Ask anyone who has anything to do with surf lifesaving on the Bellarine Peninsula and it’s almost certain they know of Dave Renton.
An Ocean Grove SLSC life member from 1989 and member from 1965 until 2020, Mr Renton is surf lifesaving royalty.
Mr Renton was awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division on January 26. He passed away in 2020, aged 71, leaving a legacy that will be admired for generations.
Ocean Grove SLSC named its new patrol tower after Mr Renton in 2020 just months before he passed.
His daughter Melanie revealed that her father was a dedicated patrol member and a wonderful role model.
“He would be absolutely honoured,” she said.
“He was a great mentor. Everyone I’ve spoken to, they just loved being on patrol with him because they’d come out with so much knowledge.
“He’d make sure they had a great day on the beach but that they learnt something as well.”
Melanie said her father was presented with a plaque for his 54 years of continuous patrol service.
“They gave him a replica plaque and he carried it around in his pocket because he was just so proud,” she said.
“He would be very humbled. When they named the tower after him, he couldn’t believe it.”
Mr Renton was vice-president of Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove for 12 years and was a vice-president, coach and founding member of Bellarine Paddlers from 2015 to 2020.
