The new year COVID surge has curtailed all but the most essential activities of surf life saving clubs in Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both clubs have announced they have suspended non-essential business due to safety concerns around COVID.
In a message to members, Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club president John McNeil said there would be a pause on club activities, except for voluntary patrols and lifeguard services, until this Thursday.
"This decision has not been easy to make," Mr McNeil said.
"But it comes after speaking to many other lifesaving clubs, local businesses and members of our community, some of which are more greatly affected than us."
He encouraged members to live where they could by the club's 2022 motto, remain positive but stay negative.
The Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club has also restricted its activities to voluntary patrols and lifeguard services.
Among the activities cancelled for now is the popular nippers program, which includes children from Port Fairy and others holidaying in the town.