Leaders in aquatic safety....

....meet Marshall. He's worked outside on the beach and under the strong sun since he left school. He's 19 now and looking forward to a long career in the Australian lifeguards but, always remember to Slip Slop Slap, children.

Joking aside, Marshall was a really nice bloke. He was patrolling the Cottesloe Beach when we arrived for an afternoon of fun in the surf.

Our day started with a drive up the freeway to Perth and then to Joondalup. A brief stop at Burns Beach for a flat white (nice) and then back down the Ocean Road, assessing each beach for 'future visit' potential. There was a beach just south of Whitfords which sported a warning sign with the following:
1) Strong rip
2) Large waves
3) Dangerous cliffs
4) Warning snakes
.....that didn't feature high on the list.

Finally, we landed in Cott Beach, which Lonely Planet named as the world's 2nd best beach for families in 2009.

Later, we joined the family Gilchrist for a lovely meal at the Mash Brewery in Rockingham in celebration of young Shaun's 28th anniversary. 'Swinging Pig' is a slightly surreal place.....cross a Disney Paris High Street with a navy base and you've got the vibe.