Bond grows with generous donation to Queenscliff Coast Guard

A POTENTIALLY lifesaving donation from one volunteer organisation to another will help coast guard volunteers keep people safer on Bellarine Peninsula waterways.
The Lions Club of Portarlington/Drysdale presented the Queenscliff Coast Guard with the donation of $1500 at a presentation dinner.
Queenscliff Coast Guard has put the money towards the purchase of a human-sized water mannequin.
The mannequin allows those practicing in water rescue to experience real weight of up to 80 kilograms and emulates the water movement of a person in water distress.
Queenscliff Coast Guard commander Michael Donohue said the manikin would be a major boost to the way he trains his volunteers.
“The mannequin will be of significant benefit when training rescue crews and keeping their skills up to scratch,” Mr Donohue said.
“It provides an excellent simulation of a real person both in terms of size and weight.”
The mannequin’s floatation pockets can be altered to mimic a person floating horizontally or vertically in the ocean.
Lions Club of Portarlington/Drysdale president Trevor Hirth acknowledged the importance of the Queenscliff Coast Guard and the work important work volunteer clubs do in the community.
“The Coast Guard volunteers perform an essential role in keeping people safe on the water,” Mr Hirth said.
“As volunteers ourselves we understand the commitment and sacrifice members make to serve the community.”