Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance last week hosted Gippsland’s inaugural Gippsland Development Course, with 14 candidates from across the region attending the two-day program to enhance their rescue skills.
Participants trained in complex Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, covering aquatic and inland SAR patterns, jetty entries, body retrieval, and multiagency response.
The course’s highlight was a multiagency exercise involving Gippsland Apex, Ambulance Victoria, CFA, Coast Guard, Life Saving Victoria, Victoria Police and the Water Police. The scenario, which featured a capsized vessel and four missing teenagers, tested candidates’ ability to communicate, coordinate, and make decisions under pressure.
“Multiagency exercises like these strengthen our response, ensuring all agencies can act effectively and safely as one cohesive team,” coordinator Jessica Woodward said.
Woodward thanked all participating agencies, as well as course facilitator Liam Marangio from Cape Paterson SLSC and trainee facilitators Daniel Petterson from Woodside Beach SLS and Calden Lyons from Apollo Bay SLSC, describing the exercises as “incredibly beneficial” for all involved.
She added the team is already planning Gippsland’s 2027 Development Course.
