Mackay Surf Club support to reduce drowning
27-January-2012
George Christensen MP -
Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen, has welcomed the release of the first stage of the Coalition’s Plan to Reduce Drownings and said the plan would assist the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club.
“The $10 million plan released by the Coalition would provide surf clubs across Australia with average grants of $5,000 to assist surf clubs purchase much needed equipment over the next five years”, Mr Christensen said.
“The funding would be directed towards the purchase of vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies. Priority will be given to surf clubs with identified equipment deficiencies.
“A typical surf club spends $3,000 a year on medical supplies like lotions, band-aids and bandages, so these grants will help surf clubs make ends meet.
“The surf clubs throughout Dawson do a fantastic job. They teach water safety to hundreds of kids each year and pull countless people out of the surf.
“Our beaches are beautiful but they can be dangerous.
“It is because of the volunteers in our surf clubs that we can all enjoy the beach and feel safe doing so.
“This policy recognises the work of our surf life savers in saving thousands of lives every year.
In 2010-11, 315 people lost their lives through drowning on our beaches and waterways, in homes and through floods across Australia.
“Fortunately, our surf life savers rescued thousands of others,” Mr Christensen said.
“Their work saved so many families from the terrible pain that follows the loss of a loved one.”
The $10 million plan also includes funding for an expansion of the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program.
Mr Christensen said the Coalition would later this year release plans to also tackle drownings on waterways and in households.
“It’s not only surf life saving that do a great job in improving water saving, the Royal Life Saving Society and AUSTSWIM also do a terrific job in helping teach the principles of water safety to so many Australians.”