National Volunteer Week 2026: Celebrating Volunteers

03 June 2026
Clubs

Our volunteers keep Victoria’s beaches safe, make sure lifesavers are always ready to help, and are at the heart of every lifesaving club. 

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the people who make our communities safer. Whether on beach patrol or responding to emergencies, volunteer lifesavers play a key role in protecting lives and helping build stronger, safer communities. 

Every season, over 44,000 LSV volunteers give their time to support water safety and community wellbeing. Their efforts reach every part of our organisation and every stretch of the coastline. 

They patrol beaches, respond to emergencies, teach water safety, mentor new members, train lifesaving athletes, and organise local fundraisers. They show up early, stay late, and always put others first. 

Their work helps communities become stronger, supports public safety, and builds trust in lifesaving services across Victoria. 

More Than Volunteering: Building Skills and Community

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2026, Your Year To Volunteer, shines a light on the many benefits of volunteering with Life Saving Victoria. 

Volunteering is more than just giving your time. It’s a chance to learn new skills, grow as a leader, connect with your community, and join a trusted emergency response team. 

You can see this spirit in every patrol, training session, and club activity at LSV. It’s at the heart of our mission to prevent drowning, improve water safety, and save lives. 
 
Read the some of the stories of our lifesavers: Your Year to Volunteer Starts Here - Welcome to Life Saving Victoria 

Valuing Volunteers Event: Recognising Excellence

To wrap up National Volunteer Week, we held our annual Valuing Volunteers Event at the LSV State Centre in Port Melbourne on Sunday, 24 May. 

Volunteers came from as far away as Portland, Mildura and Lakes Entrance for this special event, which celebrates the achievements of LSV volunteers with awards, personal stories, and guest tributes. It’s a chance to formally recognise the dedication, professionalism, and commitment that make our volunteer teams so strong. 

MC’ed by the 2025 Awards of Excellence Volunteer of the Year, David “Ducky” Marsh, 85 volunteer members were recognised for their contributions across lifesaving services, volunteer training, governance committees, membership and leadership development, aquatic sport, and club support. 

These award winners show the strength and diversity of the LSV volunteer network and highlight the values that drive us: community, service, and a commitment to saving lives. 

Thank You

Thank you to each of our 44,000 volunteers. 

Whether you are on patrol, supporting your club behind the scenes, delivering water safety programs, training others, mentoring members, fundraising, or responding to emergencies, your contribution is vital. You help make our communities safer, support emergency response, and keep Victoria’s beaches safe and open for everyone. 

Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism are noticed and appreciated. You are the foundation of lifesaving and the reason our communities trust us.

Get Involved: Your Year to Volunteer

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a volunteer lifesaver, this could be your year to join us. 

There are many ways to volunteer in lifesaving, from active beach patrols and emergency response roles to training, education, events, and club support. Every role contributes to safer communities and stronger local connections. 

Learn more about how to join: Join A Life Saving Club - Life Saving Victoria 

Life Saving Victoria also acknowledges the ongoing support of the Victorian Government through the Valuing Volunteers Program. This initiative helps recognise and strengthen the vital role volunteers play in community safety and emergency response across the state.Â