{"id":1323,"date":"2019-01-23T21:27:20","date_gmt":"2019-01-23T21:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=1323"},"modified":"2019-01-23T21:27:20","modified_gmt":"2019-01-23T21:27:20","slug":"lifesaving-funding-boost-to-protect-beachgoers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2019\/01\/23\/lifesaving-funding-boost-to-protect-beachgoers\/","title":{"rendered":"LIFESAVING FUNDING BOOST TO PROTECT BEACHGOERS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beachgoers will be safer across the state, thanks to a major funding increase for Surf Life Saving NSW from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
\nPremier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said Surf Life Saving NSW will receive an extra $16 million over four years for new jet skis and vehicles, additional emergency response beacons, community engagement officers and an innovative new beach wi-fi project to educate tourists.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis investment is another major boost for Surf Life Saving NSW,\u201d Ms Berejiklian said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cSurf Life Saving NSW\u2019s volunteers and staff do an amazing job keeping our beaches safe and this latest increase to their funding will enable them to save more lives.
\n\u201cWe have invested heavily to ensure that Surf Life Saving NSW and our volunteers have got all the tools and technology they need to do their jobs.\u201d
\nMr Grant said, \u201cOur lifesavers do an outstanding job across our coastline each year, and the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has been a very proud supporter of their efforts.\u201d
\n\u201cThis funding would strengthen that support, and lead to new staff across a number of areas including East Ballina, Warriewood, Nowra, Tathra and Tighes Hill in the Hunter region.\u201d
\nCommunity engagement staff work in the community and run programs to help educate people about beach safety.
\nMr Grant said the investment announced today will also enable Surf Life Saving to improve safety at more remote locations.
\n\u201cAs part of the package, 10 new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) will be installed at coastal black spots to better protect swimmers,\u201d Mr Grant said.
\n\u201cThis new technology has already been a great success, and allows beachgoers to access help in secluded, unpatrolled areas, with the beacon sending a quick alert to have support dispatched during emergencies when any time saved could mean a life saved too.\u201d
\nMr Grant said funds will also be allocated for an exciting beach wi-fi trial to better communicate with and educate swimmers, particularly international visitors.
\n\u201cThis will involve real-time safety alerts being issued to beachgoers\u2019 digital devices within the red and yellow flags, translated into seven different languages,\u201d Mr Grant said.
\n\u201cThese crucial updates could prevent drownings, especially for people who may not speak English and aren\u2019t as familiar with the conditions.\u201d
\nSurf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce welcomed the Government\u2019s pledge and said it will also provide major operational support across the organisation\u2019s 129 clubs.
\n\u201cThis would allow us to purchase more jet skis and the wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets needed to operate them safely, while also increasing our training efforts,\u201d Mr Pearce said.
\n\u201cMore jet skis in the water, more emergency vehicles on the land, and more training for staff all equals better outcomes for coastal communities, and ultimately more lives saved.\u201d
\nToday\u2019s investment comes on top of strong support for Surf Life Saving NSW and water safety initiatives:<\/p>\n