Member Protection Matters

Looking After Ourselves, and Each Other

Volunteering is at the heart of our club. It’s what keeps everything moving – from patrols and training to events, administration and the everyday jobs that often go unseen. So many of our members give their time generously, often alongside work, family and other commitments.

But even when it’s something we care deeply about, constant giving can take its toll. It’s easy to say yes one more time, to stay a little longer, or to take on that extra task. Over time, that can lead to fatigue, frustration or simply feeling a bit flat. Burnout doesn’t always look obvious, and it can affect anyone.

As a club, it’s important we create an environment where wellbeing is part of the conversation. It’s okay to step back when you need to. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s equally important that we look out for each other and remain aware of how we share the load. Small contributions across many people can make a big difference to those who are carrying more.

We can all support each other in simple ways – checking in, stepping forward when we can, showing appreciation, and respecting when someone needs a break. A strong club isn’t built on people doing everything. It’s built on people looking out for one another.

Leading, Supporting, Inspiring – The Women of Mentone LSC

This week’s International Women’s Day breakfast gave us a chance to pause and reflect on the incredible contribution of women across our club. After a busy period of State Championships, events and patrols, it was a moment to come together, connect, and recognise the impact that so many women have in shaping Mentone Life Saving Club.

At every level of our club, women are leading, supporting and inspiring. From our youngest members finding their confidence in the water, to our youth stepping into leadership roles, through to the experienced women who guide, mentor and set the standard – their influence is everywhere. It’s seen on patrol, in training, behind the scenes at events, and in the everyday moments where encouragement, care and leadership make a difference.

What makes this so powerful is not just what women do, but what they represent. When young members see strong, capable women around them, it builds belief – belief that they belong, that their voice matters, and that leadership is something they can grow into. That visibility plays a vital role in creating a club culture where everyone feels safe, supported and confident to step forward.

International Women’s Day may be a moment in the calendar, but the impact of the women in our club is felt every single day. Our IWD breakfast was an opportunity to acknowledge that – and to simply say thank you to the women who continue to shape our club in such a meaningful way. Your impact is lasting, and it does not go unnoticed.

When Our Community Comes Together

Over the past few weeks, our club has seen something special. From hosting a very important and emotional Celebration of Life attended by more than 500 people, to members competing and volunteering at state championships, to preparing for this weekend’s Mentone Open Water Swim with over 400 community swimmers – Mentone Life Saving Club has been powered by people who simply step forward when it matters.

Events like these don’t happen by accident. They rely on members who give their time in countless ways – setting up, packing down, providing water safety, helping in the clubhouse, officiating, supporting competitors, and quietly filling the gaps wherever help is needed. It’s a reminder that surf life saving is built on more than patrols and training; it’s built on a shared commitment to community.

From a member protection perspective, strong clubs are not just well organised, they are supportive. When members look out for one another, offer help, and recognise the contribution of others, it creates an environment where people feel valued, respected and safe to participate.

As we head into another busy weekend, it’s a great moment to acknowledge the many volunteers who help make these events possible. Your time, energy and willingness to step in are what keep our club strong – and what make Mentone the kind of place people are proud to be part of.

Keeping Junior States Positive

Junior State Championships are one of the highlights of the season. They’re exciting, loud, emotional and full of proud moments – for our young athletes and for the families and volunteers who support them. For many of our Nippers, this is the biggest event they’ve ever competed in. The atmosphere can be thrilling, but also overwhelming.

At events like this, member protection is about safeguarding the experience, not just the results. Our juniors are still developing physically and emotionally. A tough race, a missed final or a disqualification can feel enormous in the moment. What they remember most, though, is how the adults around them responded. Encouragement over criticism. Effort over outcome. Perspective over pressure.

Sideline behaviour matters. The way we speak to officials, to each other and to our own children sets the tone. Respectful communication, patience in busy conditions and calm problem-solving help ensure the carnival remains a safe and positive space for everyone. Our Age Managers, officials and volunteers are there to support and guide – and they deserve the same courtesy we expect for our young competitors.

Junior States should build confidence, resilience and connection. Win or lose, make a final or not, every child who steps onto that beach has already achieved something significant. Let’s make sure the experience strengthens their love for lifesaving and their sense of belonging at Mentone.

Standing Together When It Matters

Over recent weeks, our club and the wider community have been reminded how fragile life can be. When someone connected to our world is lost suddenly, the impact ripples far beyond immediate family. At a life saving club, we train together, patrol together, compete together and socialise together – and that means we also feel things together. It’s okay if this feels heavy. It’s okay if you’re not quite sure how to process it.

Grief does not follow a neat timeline or a single pattern. Some people feel shock. Some feel sadness. Others feel distracted, flat, irritable or simply unsure what to say. Young members, in particular, may be experiencing this kind of loss for the first time. There is no “right” way to respond. What matters most is allowing space – for yourself and for others – and remembering that everyone moves through these moments differently.

If you feel you would benefit from extra support, confidential counselling is available to members and volunteers through Surf Life Saving Victoria’s wellbeing program, provided by Telus Health. This service is available for anyone who would like to speak with a qualified professional, now or in the weeks ahead. Further information about these services, along with other LSV Member Welfare resources and support, can be found here: https://clubs.lsv.com.au/areas/204

As always, please check in on your fellow patrollers, your teammates and your friends. In times like this, our strength is not in pretending we’re fine – it’s in standing together as a community.

Who We Are When It Counts

State Championships are exciting. They bring pride, nerves, early mornings, big races and even bigger emotions. They are moments our athletes train for all season. But while medals and results matter, what defines us most at events like this is not the podium – it’s our behaviour. High-pressure environments don’t create culture; they reveal it. States are an opportunity for Mentone LSC to show who we are when it truly counts.

Our culture is reflected in our competitors – how they treat officials, congratulate other clubs, support teammates and carry themselves whether they win or lose. It’s reflected in our adults – the calm encouragement on the sidelines, the trust in coaches to do their job, and the perspective that effort and growth matter more than outcomes. It’s reflected in our coaches who give up countless hours to prepare athletes for moments like this, and in the volunteers who step forward to officiate, do water safety, set up arenas and ensure the carnival runs safely and fairly. Without them, there is no competition.

And behind every competitor is a quiet network of support – parents who drive athletes to training, adjust work schedules, manage costs, and provide steady encouragement week after week. State Championships are a celebration, not just of performance, but of commitment – from athletes, families, coaches and volunteers alike. Member protection is not only about policies; it is about safeguarding the culture that allows everyone to participate with confidence and respect. When we compete hard, support generously and lead with integrity, we reinforce what Mentone LSC stands for, not just in victory, but in character.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to seek advice around member protection, you can contact the club’s Member Protection team confidentially at memberprotection@mentonelsc.com