Dedication, resilience, community spirit shine in summer patrol season

TORQUAY Surf Life Saving Club (TSLSC) is proudly reflecting on a season that saw the club complete 25 rescues and respond to six major incidents requiring ambulance support.

The club said patrol teams rose to the occasion despite challenging beach access due to the absence of a ramp.

TSLSC recorded nearly 750 individual volunteer patrol shifts, administered dozens of first-aids and performed more than 5,000 preventative actions.

Director of lifesaving Jono Griffiths said the season showcased the heart and strength of the club’s community.

Torquay director of lifesaving Jono Griffiths and the bronze medallion class of 2024.

“Our patrollers not only adapted to tough conditions but maintained a level of vigilance and professionalism that kept our beach safe and welcoming.

“Their commitment to service is inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Special recognition was extended to the dedicated patrol captains whose leadership ensured safe and efficient patrol operations throughout the season.

TSLSC also hosted several schools and trained their students, added new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) drivers and crew to the team, and welcomed a fresh group of bronze medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate holders.

The club’s flexible training approach included exposure to different beaches such as Jan Juc, Fishos and Lorne, giving members valuable experience in varied surf conditions.

Captain Nikki Weston’s (second from left) patrol team.

TSLSC will have off-season training opportunities to help prepare for next summer and those interested in joining the club in any capacity can get in touch at [email protected]

Across the state, volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards performed 1,011 rescues across the summer patrol season from November to April – the highest number recorded in Victoria in more than 20 years – according to Life Saving Victoria.

While hundreds of lives were saved, there were 22 fatal drowning incidents across Victorian coastal, inland and home environments from December to February.

This is an increase compared to the five and 10-year averages for the summer period (21 and 19, respectively).