The Holden Colorado dual cab ute was part of a sponsorship deal with Callaghan Motors, and principal Steve Callaghan also handed over a cheque for $5000 to the club.

Hundreds of kids were at the beach on Sunday to celebrate the arrival of the new vehicle, and to meet Santa.

The club’s director of junior activities John Cook said the ute would be used as part of their voluntary beach patrols which began on December 1. From Boxing Day, paid lifeguards would be on duty at Lady Bay on weekdays while volunteers would man the beach on weekends and public holidays.

Mr Cook said the new surf rescue vehicle would also be used for transporting water craft to surf lifesaving carnivals across the state which kick-off on January 1 near Torquay. He said about 80 nippers from Warrnambool would compete in the carnivals.

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