For the first time as a state-wide initiative, lifesavers from across the state, including six Bellarine and Surf Coast surf life saving clubs, banded together in pink on the weekend to celebrate female leadership in lifesaving.
Surf lifesavers from Apollo Bay, Lorne, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Torquay and Fairhaven took part in a Pink Patrol on Saturday, February 19, to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions women have played in lifesaving, and showcase operational and leadership capabilities of women and girls.
Along with dressing up in pink, the clubs held morning teas and luncheons to mark the day.
Point Lonsdale SLSC’s Jessica Robinson said the initiative was about acknowledging everyone’s achievements and the progression in lifesaving.
“Pink Patrol is a celebration of how far women have come, what opportunities can unfold, how powerful we are as a collective,” Ms Robinson said.
“Our day kicked off with an outdoor morning tea and included activities that were designed to spark conversation of what Pink Patrol means to each of the participants, followed by a 15-person patrol with both new and old volunteers.
“The day embraced what our club is all about- working together to keep our beaches safe,” she said.
Life Saving Victoria membership and leadership development director Rebecca Schot-Guppy said the day involved all-women or women-led lifesaving patrols showcasing the capacity and capability of women and girls in leadership roles.
“Pink Patrols are an initiative that started at a grass roots level and have built up momentum, the movement is continuing to go from strength to strength,” Ms Schot-Guppy said.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. We know that representation is key and our is hope is that this positive role modelling of women in leadership roles, will inspire and empower future generations of women and girls, to confidently pursue opportunities in lifesaving, aquatics and beyond.
“We encourage other clubs, aquatic facilities and organisations from the broader community to challenge themselves to undertake a shift, a patrol, a meeting, whatever it may be, with a full cohort of women and empower other women to do the same.”
