Members statements
Life Saving Victoria
Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (09:45): Many of us here will know that the amazing team from Life Saving Victoria are visiting Parliament today to discuss their water safety initiatives that keep Victorians safe by the water. Life Saving Victoria are also at the front of my mind this week as I represented the Minister for Emergency Services at Life Saving Victoria’s Flags Up event last Thursday. Speaking alongside Catherine Greaves, the CEO of LSV, and John Felton, the assistant commissioner and chief of staff at Emergency Management Victoria, I was proud to represent the government as we marked the beginning of the lifesaving patrol season and thanked LSV’s 44,900 members, which includes 8800 patrolling members. I was particularly proud to be representing a government that is investing $9.11 million in funding over two years for LSV to continue its critical water safety programs, including paid and volunteer lifeguard services across up to 42 locations; rescue watercraft services comprising up to nine roving rescue jetski crews, in pairs, at targeted high-risk coastal and bay areas; rescue helicopters and drone observation and critical response services; and of course public information relations and messaging. Thanks to this government’s support and the tireless efforts of LSV members, it is safe to say Victorians are in excellent hands as we head into summer. I will finish up by reminding Victorians, as always, to please swim between the flags.