INVERLOCH Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) lead coordinator Xavier Korbel led the Inverloch Leadership Search and Rescue (ILSAR) Program from October 1 to October 5, with Inverloch SLSC youth members; a program that won the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) National Innovation of the Year Award in 2024.
As part of the five-day training program, the participants conducted Emergency Handover Scenarios with Ambulance Victoria (Wonthaggi) and completed interagency training with Inverloch VICSES and Victoria Police.
“This training provides already qualified SLSC members additional experience and knowledge that goes beyond the minimum requirements of their awards, including interagency training, to improve individual confidence and overall outcomes.”
SLSA confirmed that Innovation is crucial for emergency services, and ‘Inverloch SLSC is setting new standards for excellence in search and rescue’.
President of Inverloch SLSC Glenn Arnold said the ILSAR camp focuses on advanced search and rescue training and is targeted to experienced lifesavers aged 16 and above.
“For those who are looking to start at Inverloch SLSC, we have our off-peak nippers’ program now open for enrolments,” said Glenn.
The mid-term nippers’ program is designed to give children from five to 13 years a fun and engaging introduction to surf lifesaving outside of the busy peak period.
“It’s a great program for the locals. We also need volunteers and water safety sign-ups. So that'd be great to get that underway,” said Glenn. “The program runs for eight weeks during Term four, on Wednesdays from 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm, with each session finishing with a family BBQ.
“It’s a great program to get the kids active and see what nippers has to offer.”
The Inverloch SLSC nippers program provides participants with water safety training and helps all ages be vigilant around water. The off-peak program runs from October 15 to December 3, 2025, and the applications are open for Starfish Nippers – an all-abilities program with one-on-one support.
The 2025/2026 patrol season will begin on November 15, 2025, to April 19, 2026.
“Inverloch Surf Beach will be patrolled every weekend by volunteers during this period, so it’s important to remember to swim between the flags.”
To be a part of the Inverloch SLSC, sign up for nippers, or apply for SRC or Bronze Camp, visit www.islsc.org.au/lifesaving/education/off-peak-nippers-program/