ON FRIDAY, October 3, the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club played host to a unique collaboration between Victoria Police and local lifesavers.
Acting Sergeant Zane Maligeorgos, alongside Acting Sergeant Kristina Clappison from the Water Police Squad and Senior Constable Megan Krause from the Pro-Active Policing Unit, led an interactive session designed to strengthen partnerships ahead of the busy summer season.
Through Inverloch SLSC’s Leadership and Search & Rescue (ILSAR) Program, 16 emerging youth leaders, each qualified with a Bronze Medallion and more than 50 hours of beach patrol experience, joined nine senior training crew members for the event. The group took part in discussions and hands-on activities covering police capabilities, emergency scenarios, missing persons and rescue procedures, and first aid response.
Acting Sergeant Maligeorgos said the session was about more than just information sharing.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to build strong working relationships with our lifesaving community. Together, we’re better prepared for the challenges summer can bring,” he said.
Adding to the engagement, participants tested their knowledge through quizzes and had the rare chance to explore police equipment and vehicles up close.
“This collaboration gave our young leaders a real sense of how lifesavers and Victoria Police work side by side,” ILSAR Lead Coordinator Xavier Korbel said.
“It’s practical and relevant knowledge they can take straight back to the beach to keep our community safe on the Bass Coast.”
The event is part of ongoing efforts by police and lifesaving clubs across Bass Coast to enhance safety on local beaches and ensure swift, coordinated responses in emergencies.
