The Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club is a prestigious sports club located in South Gippsland Shire. Established in 1961, the club has been dedicated to providing a safe swimming environment for both residents and visitors of Venus Bay.
The idea for the club came about during the development of Anderson's Peninsula as a holiday resort by the Roet family. It was decided that a Surf Lifesaving Club would be essential in ensuring the safety of swimmers in the area. Two meetings were held, with the first one being held at Tarwin Lower Memorial Hall to gauge interest. On September 24th, 1961, the inaugural meeting was held at Tarwin Lower Hotel, officially forming the Venus Bay SLSC.
During its early years, the club operated from a simple shed on the beach, with basic lifesaving equipment and patrolling members being transported from Melbourne. Over time, the club has grown significantly and now boasts a membership of over 750 individuals. To accommodate this growth, the club has had three different clubhouses.
The original clubhouse, built in 1962, was located 100 metres from the beachhead on Surf Drive in Venus Bay. This construction project was made possible with the assistance of a generous donation from the Van Cleef Foundation. In 1970, a new clubhouse was built, providing an elevated view of the beach and surrounding area.
The Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club takes its mission of ensuring a safe and fun environment for all beachgoers seriously. Since its establishment, the club has conducted over 1,200 rescues, 25,000 preventative actions, and more than 125,000 patrol hours. The dedicated members of the club work tirelessly to patrol the beach and provide essential lifesaving skills.
In addition to its core lifesaving activities, the Venus Bay SLSC offers a range of membership options and volunteer opportunities. Members can participate in various training programmes, including nippers and surf sports, to enhance their skills. The club also organises regular social events and maintains a social club calendar to promote a strong sense of community among its members.
For those interested in supporting the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the club accepts donations and has a list of sponsors who generously contribute to its cause. The club also offers venue hire services, allowing individuals and groups to host events in the picturesque location of Venus Bay.
To stay updated with the latest news and events, individuals can sign up for the club's newsletter using their email address. The Venus Bay SLSC values the privacy of its members and assures that their personal data will never be sold or shared.
Overall, the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club is an integral part of the Venus Bay community, committed to providing a safe and enjoyable beach experience for everyone. With its rich history, dedicated members, and range of activities, the club continues to be a prominent sports club in South Gippsland Shire.