Lifesavers gear up for busy summer with rescue water craft requalification

VOLUNTEER lifesavers from ten Victorian Surf Life Saving Clubs gathered at Inverloch to undertake their annual Rescue Water Craft (RWC) requalification ahead of the 2026-27 summer patrol season.

Representatives from Inverloch, Carrum, Mentone, Woolamai, Venus Bay, Rosebud McCrae, Cape Paterson and Waratah Surf Lifesaving Clubs were among those taking part in the training which tested operators' ability to safely handle rescue water craft and perform a range of water rescues.

The annual exercise hosted by Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club came as Life Saving Victoria (LSV) urged Victorians and visitors to take extra care around waterways as summer patrols begin across the state.

Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club President Glenn Arnold said the club was pleased to host representatives from other clubs and provide a central location for the requalification process.

"Every year lifesavers are required to undertake their Bronze and IRB requalification as well as Rescue Water Craft (RWC)," Mr Arnold said.

Rescue Water Craft, commonly known as jet skis play an important role in surf lifesaving operations, allowing trained operators to reach people in difficulty and carry out rescues in conditions where other rescue methods may be more challenging.

"Obviously, we're on a machine, on a vehicle, as opposed to swimming in the water, so normal boat rules apply, but then there are also additional rescue techniques that don't necessarily happen when you're just swimming in the water,” said Mr Arnold.

Life Saving Victoria trainer and assessor Craig Stoodley said annual requalification was compulsory for every RWC operator at the beginning of each season.

“RWC requalification is an important preparation for the demands of the summer ahead,” said Mr Stoodley

“They have to demonstrate their ability to control the craft and demonstrate a number of rescue techniques including possible spinal injuries.”

Approximately eight RWC rescues are carried out across the state each summer.

With an expected busy summer ahead, Glenn Arnold said swimmers needed to listen to lifesavers and follow beach safety instructions. "Obviously, we're expecting a busy summer, it’s predicted to be a hot summer, which is terrific," he said.

"So, what's really important is that swimmers do obey any instructions from the lifesavers from the various clubs. And most importantly, swim between the flags."

LSV has backed that message encouraging people to swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags wherever possible, supervise children at all times, check conditions before entering the water and ensure activities are within their capabilities, skills and fitness levels. Swimmers are also encouraged to always swim with a friend and leave alcohol consumption until after water-related activities.

The safety reminder follows a demanding 2025-26 summer patrol season, during which volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards performed 644 rescues and attended 1,543 first aid cases. Despite the efforts of lifesaving personnel, 52 people drowned in Victorian waterways during the 2025-26 financial year including 19 last summer.

According to LSV there were 32 fatal drownings in Bass Coast Shire between 2014/15 and 2023/24 which was five times the Victorian Local Government Area average.

Lifesaving Victoria Chief Executive Officer Cath Greaves urged the community to take responsibility for their safety and look out for family and friends.

"Our volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards give their time and energy to keep Victorians and visitors safe in our waterways," Ms Greaves said.

"I encourage everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags where possible, keep children supervised at all times, never swim alone and check the conditions before heading into the water."

For more information about beach patrol times and locations visit beachsafe.com.au or download the Beachsafe app.