy sailing to learn the specific features of the boats.
Paul said he “gets a real buzz from seeing the excitement and joy on people’s faces as they find themselves free of the restraints of the shoreline, especially from their wheelchair or walking stick”.
Through volunteering he has learned about the wide range of disabilities many in the community face every day and that volunteers create a strong sense of belonging, of being valued, and improving self esteem through their caring, thoughtful engagement with others.
He recommended volunteering to others all the time, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a serious impact on volunteer numbers.
If you are considering volunteering with Sailability they currently have one position that needs filling: Sailing Assistant.
To find out more about this position, contact Southern Volunteering on 8552 7858 or at regional@svsa.org.au.
