Central Coast branch of Surf Life Saving has been awarded a new state-of-the-art drone as a prize for winning the prestigious Branch of the Year title at the 2023 Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.
The recognition highlighted the outstanding commitment and contributions of the branch and all the clubs, directors, staff members and club members who volunteer countless hours to the surf lifesaving movement on the Central Coast.
With 15 clubs and 8,332 members, the 2022-23 season saw more than 600 rescues and 42,600 preventive actions.
Event sponsor D1 Store, Australia’s home for DJI the global leader in drone technology, donated a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal drone to the Central Coast branch as the prize for the prestigious award.
The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal drone is a cutting-edge tool equipped with advanced thermal imaging capabilities and benefits for emergency response activities, playing a crucial role in enhancing beach surveillance, ensuring water safety at events, and improving search and rescue operations along the Central Coast.
“Receiving the Branch of the Year award is a humbling acknowledgment of the dedication and passion exhibited by our 15 clubs and volunteers,” Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO Michael Hyslop said.
“We are committed to continually improving and innovating our lifesaving efforts, and the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal drone will play a pivotal role in advancing our capabilities.”
Some of the key benefits of the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal drone for emergency response include enhanced visibility, quick deployment, versatility, and precision search and rescue capabilities.
The Central Coast Branch with the assistance of the Australian Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Service (AUAVS) is well-prepared to maximise the benefits of this donation, boasting a strong base of more than 30 trained UAV operators.
These dedicated individuals are equipped with the skills and expertise to operate the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal drone effectively in various emergency response scenarios.
Surf Life Saving NSW extends its sincere gratitude to D1 Store for their generous contribution, recognising the importance of cutting-edge technology in safeguarding our communities.
The Central Coast Branch is proud to lead the way in utilising such advanced tools to ensure the safety and wellbeing of beachgoers and residents.