Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club Keeps Eden Coming Back

"My love for leadership and teaching helped grow my passion and keep me around the club. I quickly went on to have some patrol leadership positions and became vice club captain for two years before becoming Club Captain." 

 You won't find a better spot to watch the sunset, do some fishing, or hit the beach than Lakes Entrance. 

On the eastern edge of Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes has a thriving water sports scene and a Surf Club with less than 300 members, but with the might of a big club.  

Eden McMillan is critical to the thriving club, through a time when many volunteer-based services are struggling with recruitment.  

You might think lifesaving was love at first sight for Eden, but her introduction to Nippers didn't get her hooked. She loved the friends and social aspect, so she kept with it, even gaining her Surf Rescue Certificate. 

She still wasn't hooked.   

Eden decided to gain her Bronze Medallion. This accreditation gives lifesavers and lifeguards confidence and skills to manage potentially life-threatening situations.   

Finally, the light went on for Eden.   

"(My) Bronze allowed me to explore so many other areas of lifesaving that I had yet to have a good taste of, such as first aid, leadership, and team building, "she said.  

"My love for leadership and teaching helped grow my passion and keep me around the club. I quickly went on to have some patrol leadership positions and became vice club captain for two years before becoming Club Captain."  

Leading the Next Generation 

Eden has also served as a Life Saving Victoria Education Instructor and Development Camp Leader and has become an integral part of building the next generation of lifesavers. 

"Something newer for me is camp leadership positions at development camps. I have really enjoyed the two camps I have been to and look forward to being involved and helping develop these camps in the future," Eden said.   

"I am really enjoying it now that I have a good grasp on how the club and LSV work. I am using new systems and developing new programs to better the club and provide more for our community."  

Eden is a champion for inclusivity in Lakes Entrance. She has organised events for the annual LSV Pink, Blue, Green and Rainbow Patrols which celebrate inclusivity, mental health, LGBTQI+ and environment.   

Currently completing her studies in Nursing and Paramedicine at the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat, Eden understands the importance of welfare for all patrollers.  

Lifesaving Welfare a Priority for Lakes 

After a recent drowning incident in Lakes Entrance, Eden's role as a Welfare Officer was done largely by distance but also needed several 12-hour round trips from uni to Lakes to support the young members involved in this major incident.  

Having this level of commitment when small remote clubs often lose young members at this stage of life shows the impressive bond of the Lakes Entrance SLSC team.  

"I'm not sure where I will end up after university, but Lakes will always be my home, so I can't imagine I will leave the club any time soon."  

Eden was named Young Lifesaver of the Year at the LSV Awards of Excellence in August. There's no doubt there will be many awards to come.