Surf equipment for Umina

Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, has welcomed the handover of new surf rescue equipment to Umina Surf Life Saving Club at a handover ceremony at Bondi Beach recently.

Ms Andrews said the safety equipment was purchased as part of a $1.14 million grant from the State Government to upgrade equipment at surf clubs on the NSW coast.

The funding doubles funds available to Surf Life Saving NSW this year to $1.9 million.

Umina Surf Life Saving Club was presented with a four-wheel drive Quad Bike by Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr John Watkins.

"Our volunteer lifesavers play an important role in keeping our local beaches safe," Ms Andrews said.

"Last year 73 people drowned in NSW and 25 of those occurred at our beaches. But with more than 6800 rescues performed, quality life saving equipment is vital.

"This equipment will allow our local surf club to become more mobile and patrol a larger section of our coastline.

"We want to ensure that they have all of the necessary equipment to patrol beaches and respond quickly in the event of a rescue."

Umina Surf Life Saving Club president, Mr Brian Paull, said the equipment was greatly appreciated by the club.

"On behalf of Umina Surf Life Saving Club, I would like to thank the State Government for the work it has done to ensure this funding reached every surf club in NSW," Mr Paull said.

Ms Andrews said it was important for beach goers, surfers, swimmers and tourists alike to know that surf lifesavers would be better equipped for any emergency situation this summer.

Press release November 8