A $20,000 injection could not have come at a better time for a Sunshine Coast surf life saving club in desperate need of upgrades to its rescue service.
Federal Government funding has allowed Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club to get a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB).
The club’s general manager, Drew Palmer, said the IRB would play an important role.
“This funding injection could not have come at a better time for our club as the 2021 official surf lifesaving season begins,” said Mr Palmer.
“Our volunteer surf lifesavers operate in an unforgiving environment which is why it is so important that we are continually upgrading our safety equipment.
“Inflatable rescue boats are a key part of our rescue arsenal and we were in desperate need of an upgrade.”
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/scnews2020/
The club has grown considerably during the past two years, with more than 180 active surf lifesaving volunteers and 250 nippers.
It was recently recognised as the 2021 Sunshine Coast’s Surf Life Saving Club of the Year.
Help keep independent and fair news, sport and lifestyle coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
The funding was secured through the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien announced $19,800 to support the popular local club.
“Local surf clubs, and the hundreds of volunteers who support them, not only keep our coastal communities safe but they care for our beautiful beaches and protect our way of life,” he said.
“This funding enabled the Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club to upgrade their patrol equipment right in time for their busiest season.”
The funding was used to upgrade ageing patrol equipment, including a new inflatable rescue boat, two new rescue boards and vital patrol signage.
