Swansea surf clubs share in $5 million

Image: Chardonnay Catering

Surf life saving clubs in Swansea have shared in more than $5 million in funding under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program. 

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Swansea Belmont, and The Lakes Surf Life Saving Clubs were among 32 clubs to be awarded grants for the upgrade, restoration and construction of facilities under the Program. 

Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $38,462 to upgrade its CCTV system as part of an overall clubhouse security upgrade. 

The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $31,511 for the installation of solar panels, lighting upgrades and a replacement garage door. 

The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety. 

The NSW Government has allocated $16 million to the Program over four years. This was boosted an additional $5 million in the 2023/24 NSW State Budget as part of a $23 million funding increase to Surf Life Saving NSW to better protect beachgoers and reduce drownings. 

For further information on the Surf Club Facility Program, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program 

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said: 

“Swansea surf life saving volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water. 

“These grants will contribute towards the development of modern, fit for purpose facilities that enables surf life savers to better protect the community and continue to deliver a world-class service. 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: 

“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach. 

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers. 

“That’s why we are providing $21 million over four years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.” 

Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said: 

“The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4,600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years. 

“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding. 

“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community. 

“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”