Torquay and Ocean Grove claim success in Lorne

THE junior lifesaving season is officially under way as Lorne Surf Life Saving Club opened the first week of summer by hosting back-to-back junior and senior lifesaving sport events over the weekend.

Lorne received over 750 athletes over Saturday and Sunday all showcasing their rescue ready skills.

The competition was as fiery as the weather, with sun shining down during a highly competitive racing weekend, which saw Torquay SLSC come out on top for the juniors and Ocean Grove SLSC for the seniors.

Junior Nippers of all club background await their race at Lorne SLSC on Saturday.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) acting manager aquatic sport David Potter said the two days of competition highlighted Victorian athletes’ sporting skills, which are used between the flags during patrol season.

“It was fabulous to start summer with two days of highly competitive competition at Lorne,” Potter said.

“From our juniors, who are the future of our volunteer lifesaving force, to our seniors, who are not only our current lifesavers who patrol our state, but some of the top athletes on the Victorian lifesaving sporting stage.”

Torquay SLSC reigned supreme on Saturday, while Ocean Grove SLSC achieved victory on Sunday.

In the junior lifesaving carnival on Saturday, Torquay SLSC received the winner’s moniker with a total of 348.83 points, bettering runners-up Ocean Grove SLSC who concluded the day with 329.33 points. Jan Juc SLSC rounded out the podium with 139.5 points.

Sunday’s senior carnival was a success for the Bellarine, as Ocean Grove SLSC took home the goods with 375 points, the only local club to claim a podium position on the latter of two days.

“Our sport combines proud tradition in the rescue and resuscitation events, paying homage to the original belt and reel rescue techniques and sheer athleticism in the board, ski, swim and beach disciplines, showing the fitness and abilities required by our patrolling members on the front line,” Potter said.

“We have also recently rolled out radio frequency identification bands for all competitors, meaning people can keep across the results of carnivals from afar.

The weekend marked the start of the junior competition season for life Saving Victoria.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our members, especially Lorne SLSC and Ocean Grove SLSC for pivoting when forced to move the event to a new venue.

“LSV is now looking ahead to our next sports event, the third and final under 12 to open beach carnival for the season at Hampton Life Saving Club on December 16.”

Head to Life Saving Victoria’s website for the full results.