VOLUNTEERS at Inverloch and Venus Bay surf lifesaving clubs received high accolades at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence. 
Long-time Inverloch SLSC member Angela Malan received a Life Saving Victoria Life Membership, recognising nearly two decades of service to her club and the lifesaving movement through initiatives supporting women in lifesaving, leadership development and mental health. 
Venus Bay SLSC received the Dr Nigel Taylor ESM Innovation Award for the Public Rescue Equipment station initiative at Venus Bay. 
The stations are equipped with a lifesaving rescue tube and 000 emergency call button to assist people in distress at Venus Bay beaches. 
Within a month of their launch in December, the stations were activated for two rescues, saving six lives. 
LSV’s annual Awards of Excellence celebrates the achievements of those who keep the Victorian community safe in the water. 
Awards recognise LSV volunteers who have excelled in all facets of lifesaving including emergency response, training, education, Nippers, sport, officiating and club administration. 
Paid lifeguards, aquatic industry professionals, water safety educators and organisations that contribute to keeping the Victorian community safe were also commended at the awards. 
More than 500 people attended the Sofitel Grand Ballroom in Melbourne’s CBD, for the awards presentation. As well as recognising awards recipients, the event is an opportunity for LSV to show its appreciation to all of our volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to keeping Victoria’s beaches and waterways safe.