Dave Melmoth has been working on the Thanet beaches for the past 20 years. The early years consisted of working on Viking bay in Broadstairs hiring out surf skis and working on the kids rides. It was there that the realization of a beach life took shape and the first lifesaving awards were taken.
It was at that time (1988) when two very good friends of his, (DC & JD) encouraged him to have a go at surfing and subsequently an addict was born.
Over the next few years he would hang around the beach, go surfing and partake in a spot of traveling.
After running a surf shop with DC for a couple of years the opportunity to buy the surf hire centre at Joss bay arose.
At this time Dave was a beach lifeguard on Joss Bay (in his spare time) and was later to become head guard for 5 years. During his time as Head Lifeguard the opportunity presented itself to apply for the role as water safety manager for the local council. He was successful. He enjoyed this role for a couple of years, managing around 70 lifeguards and 27 miles of the Thanet coastline. Water safety talks were given and H&S policies were put together. During the role of WSM the HM Coastguard offered him a role as part of the search and rescue team and which he is still part of to this very day. He and a colleague (Chris Betts) deliver water safety lectures to around 7,000 children every year.
During the last 5 years the surf school run by Dave has been growing rapidly and is involved in many aspects of youth, community and related activities. It is also the only British Surfing Association Approved surf school in the South East of England.
After drawing on all the knowledge and experience of two decades around the beaches Dave is now a recognized Surf Life Saving trainer/ examiner for the beach lifeguards. He also teaches various first aid and pool lifeguard courses.
The Joss Bay Surf School has just been nominated for the Tourism Excellence Awards 2008. Watch this space!
