Alan McLean | Life Governor

 
Alan McLean pictured above

Alan McLean pictured above

Alan’s effort and dedication to Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been nothing short of remarkable, making him a legend of our club.

Alan McLean first joined Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club in 1970 and achieved his bronze medallion on the 6th March 1971. Alan’s passion was racing surf boats, and for the next 40 years, Alan competed and officiated in surf boats during a time when Woolamai Beach was a powerhouse in Victorian surf boat rowing. He competed at many Australian Surf Life Saving Championships winning an Australian title in 2014 with Fairhaven.

Over the years, Alan has built a triumphant list of competition achievements that include:

  • Victorian surfboat titles x Open, U/18, and, Masters

  • Australian U/18 surfboat silver medal; National titles 1972

  • Victorian State Team 1974, 1978, 1981.

  • 2 x Club champion; 1974-75, 1978-79

  • Life member Victorian Surfboat Rowers 2009

Alan actively patrolled at Woolamai Beach when the only rescue equipment used was the belt and reel but was also a crew member for a number of rescues in surfboats at Woolamai in the 1970s and 80s. He then went on to become a member of the helicopter rescue service where he performed that role for 8 years.

Alan has a long list of various club committee positions and accomplishments that include:

  • Rescue Equipment Officer; 1972-73

  • Club House Director; 1973-74

  • Club Treasurer; 1975-77, 1980-81

  • 1st Woolamai Beach SLSC member to obtain IRBD; January 1980

  • Special Service Award 1989-90

  • Vice President of WBSLSC; 1989-90, 1992-95

  • President's Award 1999-2000

  • Competition Manager; 1998 -2002

  • Club delegate to LSV

  • Patrol Captain for 20 seasons.

  • Instructor (Training Officer) for Bronze Medallion, Inflatable Rescue Boats, and ARC.

  • Nippers beach activities Co-ordinator

  • WBSLSC Life Member; 1991

And various Life Saving Victoria activities including:

  • Vice President of LSV

  • Helicopter Rescue Service Crew Member; 1979-1988

  • Helicopter Rescue Service Crew Chief; 1980-1987

  • Helicopter Instructor and Examiner

  • Member National helicopter advisory panel; 1979-1987

  • Member Victorian Board of Examiners (Assessor)

  • Carnival Official

  • Member various subcommittees (Education, Carnival Venues, Meritorious Awards, Judiciary)

Alan’s greatest achievements at the club are the 50 years of patrols with many rescues. He heroically performed a solo rescue of 2 swimmers caught in a rip in large surf at Woolamai and was awarded a Royal Humane Society Certificate of Merit, and the Darren Adam's Memorial Award for Most Courageous Rescue 1979-80.

He is also a proud member of the Building sub-committee from 1999-2002. The tireless work Alan put into fundraising, designing, and building the current clubhouse is one of the reasons it stands here today.

Alan’s advice to someone beginning their surf lifesaving journey

The more you give to your club and lifesaving, the more you'll take away! Many very successful Australians credit their success, in part, to their early surf lifesaving club experiences!

 
Member profileWoolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club