Life Saving Victoria celebrates women’s contribution to lifesaving

Life Saving Victoria has launched its annual initiative, Pink Patrol, celebrating the more than 125 years of contribution women have made to the lifesaving movement, with all-women or women-led patrols protecting our beaches at locations across Victoria.

Women have played a vital role in the Victorian lifesaving movement since the Royal Life Saving Society was established in 1904. Today, Life Saving Victoria’s membership includes 49.7% female representation and women make up 45% on the board.

This year’s patrols occurred on 18th February at coastal locations, and will also take place from 20th-26th February at participating aquatic facilities. More than 1,000 people are expected to take part across Victorian lifesaving clubs and aquatic facilities.

The initiative celebrates the many contributions women have made in lifesaving to champion inclusion and diversity and empower future generations to take on the crucial task of keeping beaches and waterways safe.

Life Saving Victoria Chief Executive Catherine Greaves highlights “Lifesaving would not be possible without the significant contribution women and girls have made to our movement for the past 125 years.

“While we’ve made strides in representation, we still have work to do, which is why initiatives like these are so important to not only celebrate the accomplishments of women in our ranks, but to also make pathways into operational roles more visible for the next generation of women in lifesaving and emergency services.”

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes notes “Life Saving Victoria members dedicate their time and energy to keeping Victorians safe during summer and in times of emergency like floods.”

“This celebration of the role women play in lifesaving is a chance to inspire more women and girls to build their capabilities and consider a rewarding experience as a volunteer life saver.”

Tragically, there have been 37 fatal drownings from 1st July 2022 to 15th February 2023. This is seven more than the 10-year average. Of these deaths, most occurred in inland waterways such as rivers, creeks, streams or lakes, as well as at home or other locations, and coastal waterways.

To make sure everyone gets home safely, swimmers should always check the conditions of the water including the depth and currents, swim at patrolled locations, wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing, avoid drinking alcohol and going out in the water, always supervise children and never swim alone.

Swimming isn’t the only way people can get into trouble in the water - four in five boating or fishing-related drowning deaths in the past decade involved incorrect or no lifejacket use.

As part of its Budget 2022/23, the Victorian Government is delivering $11.9 million to help keep people safe around water, including funding for Life Saving Victoria to continue valuable water safety programs at public pools and helping more Victorians improve their swimming and water skills.

Through Jobs Victoria and in partnership with Aquatics and Recreation Victoria, the Victorian Government is also creating 300 jobs for the aquatics sector, including swimming teachers, lifeguards and customer service staff.

Image: Credit: Port Lonsdale SLSC