VICTORIAN ‘lifesaver of the year’ Kane Treloar is urging people to get behind Williamstown lifesavers’ annual Australia Day fund-raiser.
The 21-year-old, who joined Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club at 12, said active members, numbering more than 100, saved four lives and contributed more than 10,000 hours of community service last year.
“The members at our club put thousands of hours into the community because it’s something we believe in,” Treloar said.
“We don’t get any funding. We receive grants from the government for equipment, but we don’t receive any direct funding at all from the government for the service we provide.
“If lifesavers were to charge the community as a lifeguard service, you’d be looking at probably $100,000 for what we provide.
“Surf Life Saving is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, yet virtually all of the funds spent on life-saving services are raised by clubs themselves.”
He described being named the state’s top lifesaver as humbling. “You look at the other people who have won it and they’re people who are contributing heavily to Surf Life Saving, heavily recognised and heavily respected people. To have my name up on a board with those people, it’s an honour.” The cost of training a lifesaver to nationally accredited standard is $1000.
Now in its 23rd year, the club’s Australia Day fund-raising event at Williamstown beach is expected to draw a crowd of about 1000.
The club hopes to top last year’s takings of $10,000, which paid for infrastructure and equipment. Events include the Mobil Refinery one- and two-kilometre swims, and Stonehenge 1.5-kilometre corporate swim.
Stonehenge will also support a shorter Nipper swim, open to children from seven years of age.
More details: 9397 5493 or visit williamstownslsc.org.au
