A quarter of a century for Inverloch SLSC

“TONIGHT we are here to celebrate a major milestone for the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club,” president Glenn Arnold stated in his opening address on Saturday evening in front of the 350 strong crowd of members, supporters, family and friends.

“This club would not exist without the many people past and present who have contributed their time, expertise, energy and passion.

“It’s pretty great that we have seven of eight presidents here tonight, plus many of our past committee members and club captains.

“This season has kicked off quickly and this team, like the many people before them, have worked very hard to make it a success.”

Glenn thanked the club’s sponsors without whom they couldn’t function as they do, before reminiscing on his own memories joining the club and the friendships, skills and camaraderie he has witnessed over the years in the club.

David Schultz, former president, then elaborated on the history of the club.

Inverloch SLSC was the brainchild of workmates Glen Hibberd and Alan Bolton with Maureen Ansell. What started as an idea spurred into the first patrol shy of 12 months later in 1998.

“Before the (first patrol) could happen the club was required by SLSV to be self-sufficient and own our own equipment which included one IRB, one rescue board, two rescue tubes and a set of beach flags,” David explained.

Maureen and Alan recalled the early days with great memories and laughs.

“We didn’t know what we were doing!

“To go from one boat to five boats and our own $1.3 million clubhouse and own every piece of equipment is an incredible feat.”

“We used to come down to Inverloch on a Friday and take the boat down, asking those along the way to help get it in the water, and later at 4pm to help us get it out of the water.

“We’d tow it back to the caravan park – we couldn’t have done it without the support of Isabella Massaro and others…”

From rat infested containers to the new premises the memories of those involved in the 25 years are endless.

“There has been a lot of fundraising and can rattling over the years – it’s been a hard battle,” Alan and Maureen explained.

“We were the first life saving club in Victoria for 41 years.”

As David highlighted in his speech there were plenty of people advocating for the club.

“Imagine that first patrol group of fifteen members for the full season carrying the IRB, motor and all the other equipment over the dunes with no shelter during the day – five members of that first patrol group are here tonight,” David smiled.

“We did have a second hand 2WD donated a little later which was bogged regularly. The IRB moved around town being stored wherever the driver lived at the time.”

The first bronze camps saw boys camped at the Schultz/Jungwirth house whilst the girls camped at the Kerr’s. Later upgrading to Western Beach Caravan Park.

From 15 patrolling members to 160 today, 20 nippers to 260 today, 370 members to 900 and no shelter to a multi-million-dollar clubhouse there is no denying the determination of all those involved right from the beginning with one simple desire – to help save lives – are why the club stands strong today.

Life Saving Victoria CEO Cath Grieves was a special guest for the evening joining in the celebrations.