YANCHEP, Alkimos and Quinns-Mindarie surf life saving clubs in Pearce will each receive a $5000 boost from the Turnbull Government to help reduce drownings and near-deaths.
Pearce MHR Christian Porter said the initiative was part of an additional $3 million the Liberal Government was providing to life saving clubs and other water safety organisations around Australia.
“With three surf lifesaving clubs in the northern coastal suburbs of Pearce, this funding is a very welcome boost,” he said.
“As many of us head to the beach at this time of year, water safety is of paramount importance.”
A bit part of the funding will go to the government’s beach equipment program, to assist the about 310 surf lifesaving clubs around Australia.
Mr Porter said that this would enable the clubs to buy new rescue equipment, as well as first aid and medical supplies.
“Some clubs may use it to invest in new technology such as drones to enable remote monitoring of unpatrolled beaches.’’
As well as the beach equipment program the funding will boost SLSA’s beach drowning black spot reduction program to tackle the incidence of drowning in identified high risk areas.
It will also go towards Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s river drowning black spot identification program and swim and survive lessons for children, especially indigenous and disadvantaged children.
The AUSTSWIM’s program to provide accredited swimming and water safety teachers to targeted population groups, including remote, migrant and disadvantaged communities and people with a disability will also benefit.
Mr Porter said the extension of the programs to reduce drownings would make coastal and inland water less risky for all Australians.
“This financial year, the Liberal Government is also providing more than $15 million for ongoing water safety activities by SLSA, RLSSA, AUSTSWIM and Laurie Lawrence Swimming Enterprises.
“These activities include awareness raising and education, policy advice, surf lifesaving activities, surf patrols, swimming lessons, and swim teachers’ training and education.”
