Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC clubhouse opens

THE Barwon Heads 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club has officially opened its newly refurbished clubhouse.

Barwon Heads 13th Beach LSC president Matthew Burke and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant were joined by Life Saving Victoria representatives and volunteers from the club to mark the facility’s opening.

The redevelopment supported by $1.39 million in funding from the state government, which said the investment was to ensure the club had modern, fit for purpose facilities so the club could continue to protect beachgoers.

The upgraded building has better design and functionality, providing greater life saving capability and the chance for more community engagement.

A second storey extension has been added which accommodates more space for training and increased storage for emergency response equipment

The building also features first aid services, a gym area and upgraded kitchen, toilet and change room facilities.

Formed in 1961, the club has a strong reputation for patrolling excellence and has won the State Patrol Efficiency Award on four occasions and the District Patrol Efficiency Award on many others.

Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC presently has more than 600 members, including 75 active patrollers, and more than 250 Nippers.

“This upgrade ensures the club has the modern facilities it needs to continue to serve the community and keep local beachgoers safe around the water now and into the future,” Ms Marchant said.

“Thousands of people visit 13th Beach every year and it’s important that our dedicated surf life savers have the facilities they need to deliver their vital service to the community.”