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Life Saving Victoria honours lifesaving clubs’ extraordinary support for communities affected by Great Ocean Road flooding crisis

Life Saving Victoria commends local lifesaving clubs for extraordinary support during Great Ocean Road floods, providing refuge, coordinating aid, assisting emergency services, and conducting critical aerial search and rescue operations.

By news@gippsland - 16th January 2026 - Back to News

Life Saving Victoria is proud to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of local lifesaving clubs and personnel who have provided critical support to communities affected by recent flooding along the Great Ocean Road.

With more rain forecast, never drive through floods and exercise caution entering waterways, as conditions can change rapidly with flash flooding

With more rain forecast, never drive through floods and exercise caution entering waterways, as conditions can change rapidly with flash flooding

Surf life support

At Wye River, lifeguards and volunteer members of the Wye River Surf Life Saving Club have gone above and beyond their usual patrol duties, working alongside emergency services to assist displaced residents.

Club members have:

  • Redirected community members to safe areas in support of on-ground emergency agencies
  • Opened the club's doors to provide overnight refuge for three families, totalling 32 people
  • Offered their facilities to support decontamination operations and provide a base for Ambulance Victoria
  • Helped coordinate and distribute food for impacted members of the local community

At Lorne SLSC, more than 100 individuals have been provided refuge overnight in partnership with the Salvation Army and Surf Coast Shire. The Kennett River SLSC also made themselves available as a designated refuge location, reinforcing the strength of community connection across the region.

Lifesaving community response

Support has also extended from the air, with Lifesaver 30 and 31 conducting critical aerial search and transport tasks, including winch rescue operations and the deployment of Victoria Police Water personnel to remote locations.

Life Saving Victoria CEO Cath Greaves said the response reflects the deep commitment clubs have to their local communities. "These efforts exemplify what lifesaving is all about - not just patrolling beaches, but stepping up in times of crisis to protect and support the people around them. Our clubs are trusted community hubs, and their rapid response during this event is a powerful reminder of their value beyond the shoreline," Ms. Greaves said.

Life Saving Victoria will continue working with emergency partners across the region to ensure safe, coordinated support for affected communities in the days ahead. For further information contact the LSV Media team / 03 9676 6970.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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