Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (09:50): I rise today to thank our state’s dedicated surf lifesavers, who are working tirelessly this summer to keep Victorians safe. You will recall that yesterday we heard heartfelt reflections from across the political spectrum on the antisemitic terrorist attack on Bondi in December of last year. In the face of true evil we saw true acts of heroism by Australians from all walks of life, including off-duty surf lifesaving volunteers from the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club and North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. These volunteers jumped straight into action, using surfboards as stretchers, providing first aid to victims and sheltering hundreds of people inside their clubs. This is to be expected from our brave and dedicated volunteer surf lifesavers. Here in Victoria, since November of last year Life Saving Victoria has performed over 400 rescues and 800 first aid interventions, keeping Victorians safe whilst they participate in the great Australian pastime of spending summer at the beach. Despite surf lifesavers’ dedication, this summer in particular remains a most challenging time for water-based fatalities, with Victorians from multicultural backgrounds especially at risk. That is why the Allan Labor government is also investing in schools and community water safety education in targeted programs and campaigns for migrants and multicultural communities, because enjoying Victoria’s world-class beaches or even going for a swim in the pool should be for all Victorians.