Local lifesavers awarded National Medal

MORE than 15 local lifesavers have been awarded national honours for their outstanding service to aquatic safety.

Lifesavers from Anglesea, Lorne, Fairhaven, Jan Juc, Wye River, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale were among the most recent recipients of the Life Saving Australia National Medal.

The award acknowledges those who “risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.”

To be eligible, recipients must have served a minimum of 30 patrol hours annually over 15 years.

Anglesea lifesaver Michael Martin AM was the highest awarded local recipient, gaining 1st Clasp honours for 25 years of service to lifesaving.

Those to receive the National Medal for 15 years of service included:

Thomas Cullen – Anglesea SLSC

Andrew Rechtman – Anglesea SLSC

Andrew Thomas – Fairhaven SLSC

Vanessa Lewanski – Fairhaven SLSC

Laura Buckley – Fairhaven SLSC

Vincent Sheehan – Jan Juc SLSC

Lincoln Wymer – Lorne SLSC

Andrew Griffiths – Lorne SLSC

John Takac ESM – Lorne SLSC

James Carew – Lorne SLSC

Samuel Brooker – Lorne SLSC

Nick Murnane – Lorne SLSC

Katrina Antony – Ocean Grove SLSC

James Coutie – Point Lonsdale SLSC

Paul Malone – Wye River SLSC, and

Markham Dower – Wye River SLSC

Life Saving Victoria chief executive officer Cath Greaves congratulated recipients on their efforts.

“I commend each and every one of our volunteer lifesavers who received the National Medal, acknowledging their tireless work to prevent drowning and promote water safety,” he said.

“This honour is a fitting recognition of your incredible efforts to save lives and empower communities to safely enjoy water.”