Dedicated lifesaver Martin takes home National Medal

ANGLESEA local Mike Martin has been lauded for his service to lifesaving and been awarded distinguished national honours.

Last week, the 80-year-old was told he would be awarded the 1st Clasp Honour National Medal by Life Saving Australia for his dedication to the sport.

To be eligible for the award, Mike patrolled a minimum of 30 hours on the beach for 25 straight years.

Martin, however, has been patrolling a lot longer, 45 years in fact, but for many years, did not reach the 30 hours due to travelling and other commitments.

The 80-year-old begun his journey down at Point Leo, receiving his bronze medallion as a teenager, before shifting down to Anglesea Surf Life Saving to continue lifesaving in 1979/1980.

Across the past 46 years, Martin has been involved all in facets of the club.

From mentoring and coaching junior members, to ridding the showers of the “45 kilograms” of sand and cooking plenty of BBQ’s, Martin says there isn’t much he hasn’t lend a hand towards.

Martin has been Life Saving Victoria Volunteer of the Year on multiple occasions and won Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Assessor of the Year in 2018.

He said his recent National Medal was a lovely addition.

“You join surf lifesaving and stay in it for the time I’ve been involved, not for recognition, but for the fun, the camaraderie and giving back to such a fantastic organisation.

“These things [the awards] pop up as you are doing things you enjoy. Somewhere along the line, someone dobs you in!

“Personally, I feel rewarded by seeing the development of young Australians through the sport.”

Mike has seen Anglesea’s membership base grow from a handful of locals, to more than 1,800 over his tenure.

He said he hopes to stick around a bit longer and help support the club where he can.

“If there’s things I can do and mentor and help, with the training and assessing, then I will.

“There’s lots of fantastic people around who make a fantastic contribution.

“I will fill gaps, if it’s working on the barbecue or sweeping the showers of the 45 kilos of sand which is brought into them.

“It [being around the club] a lot more fun than painting and gardening at home!”

Mike Martin was one of 18 local surf lifesavers to receive a National Medal for 15 or more years of service.