Central Coast Council has handed over a $213,250 cheque to Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC), the third instalment of a three-year sponsorship which will maintain vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast this summer.
Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said SLSCC beach patrols made an invaluable contribution to the community. “The partnership that exists between Council and Surf Life Saving Central Coast provides a seamless service for residents and visitors every day of the beach season, ” Clr Matthews said. “The service provided is so much more than beach patrols.
“Training and education programs have reached over 30,000 people, promoting beach safety, and connecting families and young people right across our region. “And what is more, they are all volunteers, giving up their time to help and support our growing community, and we are grateful for their service. ”
The funding will be used to purchase rescue boards and IRB motors, servicing of oxygen equipment, programming of radios within the new communication network, and educational ‘swim between the flag’ messaging. SLSCC Chief Executive Officer, Narelle Duggan, said the funding would make “a large difference” to volunteers.
“The positive relationship we have with Council is very important, as it ensures aligned lifesaving services and the safest beaches possible for the Central Coast community and visitors, ” she said.
“On Central Coast beaches last summer, volunteer lifesavers saved 496 lives, prevented 20,392 people from getting into difficulty, responded to 898 first aid cases and contributed over 96,444 volunteer patrol hours to keep the public safe”.
SLSCC volunteer lifesavers patrol beaches on weekends and on public holidays, while Council lifeguards patrol from Monday to Friday.
Source: Media release, Oct 25 Central Coast Council