Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club has geared up for the beginning of the official surf lifesaving season at the weekend with new patrol equipment, courtesy of the Australian Government.
Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien announced $19,800 to support the popular local club as they make early preparations to protect the scores of beachgoers who visit their shores each year.
“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,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This funding has enabled the Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club to upgrade their patrol equipment right in time for their busiest season.”
Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club has used the funding to upgrade their aging patrol equipment including a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) which is otherwise known as a ‘rubber ducky’, two new rescue boards and vital patrol signage.
Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club General Manager Drew Palmer said the rubber ducky will play an
important role in this year’s surf lifesaving season which began at the weekend.
“This funding injection could not have come at a better time for our club as the 2021 official surf lifesaving season begins,” Mr Palmer said.
“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.”
The Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club has grown considerably over the past two years with over 180 active surf lifesaving volunteers and 250 nippers and was recently awarded the 2021 Sunshine Coast’s Surf Life Saving Club of the Year.
The funding was secured by the Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club through the Australian Government’s
Stronger Communities Programme.