Venus Bay SLSC’s bright future displayed in state championships

VENUS Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC’s) Joe Kneebone has come away from Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV’s) biggest event on the summer sporting calendar, the Victorian Junior Championships with a second place in the overall beach event rankings. 

Kneebone was victorious in the under 13 boys’ beach sprint and backed up his win with a silver medal in the under 13 boys’ beach run and a fifth in the beach flags, behind teammate Alfie Webb who claimed bronze. 

Venus Bay was the sole Bass Coast representative that travelled to Warrnambool for the championships, which saw 24 clubs from across Victoria competing for the title of state champions. 

LSV senior manager sport Chris Schleusener congratulated Venus Bay on its efforts in the competition. 

“Our nippers are the future of our volunteer lifesaving force and to see such an incredible display of skill and teamwork shows that the future of lifesaving at Venus Bay is bright,” Mr Schleusener said. 

“From the traditional march past and belt and reel disciplines showing lifesaving’s proud history, to the rescue ready board paddling and surf swimming, lifesaving sport is full of exciting disciplines, all combined with the community mindset of camaraderie between teams and clubs. 

“It was fantastic to head west to Warrnambool SLSC, which provided our juniors with an idyllic backdrop and challenging but fun conditions.” 

While the Victorian Junior Championships marks the end of Victoria’s summer lifesaving season, the juniors will remain active over winter when the pool lifesaving season commences in July. 

Results: 

Under 13 boys’ beach sprint 1st: Joe Kneebone, Venus Bay SLSC 

Under 13 boys’ beach relay 2nd: Venus Bay SLSC 

Under 13 boys’ beach run 2nd: Joe Kneebone, Venus Bay SLSC 

Under 13 boys’ beach flags 3rd: Alfie Webb, Venus Bay SLSC