Local lifesavers jump in to provide flood support

LIFE Saving Victoria (LSV) has acknowledged the local lifesaving clubs and personnel who have gone above and beyond to provide critical support to communities affected by recent flooding along the Great Ocean Road.

At Wye River, lifeguards and volunteer members of the Wye River SLSC have working alongside emergency services to assist displaced residents.

Their efforts included:

Redirecting community members to safe areas in support of on-ground emergency agencies

Open the club’s doors to provide overnight refuge for three families, totalling 32 people

Offering their facilities to support decontamination operations and provide a base for Ambulance Victoria, and

Helping co-ordinate and distribute food for affected members of the local community.

At Lorne SLSC, more than 100 individuals were provided refuge overnight in partnership with the Salvation Army and Surf Coast Shire.

The Kennett River SLSC also made themselves available as a designated refuge location, reinforcing the strength of community connection across the region.

Support has also extended from the air, with Lifesaver 30 and 31 conducting aerial search and transport tasks, including winch rescue operations and the deployment of Victoria Police Water personnel to remote locations.

LSV chief executive officer Cath Greaves said the response reflected the deep commitment clubs have to their local communities.

“These efforts exemplify what lifesaving is all about – not just patrolling beaches, but stepping up in times of crisis to protect and support the people around them.

“Our clubs are trusted community hubs, and their rapid response

during this event is a powerful reminder of their value beyond the shoreline.”