The new four-wheel-drive is equipped with the latest in coastal health equipment including defibrillator, oxyvia, rescue board and tube following fund-raising efforts and a state government grant.

Premier Denis Napthine handed over the keys to Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club president Michael Owen with dozens of volunteers and Nippers looking on.

The state leader also inspected the 1950s-era clubrooms on Friday afternoon after state funding was allocated towards the refurbishment of the kitchen and storage area.

“Warrnambool has one of the longest beaches near a populated area in the whole of the state,” Dr Napthine said.

“This vehicle will enable volunteers to respond to any emergency, right from the old yacht club area across to the main beach, along to Granny’s Grave and beyond.

“I also was interested in checking out the kitchen and storage facilities and you can see that there’s a real need here for an upgrade.”

Plans are being finalised for the clubroom upgrade, with construction expected to start within the next few months.

Mr Owen said while the main hall on the clubroom’s second storey was in good working order, the kitchen and storage area needed work.

“It’s great we’re at this stage where we can really get stuck into renovation works,” he said.

“The clubrooms get used every day, even more so in summer, and the kitchen’s been in need of work for a long while. 

“We’ve already put the four-wheel-drive into use. It’ll really improve our emergency response time.”