Life saving support for local clubs

BARWON Water has donated $10,000 to assist local Surf Life Saving Clubs to purchase much-needed equipment.

Anglesea, Fairhaven, Bancoora and 13th Beach SLSCs each received $2,500 as part of Barwon Water’s community sponsorship program.

Anglesea SLSC spent its funds on a rescue board and a defibrillator, while Fairhaven SLSC used its money to buy rescue boards.

Fairhaven SLSC president Darren West said the funds allowed the club to increase its inventory.

“We wish to thank Barwon Water for their generous sponsorship of Fairhaven SLSC as part of their surf life saving community sponsorship program,” West said. “With that funding we were able to purchase two new rescue boards that the Pink Patrol put to good use.”

Barwon Water’s surf life saving community sponsorship program was established in 2006 and provides $2,500 to regional clubs on a rotational basis; more than $120,000 has been donated to clubs since its inception. The funds come hot on the heels of a mammoth life saving season that was extended due to an increase in beach usage as more Australians flocked to the beach as a result of COVID travel restrictions.

During the extended season, Surf Coast and Bellarine life savers and lifeguards performed 92 rescues and 55,000 preventative actions, compared with 27,000 preventative actions in the 2019-20 season.

The 2020-21 season also had one of the worst drowning tolls in the state’s history, with 51 fatal drownings recorded in Victoria since July 1, 2020.

Barwon Water general manager of customers and community Jo Murdoch said the organisation was proud of its long association with the region’s surf life saving clubs.

“Our surf lifesaving clubs are a vital part of our community, helping visitors to local beaches have a safe and enjoyable experience,” Ms Murdoch said.

“At Barwon Water, we are very pleased to be able to help them through one of our many community support programs.”