AusLeisure

With the start of summer heralding the peak usage of Australia’s beaches, the Federal Government is bolstering surf lifesavers ability to save lives.

The Federal Government will provide $8 million over five years to the nation’s surf lifesaving clubs to help prevent beach drowning deaths.

Under the Beach Safety Equipment Fund, about $25,000 over five years will be provided to each of the 311 Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) clubs so they can purchase essential rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies.

Commenting on the funding, Federal Minister for Sport Peter Dutton stated “Australians love to go to the beach and it will be a key part of most Australians’ plans for this summer.

“However, coastal waters can be hazardous and each year our dedicated life savers perform about 12,000 rescues and 32,000 first aid treatments. It’s therefore essential that clubs have the best equipment so they can continue to save lives and reduce the tragedy of drowning.”

“The Beach Safety Equipment Fund provides support directly where it is needed most – to support the volunteers patrolling beaches in surf life saving clubs throughout Australia.”

The 2013 Coastal Drowning Report, produced by Surf Life Saving Australia, identified 121 coastal drowning deaths in Australia in 2013.

In addition to the $8 million for new and upgraded lifesaving and first aid equipment, the Australian Government is providing $2 million for the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program which aims to reduce drowning at dangerous beaches and provide public safety programs that highlight coastal hazards such as rip currents and rock fishing.

These programs are part of the Government’s $15 million package to cut drowning deaths across the nation which includes $4 million to assist the Royal Life Saving Society prevent drownings in inland waterways and an existing commitment of $1 million a year to produce, develop and distribute water safety messages, DVDs and educational material targeting more than 1.5 million Australian children aged up to four years. 

5th December 2014 - SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA TURNS PARLIAMENT HOUSE RED AND YELLOW

1st December 2014 - SURF LIFE SAVING WA SAYS BEACH DROWNING NUMBERS UNACCEPTABLE

30th November 2014 - PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARDS ADVOCATE SAFETY FIRST AT AUSTRALIAN BEACHES

1st October 2014 - AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT MOVES TO CUT DROWNING DEATHS

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.