GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving Club member Joseph Watt, above, has received the Emergency Services Medal as part of King’s Birthday Honours for his service to the lifesaving movement.
Watt has been a patrol member at Gunnamatta for more than 32 years and has held many volunteer and professional positions at club, regional and state levels including regional lifeguard, inflatable rescue boat (IRB) instructor and lifesaving patrol service assessor.
He was among a team of lifesavers that rescued eight people who were swept out to sea at Gunnamatta in 1998. Following the incident, which resulted in three deaths, he played an integral role in educating the community and raising awareness of the importance of water safety.
Watt’s long-standing dedication to improving lifesaving services has also seen the introduction of safety equipment and the new service delivery methods.
The Emergency Services Medal was created in 1999 to recognise those who have served with distinction within an Australian emergency service, professionally and voluntarily.
The medal also recognises those who have made a significant contribution to emergency management, training and education.
First published in the Mornington News – 18th June 2024
