1 Apr 2022

Local surf clubs benefit from new safety equipment | Media Release

Federal Government investment in Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) Beach Safety Equipment Fund has helped eight Surf Life Saving clubs on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Mid Coast purchase vital lifesaving equipment to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings.

As part of this initiative, the Chiton Rocks, Goolwa, Normanville, Port Elliot, Aldinga Bay, Christies Beach, Moana and Port Noarlunga surf life saving clubs have shared in $80,000.

Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC said these surf clubs are an essential feature of communities across Mayo and Kingston and have provided many decades of service. 

“I’m extremely pleased that each of these fantastic clubs received $10,000 each from the Federal Government to purchase vital lifesaving equipment to keep people safe and help prevent drownings,” Senator McLachlan said.

“With this funding, an array of equipment has been purchased including defibrillators, first aid kits, oxygen resuscitation equipment and patrol accessories.

“The acquisition of this equipment is critically important for these surf life saving clubs where volunteers, who have already performed thousands of patrol hours this season, rely on the very best equipment to keep beachgoers safe.”

Senator McLachlan said it was important that local surf life saving clubs were well equipped. This funding acknowledges the amazing work of surf life saving volunteers.

“I have spent many days in the surf on both the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Mid Coast and I have always been hugely impressed by the work of local surf life savers,” Senator McLachlan said.

“Their dedication and courage is to be admired by all. I am very pleased that this funding will help provide them with the tools they need to carry out their life saving duties.

“It comes at a critical time because, like many organisations across Australia, surf lifesaving clubs have been affected by a drop in fundraising revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said the Government’s contribution to each of the 314 surf lifesaving clubs around Australia has assisted them in buying critical equipment from life jackets and rescue manikins through to inflatable rescue boats and defibrillators.

“Australia’s volunteer surf lifesavers spend their days responding to emergencies, preventing drownings and saving lives. They are critical to the Australian way of life,” Minister Colbeck said.

The Morrison Government provided an additional $3.1 million over two years from 2020-21 to double funding to SLSA for the Beach Safety Equipment Fund so each clubs was able to access $10,000 to purchase vital lifesaving equipment.

From 2018–19, the Government has provided $9.1 million to surf lifesaving clubs through the Beach Safety Equipment Fund.