Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) has been presented with a $116,000 cheque from Central Coast Council as part of their sponsorship partnership. Council has also provided individual $6,500 sponsorships to each of the 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs on the Coast.

The $213,500 financial contribution was the second instalment of the two-year sponsorship and will be used to purchase vital rescue equipment and support the promotion of important aquatic safety messaging across the region this summer season.

Council’s Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said we are excited to be supporting SLSCC Volunteer Lifesavers and their invaluable contribution to the community’s safety.

“Council and SLSCC work tirelessly to ensure that those living on, as well as those visiting, the Coast feel safe to enjoy our beautiful beaches and know the Coast has high-quality lifesaving services available,” Mr Cantillon said.

“This funding will continue to keep safety measures in place and help to continue to foster its growth.

“Last year SLSCC and its 15 Surf Clubs delivered over 93,373 patrolling hours, completed 614 rescues and responded to over 46 support operational rescues and callouts and delivered seven community rip demonstrations - a tremendous effort by all involved.”

SLSCC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Matt Slattery thanked Council for their ongoing support and continued recognition of the services provided by SLSCC.

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving Central Coast, the 15 clubs and all our members, I would like to thank Central Coast Council for their support, this funding going directly into lifesaving operations and keeping our beaches safe. We have a unique partnership between the Council Staff and our Volunteer Lifesavers which is the envoy of other areas of the state. Both organisations coming together to ensure we can deliver the end result of ‘No Lives Lost’ on our beaches,” Mr Slattery said.

“Together Volunteer Lifesavers and Council Lifeguards have access to the best quality equipment to serve our communities. This funding ensures that the ongoing commitment to our communities can continue.”

In addition to the direct sponsorship funding to SLSCC, Council has also invested in the safety of the community and has prepared for this year’s summer season by servicing, maintaining and replacing critical beach safety equipment.

Council has also purchased seven new Can-Am vehicles that are shared by both Council Beach Safety team and SLSCC Volunteer Lifesavers and have updated two existing Lifeguard observation towers at MacMasters Beach and The Entrance.

This year three beaches across Central Coast have received improved safety measures with three Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) available at Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach thanks to support from Surf Life Saving NSW and the NSW Government.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said it is imperative Council builds strong relationships to support the community to obtain the best safety outcomes on our beaches.

“Working closely with SLSCC and individual Surf Life Saving clubs is vital in increasing safety on beaches especially, as our beautiful coastline increases in popularity over the summer months,” Mr Hart said.

SLSCC Volunteer Lifesavers patrol 15 Central Coast beaches on weekends and on public holidays, while Council lifeguards patrol from Monday to Friday.

ENDS