Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $207,100 cheque yesterday at Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the second instalment of a three year sponsorship funding agreement from Central Coast Council.

This funding will assist SLSCC with maintaining vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast during the 2018-19 summer season.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased to support Surf Life Saving on the Central Coast.

“Local surf clubs are vital to our community. Volunteer lifesavers patrol our beaches on weekends and on public holidays, while Council lifeguards patrol from Monday to Friday,” Mayor Smith said.

“The sponsorship funding will assist Surf Life Saving with providing essential beach patrol services, rescue boards, servicing of oxygen equipment, programming of radios within the new communication network and educational swim between the flag messaging.

“By working in partnership we can ensure a seamless service seven days a week and maintain our reputation as having some of the safest beaches and the highest quality lifesaving services in Australia.”

On our beaches last summer, volunteer lifesavers at Central Coast beaches saved 513 lives; prevented a further 17,970 people from getting into difficulty; and contributed over 96,000 volunteer patrol hours to keep the public safe.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast Chief Executive Officer, Chris Parker said the 15 surf clubs and the branch are thankful for Council’s continued recognition of the services provided by Surf Life Saving Central Coast and their importance to the community.

“The funding provided by Council will ensure volunteer lifesavers from local surf will have all the necessary lifesaving equipment they need to protect the community at Central Coast beaches this summer,” Mr Parker said.

“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.”