Ocean Grove lifesavers awarded national honours

MEMBERS of the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club have been lauded for their dedication to the sport and awarded with national honours at Surf Life Saving Australia’s Awards of Excellence.

The Bellarine club took home a Certificate of Merit with Bronze Medallion insert for the rescue of three men whose boat capsized in rough conditions offshore earlier this year.

The certificate was awarded to recognise the high level of skill and risk involved in the rescue, and that the “outcomes for patients without the rescue attempt would have resulted in a high chance of a fatality.”

The annual Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence recognised Australia’s top volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards for their skill and selflessness in their service to the lifesaving movement and the community.

Fourteen volunteer lifesavers, lifesaving clubs and lifesaving sports teams from across Victoria were finalists for national honours.

Life Saving Victoria general manager – member engagement and sport Simon Rickard congratulated all members who were recognised on the night.

“Our people give their time and energy freely and enthusiastically to keep our community safe in the water.

“To be recognised among the very best lifesavers and lifeguards across the country in an incredible achievement, and testament to everyone who saves lives and empowers communities to safely enjoy water here in Victoria.”