Lifesaver receives national award

A local lifesaver has had their years of dedication and service recognised by the nation’s peak body.

Surf Life Saving Australia awarded the National Medal for 15 years of service to Ocean Grove’s Amenah McDonald.

To receive the award, volunteer lifesavers must have served a minimum of 30 patrol hours per year.

Ms McDonald, 52, began her surf lifesaving journey at age 19 and is now director of lifesaving and captain of Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club.

She said since she was a child the beach had always represented both family and freedom.

“I have so many fond memories of the beach and my dad, who passed away six years ago, taught me to body surf when I was very young,” she said.

“There wasn’t any other place that you could go and spend all day. You’re in and out of the water, building stuff in the sand, Mum and Dad brought food for the day.

“Iit was the same with my kids. And one of my proudest moments in surf lifesaving was to have my son stand beside me on the beach, on patrol.”

Having been involved in many rescues and appearing on many surf life saving championship podiums including a national title in 2023 for single ski, Ms McDonald said she was proud to receive the award.

“My take on lifesaving has always been that you want to be as confident and capable as you can be when you’re required to go out for a rescue,” she said.