Local lifesaver awarded National Medal honours

A VETERAN Jan Juc surf lifesaver has been lauded for his outstanding dedication to the lifesaving movement.

Earlier this month, Colin Brodie was honoured with the Life Saving Victoria National Medal 1st Clasp honour for 25 years of service to the sport.

The 71-year-old has served a minimum of 30 patrol hours annually over the past 25 years for both Anglesea and Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club.

The award, which was also presented to six others across the state acknowledges those who “risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.”

Mr Brodie said the mateship, active lifestyle and feelings associated with community service continue to bring him back to the beach each summer.

“It’s a great honour to receive the next level up in the National Medal being the First Clasp milestone.

“I moved to Anglesea to Jan Juc in 2019 when the group I patrolled with disbanded. I knew some other guys my vintage at Jan Juc and joined them from then onwards.

“It [patrolling] is social, it’s an impetus to keep fit and also to keep to date with the current versions of cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

“The Medal is certainly something to show the grandchildren.”

LSV chief executive officer Cath Greaves congratulated and commended all National Medal recipients.

“Our volunteer lifesavers make an incredible contribution to our community, showing incredible skill, dedication and selflessness to keep the public safe in the water,” she said.

“The National Medal is a fitting honour in recognition of those who have given their time and energy freely and generously to the lifesaving movement and our community.”

Jeremy Farrington (Anglesea SLSC) and Amenah McDonald (Ocean Grove SLSC) also received their respective National Medal for 15 years of service.