11/11/25 Lifesavers from Ocean Grove, Anglesea take out national awards

11/11/25

Members of Ocean Grove and Anglesea surf life saving clubs have been recognised with national awards at Surf Life Saving Australia’s Awards of Excellence. 

Ocean Grove SLSC members were awarded a Certificate of Merit with Bronze Medallion insert for the rescue of three men whose boat capsized in rough conditions offshore earlier this year. 

The Certificate of Merit with Bronze Medallion insert is awarded to recognise the high level of skill and risk involved in the rescue, and that the “outcome for patients without (the) rescue attempt would have resulted in a high chance of a fatality”. 

Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club’s James Betson was also named national Trainer of the Year. 

Mr. Betson had “transformed lifesaving education at Anglesea SLSC through innovative training models and inclusive leadership” and “set a benchmark for excellence and accessibility”. 

The national awards comes after Mr. Betson was named Volunteer Trainer of the Year and the Ocean Grove SLSC rescue received a Rescue Recognition Award at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence held earlier this year. 

Fourteen volunteer lifesavers, lifesaving clubs and lifesaving sport teams from across Victoria were finalists for national honours at Saturday’s awards night, held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel. 

*Full list of Victorian nominees below. 

The annual Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence recognises Australia’s top volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards for their dedication, skill and selflessness in their service to the lifesaving movement and the community. 

Life Saving Victoria General Manager – Member Engagement and Sport Simon Rickard congratulated all members who were recognised on the night. 

“Our people give their time and energy freely and enthusiastically to keep our community safe in the water,” Mr. Rickard said. 

“To be recognised among the very best lifesavers and lifeguards across the country in an incredible achievement, and testament to everyone who saves lives and empowers communities to safely enjoy water here in Victoria.” 

For further information contact the LSV Media team: media@lsv.com.au / 03 9676 6970. 

SLSA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE - VICTORIAN FINALISTS 

Athlete of the Year – Julia Phillips – Anglesea SLSC 

Trainer of the Year – James Betson – Anglesea SLSC 

Volunteer of the Year – David Marsh – Anglesea SLSC 

Coach of the Year – Sonia Kinsey – Ocean Grove SLSC 

Official of the Year – Mary Collins – South Melbourne LSC 

Surf Sport Team of the Year – U23 Female Surf Boat Team – Williamstown S&LSC 

Youth Athlete of the Year – Jemma Holt – Mordialloc LSC 

Lifeguard of the Year – Michael Garbelotto – Lorne SLSC/Australian Lifeguard Service 

Assessor of the Year – Poppy Morrison – Fairhaven SLSC 

Community Education Program of the Year – Mornington LSC Schools Program 

Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Susanna Ryan – Port Campbell SLSC 

Club of the Year – Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club 

Innovation Award – Community-led Public Rescue Equipment – Venus Bay SLSC 

Surf Life Saver of the Year – Sas McNamara – Portsea SLSC