HOBSONS Bay lifesavers triumphed at the recent 2007 state awards for excellence.
The awards recognise achievement among Victoria’s 59 life saving clubs.
Altona Life Saving Club won the award for outstanding achievement of the year, and was runner up in the Victorian club of the year award.
And Scott Ivey, 29, of the Williamstown Life Saving Club, was named volunteer of the year.
Altona club president, Lars Murphy, said the award was a huge achievement for a club that only two years ago was in substantial debt, had no senior training programs, no juniors, and struggled for numbers to fill patrols.
However due to the contributions of sponsors, the club was able to purchase vital rescue equipment.
“The awards are a credit to the many volunteer hours put in by the committee and members of the club.”
The Altona club is now having winter general fitness sessions, which include use of the new club gym.
Mr Ivey, who has been a member of the Williamstown club for 20 years, said the achievement was a huge honour.
“You don’t go into these looking for recognition, but when it comes along, it’s great,” he said.
Mr Ivey was a main organiser for the biannual World Lifesaving Championships held last year in Lorne.
