Federal Government commits $5,000 in safety funding to every Australian Surf Life Saving Club

Every surf life-saving club in Australia is to receive $5,000 to improve safety equipment as part of the a new round of Federal Government funding.

Launching this summer’s Federal Beach Safety Equipment Fund at Sydney’s Coogee Beach this week, Federal Minister for Sport Minister Ley said the Australian Government was providing $8 million over five years to the nation’s 311 surf lifesaving clubs to help prevent drowning deaths at our beaches.

The initiative aims to help prevent drownings this summer.

Minister Ley stated "under this Fund about $25,000 over five years is being provided to every Surf Life Saving Australia club, so they can purchase essential rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies.

“Here in Coogee, they will be using this year’s allocation to buy and update Personal Protective Equipment including life jackets and helmets, first aid kits and other rescue and lifesaving equipment.

“Around the country we’re also seeing the purchase of defibrillators, rescue tubes and two way radios, allowing our surf life savers to perform the amazing work they do each and every swimming season.

“(This) event is also a chance for me to remind beachgoers on the importance of swimming between the flags – by far the safest option to enjoy a seaside swim – yet figures indicate just 45 per cent of people swim at patrolled beaches during patrol hours.

“A recent National Coastal Safety Report found four-in-ten coastal drowning deaths occurred more than five kilometres from a surf lifesaving club, and that three-quarters of people quizzed could not identify a hazardous rip current.

“While we still have a way to go to reduce drowning deaths, I’m pleased to see the gear purchased through this Beach Safety Equipment programme helps save lives.

“The Australian Water Safety Council has an aspirational goal to reduce drowning deaths by 50 per cent by the year 2020; it’s something the Government supports and I believe everyone can do their bit.”

The Beach Safety Equipment Fund is in addition to annual Government funding of around $8.5 million to support water safety in Australia, which is being provided to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia , AUSTSWIM and Laurie Lawrence Swimming Enterprises.

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