The new South Melbourne Life Saving Club (LSC) facility has been officially opened, delivering a major boost to water safety at one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $2.2 million in the project, which will enable volunteer lifesavers to respond to incidents and keep people safe in the water.

The redeveloped clubhouse includes a new kiosk, a multi-purpose room for community use, accessible public toilets, and will improve the safety of the cycle path adjacent to the clubhouse.

Extensive consultation with the club and community was undertaken to inform the design of the facility and ensure the building is fit-for-purpose and sustainable.

Formed in 1876 as the South Melbourne Swimming Club, the club reformed in 1958 as the South Melbourne LSC.

The club currently has 401 members, and a successful junior program with close to 150 members under the age of 15.

During the 2018-19 patrol season, South Melbourne LSC volunteers performed 539 preventative actions, 21 first-aid treatments and two rescues.

In addition to the government’s investment, the City of Port Phillip provided $5.6 million for the project, while South Melbourne LSC provided $20,000 for the building’s kitchen fit-out.