Mariners acknowledge Surf Life Savers

From left: Josh Bingham, Jake McGing and Harry Ascroft sporting the temporary surf life saving kitFrom left: Josh Bingham, Jake McGing and Harry Ascroft sporting the temporary surf life saving kit

The Central Coast Mariners acknowledged the tireless efforts of Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) by trading Yellow and Navy for a football take on the iconic red and yellow patrol uniforms in their home match against Brisbane Roar on Sunday, December 18.

For the second time in the club’s history, the Mariners proudly donned the classic red and yellow of Australian Surf Life Savers. SLSCC and the Central Coast Mariners have worked hand-in-hand on the Central Coast for several seasons, and the relationship will be highlighted as the team steps onto the pitch in their unique Surf Life Saving inspired football kits. Without the dedication and hard work of SLSCC’s volunteers, the residents of the Central Coast and visitors from afar would not be able to enjoy our beautiful beaches. Surf Life Savers from the 15 Central Coast Surf Clubs selfl essly volunteer their time to protect the Central Coast community whilst enjoying the Coast’s beautiful beaches. Last season, they: protected over 1,241,243 beach users; saved 1,162 Lives; prevented a further 21,338 people from getting into difficulty; administered 2,836 First Aid cases; and performed 97,400 volunteer patrol hours.

The Central Coast Mariners thanked the voluntary army of red and yellow that keep Central Coast beaches amongst the safest in the world by dedicating Sunday’s match day to their efforts through raising awareness and funds. To help launch the Central Coast Mariners Limited edition SLSCC kits, Josh Bingham, Jake McGing and Harry Ascroft were joined by some local lifesavers at Toowoon Bay Beach to show off their temporary new colours. Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO, Chris Parker, thanked the Central Coast Mariners for their continued support ahead of another busy summer on the beaches. “Surf Life Saving Central Coast is proud of our community partnership with the Central Coast Mariners and excited to once again see the players wear red and yellow in recognition of the fantastic service volunteer surf life savers provide to the Central Coast community,” Parker said.

“The red and yellow playing strip will also be a timely reminder to the Central Coast community to swim between the red and yellow fl ags during the School Holidays, which is the busiest time on Central Coast beaches. “As far as I am aware, the Central Coast Mariners are the only professional team of any code to don the red and yellow, which is iconic to the Australian way of life. “With the beach being such a huge part of the Central Coast lifestyle, it is fitting that our team is supporting surf lifesaving via this initiative which gives fantastic recognition to volunteer surf lifesavers while promoting beach safety at the same time.” Central Coast Mariners’ CEO Shaun Mielekamp said he was proud that that club can continue their support of Surf Life Saving Central Coast by wearing their colours for the second consecutive season.

“We couldn’t be more proud to show our support towards SLSCC, they are an enormous part of this community and whilst we play football, they save lives,” Mielekamp said. “Living on the Central Coast, I can truly appreciate the tireless efforts and energy of the surf life savers, who work incredibly hard to keep our beaches safe,” Mielekamp said. Throughout summer the Central Coast Mariners will be promoting a range of beach safety messages.

Media release, Dec 12, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners