National honour for decades of saving lives

With a lifesaving career stretching back almost four decades, Venus Bay lifesaver Scott Johnson has been recognised with a National Medal first clasp after recording 25 years of qualifying patrol service.

The 57-year-old patrol captain was one of 29 Victorian lifesavers recently recognised through Australia's national honours system.

Mr Johnson earned his Bronze Medallion in South Australia in 1988, and has now been involved in lifesaving for 38 years.

Eligibility for the medal requires volunteers to complete at least 30 patrol hours annually for 15 years, followed by another 10 qualifying years for the first clasp. For this reason, family commitments meant Mr Johnson did not reach the required hours during several years.

He said the honour was a great acknowledgement of the time volunteers gave to their communities.

“It’s not what you do it for, but it’s just nice to know that it is contributing to society in some way,” Mr Johnson said.

He was first introduced to lifesaving because of his love for surfing, agreeing to start lifesaving to get free accommodation close to a South Australian beach.

After moving to Victoria 22 years ago, lifesaving became a great way to meet people and to put his skills to use, all while continuing to surf.

In 2004, Mr Johnson joined the Venus Bay lifesaving club, and now splits his time between his home in Williamstown and his house at Venus Bay.

Over all his years of lifesaving, Mr Johnson said the incidents beyond the patrolled sections of coastline were often the ones that stayed with him. With designated areas, however, serious incidents have been limited because of how seriously the club members take responsibility.

He said simple expressions of gratitude make the job well worth it.

“It’s just being thanked and appreciated for giving up some of your time to make sure that families can have fun,” he said.

During his career, Mr Johnson has watched technology transform many lifesaving operations, and in addition to serving as a patrol captain, he is also a senior remote pilot involved with Life Saving Victoria’s drone program.

Venus Bay is home to LSV’s eastern drone base, one of just three bases, with the technology helping to conduct searches and map areas.

Mr Johnson said remote beaches had become increasingly popular over his years of lifesaving, bringing more visitors who may have limited experience with the ocean and its dangers, which keeps him on his toes.

Despite all the challenges, he said the opportunity to help people and provide a sense of safety has kept him interested in lifesaving all these years.

“Venus Bay is just a great club where people get on well, and we’re willing to accept new people,” he said.

Life Saving Victoria chief executive Cath Greaves congratulated the recipients, describing the medals as fitting recognition of their dedication, skill and selflessness.