THE Public Rescue Equipment station initiative at Venus Bay has been named the national Innovation of the Year at the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence.
The PRE stations were installed along Venus Bay beaches as part of a trial to prevent drownings and address incidents where bystanders attempting rescues tragically become victims themselves.
The stations are equipped with a lifesaving rescue tube, 000 emergency call button, location information to guide emergency services and QR codes to offer multilingual instructions and support for safe rescues.
Within weeks of their launch in December, the stations were activated for two rescues, saving six lives in just eight days.
“This project has truly shown what’s possible when a small community comes together to solve a big problem and with a shared commitment to safety,” said Venus Bay SLSC president Kimberley Gee.
“We’re incredibly proud that what started as a local idea has now been recognised nationally – but the greatest reward is knowing that lives have already been saved.”
The national award comes after the PRE station initiative took out the Dr Nigel Taylor ESM Innovation Award at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence held earlier this year.
The PRE stations are a partnership between Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club and Life Saving Victoria, in collaboration with South Gippsland Shire Council and local community groups.
Venus Bay’s initiative is now being looked to as a model for coastal communities across Australia, demonstrating how innovation, research, and community collaboration can transform adversity into progress.
Fourteen volunteer lifesavers, lifesaving clubs and lifesaving sport teams from across Victoria were finalists for national honours at Saturday’s awards night, held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel.
The annual Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence recognises Australia’s top volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards for their dedication, skill and selflessness in their service to the lifesaving movement and the community.
Life Saving Victoria General Manager – Member Engagement and Sport Simon Rickard congratulated all members who were recognised on the night.
“Our people give their time and energy freely and enthusiastically to keep our community safe in the water,” Mr. Rickard said.
“To be recognised among the very best lifesavers and lifeguards across the country is an incredible achievement, and testament to everyone who saves lives and empowers communities to safely enjoy water here in Victoria.”
SLSA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE - VICTORIAN FINALISTS
Athlete of the Year – Julia Phillips – Anglesea SLSC
Trainer of the Year – James Betson – Anglesea SLSC
Volunteer of the Year – David Marsh – Anglesea SLSC
Coach of the Year – Sonia Kinsey – Ocean Grove SLSC
Official of the Year – Mary Collins – South Melbourne LSC
Surf Sport Team of the Year – U23 Female Surf Boat Team – Williamstown S&LSC
Youth Athlete of the Year – Jemma Holt – Mordialloc LSC
Lifeguard of the Year – Michael Garbelotto – Lorne SLSC/Australian Lifeguard Service
Assessor of the Year – Poppy Morrison – Fairhaven SLSC
Community Education Program of the Year – Mornington LSC Schools Program
Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Susanna Ryan – Port Campbell SLSC
Club of the Year – Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club
Innovation Award – Community-led Public Rescue Equipment – Venus Bay SLSC
Surf Life Saver of the Year – Sas McNamara – Portsea SLSC
