FOUR Surf Lifesaving Clubs in the Wide Bay will receive a $25,000 funding boost over the next five years, to prevent drownings at local beaches, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss announced recently.
“The funding will assist Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach surf life saving clubs to purchase new rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies so our life savers can continue to save lives,” Mr Truss said.
“The beautiful beaches of Wide Bay are a major attraction for local residents and tourists alike, and I expect that our region’s beaches will be well-frequented this summer, due to the warm weather. Importantly, this new funding will ensure that life savers will have the equipment they need to keep people safe in our region.”
Australia’s 311 surf life saving clubs will receive the funding over five years from the Australian Government’s $8 million Beach Safety Equipment Fund.
SLSA’s Coastal Drowning Report identified 121 coastal drowning deaths in Australia in 2013.
“Each year, dedicated life savers in Australia perform around 12,000 rescues and 32,000 first aid treatments on our nation’s beaches. The Beach Safety Equipment Fund provides support directly where it is needed most – to support the volunteers surf lifesavers patrolling these beaches,” Mr Truss said.
“In addition to $8 million in funding to provide equipment to our lifesavers, the Australian Government is also providing $2 million to reduce drowning at dangerous ‘black spot’ beaches and increase public awareness of coastal hazards such as rip currents and rock fishing.
“Collectively, the Federal Government is spending $15 million on a package to cut drowning deaths across the nation. This includes $4 million for the Royal Life Saving Society, to tackle the problem of inland drownings, as well as $1 million a year to produce, develop and distribute water safety materials, to educate more than 1.5 million Australian children aged four years and under.
“The educational material developed by former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence delivers important water safety messages to young children in a fun and engaging way.
“These water-safety materials are being distributed nationally to child care centres, kindergartens and play groups, and are also available online at www.kidsalive.com.au,” Mr Truss said.
