Surf Life Saving Clubs across the Mid North Coast will benefit from upgraded equipment and bolstered training programs to keep beachgoers safe.
The NSW Nationals in the federal government are providing $9.7 million in additional funding to Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) as it continues to protect beachgoers and improve volunteer lifesaving skills.
NSW Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the funding would be vital for Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving clubs where volunteers have performed thousands of patrol hours this season and rely on the best skills and equipment to keep beachgoers safe.
“This means each surf lifesaving club will now be able to access up to $10,000 per annum over the next two years to purchase new or replacement patrol equipment,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Our surf lifesavers play such a vital role at our beaches saving lives and dealing with emergencies in the water and on the beach day in, day out.
“This additional funding will ensure our local clubs will have the ability to purchase vital equipment and medical supplies that they need to keep Australians safe on our beaches.”
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast President Rod McDonagh said this is a fantastic announcement that will be welcomed by the clubs and will help volunteers improve their ability to perform rescues and will also provide additional water safety to help protect beach visitors.
“Our volunteers do an amazing job keeping beaches goers safe and this funding will go towards new rescue boards, life jackets, rescue manikins, inflatable rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, defibrillators, and first aid and medical supplies,” Mr McDonagh said.
“With this significant support, our clubs and their members across the Mid North Coast can continue to do what they do best – save lives.”
The NSW Nationals in the federal government will invest $3.1 million through the Water and Snow Safety Program, to support SLSA’s Beach Safety Equipment Fund aimed at preventing fatal and non-fatal drownings.
“Every day during the summer season, hundreds of dedicated volunteers are keeping swimmers safe across the region, their efforts should not be underestimated,” Dr Gillespie said.
