POINT LONSDALE RECEIVES SURF LIFESAVING AWARD

Released: 12/9/98

"The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club has received a major commendation by Surf Life Saving - Victoria, according to Mr Matthew Ponsford, Media Liaison Officer for the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club".

"Point Lonsdale was placed second in the 1997 / 1998 Sunsmart Surf Life Saving - Victoria Patrol Efficiency Competition".

"The competition which has been running for many years, is designed to ensure that all Surf Life Saving Clubs (32 affiliated Clubs across the State), meet the strict standards set for Surf Rescue patrols. Importantly, it also rewards Clubs and members who spend most of the year training for their volunteer work, which is carried out from November to April and who demonstrate an excellent level of competency."

"Independent Surf Life Saving Examiners act as Judges for the Competition and randomly check each Club three times during the Season. Patrols are checked in a range of areas, ranging from the thorough completion of log books, to rescue techniques, resuscitation proficiency, knowledge of theory components and the correct wearing of uniform".

"It is a great honour for the Club to be placed so highly in this season’s Competition, on top of being placed third in last season’s Competition."

"Sunsmart, through the Anti Cancer Council of Victoria sponsor the Competition. For the Club’s efforts, we will receive a new outboard motor, for use with our Inflatable Rescue Boats, valued at approximately $ 2 000. We are thrilled to receive this prize, as we are in desperate need for a new motor. Of the three that we have, two require replacement and an additional motor is required for the various areas that use these craft. These pieces of equipment are in constant use, especially over the Summer period and are available for 24 hour callout, through our First Response Group."

"The South Melbourne Surf Life Saving Club was placed first with a total of 5 370 points (30 points lost - 99.4 % efficiency), Point Lonsdale, Waratah Beach and Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Clubs were all placed equally second with a total of 5 320 points (80 points lost – 98.5 %)."

"The club was placed first in the Bellarine District Competition, which comprises Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads / 13th Beach and Bancoora Surf Life Saving Clubs".

Released: 25/12/98

The Media Liaison Officer, for the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club, Mr Matthew Ponsford has issued a warning to Christmas Day beach goers. "Christmas afternoon is always a potentially busy day for our surf lifesavers. Frequently beach goers have had too much to eat and drink, to be swimming so soon after lunch. There have been a few occasions in recent years when people have come to the beach on a hot day to cool off and ended up being rescued by our members. People should avoid swimming if they have been drinking and should wait a few hours to swim after a large meal."

"New presents such as boogie boards are often tested on Christmas Day and parents should ensure that their younger children use these boogie boards between the red and yellow flags. Boogie Boards should also be used in conjunction with flippers."

"Point Lonsdale surf lifesavers will be operating a patrol during Christmas afternoon, between 1:00pm and 5:30pm. Beach goers at other beaches should check with their local Surf Life Saving Club or Life Saving Club as to patrol times on Christmas Day."

"The important thing for people to remember is to avoid the R.I.P. and swim between the red and yellow flags, as there has never been a drowning in 51 years of surf life saving patrols, between the flags."



PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD'S BEGIN THEIR SUMMER PATROLS

Released: 25/12/98

Although volunteer surf lifesavers commenced their patrolling period in late November, tomorrow morning will see the start of the Professional Lifeguard season on Victoria’s busiest surf beaches, including Point Lonsdale. Most beaches on the Surfcoast are now covered by Professional Lifeguards, including Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads / 13th Beach, Torquay Front Beach, Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Point Roadknight, Fairhaven and Lorne. (Those marked in bold are new services for this season).

Victoria’s busiest beaches are allocated with Professional Lifeguards to cover weekdays and Saturday mornings, when volunteer surf lifesavers are not on patrol. Their patrolling period coincides with the busiest part of the school holidays.

The Media Liaison Officer, for the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club, Mr Matthew Ponsford announced that the provision of this service is essential. "Without the Professional Lifeguard service operating at Point Lonsdale, there would be a high chance of many swimmers drowning. Last season, Professional Lifeguards at Point Lonsdale rescued 66 people. Without the assistance from our Professional Lifeguards, many of these 66 people would have drowned. The club is unable to patrol the beach during the week as many of our members have work commitments. On a hot day during school holidays, you can almost get as many visitors to the beach as you may during the weekend. Therefore, it is essential that this service operates."

"The Professional Lifeguard scheme is managed by Surf Life Saving - Victoria and only the most capable surf lifesavers are employed in this role. They are well qualified surf lifesavers who attend a weekend selection camp before they can be employed."

"The scheme is heavily reliant on funding from sponsorship, which comes from Tabcorp, through local Councils such as the Borough of Queenscliffe and through the State Government - Sport and Recreation Victoria.

"At Point Lonsdale, the Professional Lifeguards commence on Saturday 26th December and conclude on Monday 25th January. Lifeguard patrols commence at 10:00am and conclude at 6:00pm on weekdays and 1:00pm on Saturdays. At this time on a Saturday, the volunteer surf lifesavers commence their patrol.