Surf Life Saving Illawarra will receive new equipment and get a staffing boost as part of a multimillion-dollar cash splash aimed at combating a spike in drownings across the state this summer.
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The state government announced at the weekend it would give Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) an extra $16 million over the next four years – the largest single cash injection in the organisation’s 111-year history.
The money will be spent on extra ERBs, new jet-skis and vehicles, community engagement officers and an innovative beach WiFi project to educate tourists.
Thirteen people have drowned on the NSW coast since Christmas Day, including a man who died while snorkelling at Lake Conjola on December 25.
Another man died after he was pulled from the ocean near the Kiama blowhole on January 14.
SLSNSW chief executive Steven Pearce said most of the drownings had occurred outside patrolled areas and the funding boost would allow lifesavers’ response to extend beyond the flags.
Ten new emergency response beacons (ERBs) will be installed at coastal black spots.
Anthony Turner, from SLSI, said the extra funding would help volunteer lifesavers respond to a “magnitude of coastal emergencies”.
“This funding boost will continue to provide state-of-the-art rescue rescue equipment, and in return will provide a safer aquatic environment for the community,” Mr Turner said.
The cash splash comes after SLSNSW was officially classed as an emergency services organisation.
The classification, which took effect from December 7, was the result of a change in NSW government legislation.