Senator Stephen Parry
Deputy President of the Senate
Liberal, Tasmania
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 3 February 2012
Coalition to support local surf clubs in plan to reduce drownings says Senator Stephen Parry
Senator Stephen Parry has welcomed the release of the first stage of the Coalition’s Plan to Reduce Drownings and said the plan will assist every surf club in Tasmania.
“The $10 million plan released by the Coalition would provide surf clubs across Australia with average grants of $5,000 to assist surf clubs purchase much needed equipment over the next five years”, said Senator Parry.
“The funding would be directed towards the purchase of vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies. Priority will be given to surf clubs with identified equipment deficiencies.
“A typical surf club spends $3,000 a year on medical supplies like lotions, band-aids and bandages, so these grants will help surf clubs make ends meet.
“As a long-standing member of both the Burnie and Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Clubs I understand the valuable role these clubs play in our community. They teach water safety to hundreds of kids each year and pull countless people out of the surf.
“Our beaches are beautiful but they can be dangerous.
“It is because of the volunteers in our surf clubs that we can all enjoy the beach and feel safe doing so.
“This policy recognises the work of our surf life savers in saving thousands of lives every year.
“In 2010/11, 315 people lost their lives through drowning on our beaches and waterways, in homes and through floods across Australia. Fortunately, our surf life savers rescued thousands of others. Their work saved so many families from the terrible pain that follows the loss of a loved one.
“The $10 million plan also includes funding for an expansion of the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Programme.
“Its not only surf life saving that do a great job in improving water saving, the Royal Life Saving Society and AUSTSWIM also do a terrific job in helping teach the principles of water safety to so many Australians.
Senator Parry said the Coalition would later this year release plans to also tackle drownings on waterways and in households.
Senator Stephen Parry Deputy President of the Senate Liberal, Tasmania
