Crowd favourites Lifesavers With Pride are returning for the 2016 Mardi Gras Parade in fine sunny form.

The 2006 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade saw the inaugural appearance of Australia’s marching gay and lesbian lifesavers.

In the last ten years, Surf Life Saving has attracted an increasing number of gay and lesbian members and is now undertaking a new approach to diversity.

The Lifesavers With Pride (LWP), a Mardi Gras parade crowd favourite, has promised a dynamic and athletic performance set to a song chosen that recognises the pride of the Surf Life Saving volunteers.

The LWP has won many Mardi Gras awards including Sexiest Entry in 2007, Best Choreography in 2010, and the Judges’ Award in 2009.

This year, for their 10th anniversary, 100 fabulous and fit lifesavers will travel from all across Australia to take part and march in support of acceptance and inclusion within the surf club movement.

Clad in their favourite Aussiebum swimmers and using colourful beach towels as props, their routine will incorporate vital signals and signs used on the beach to demonstrate the teamwork and collaboration that a surf lifesaver relies on. The LWP will also be showcasing the parade theme ‘Momentum’ with the moves the lifesavers must use in active duty on the beach.

Gary Driscoll, LWP Chairman, said, “Our entrants are athletic fit people, but moreover they are positive role models empowering and supporting all lifesavers regardless of their sexuality.” He added, “Any surf lifesaver who is passionate about equality on the beaches is welcome in our Parade, regardless of their sexuality.”