Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today congratulated a number of life saving clubs for receiving a $5,000 Brumby Labor Government boost as part of a renewed call for Victorians to play it safe by the water this summer.
“The Brumby Labor Government is helping lifesavers keep Victorians safe by delivering a $5000 boost to every club across the state,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said lifesavers at beaches across the state had conducted first aid on 1,423 people and taken 16,755 preventative actions so far this summer (as at 24 February).
“This $5,000 boost will help fund important local needs, running costs and equipment, and free-up other resources to enhance their lifesaving capabilities,” said Ms Tierney said.
The Life Saving Clubs receiving cheques include:
Anglesea SLSC
Fairhaven SLSC
Kennett River SLSC
Lorne SLSC
Wye River SLSC
Port Campbell SLSC
Port Fairy SLSC
Portland SLSC
Warrnambool SLSC
“With summer in full swing and plenty of warm days and long weekends still on the way, thousands of Victorians are flocking to the water.
“The message for all Victorians is simple: whether you’re headed to the local pool, down the coast or to a lake or river, make sure you Play It Safe by the Water.”
Ms Tierney said the drowning rate had more than halved in the 12 years since the Government’s Play It Safe by the Water campaign began in 1998 and last year was the lowest drowning rate on record, with 35 people drowning in Victorian waters, six fewer than the year before.
“We are seeing fewer people losing their lives in the water, but we should never become complacent about water safety,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney also called on local volunteer emergency services groups to apply for funding through the new round of the Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP).
In the last round of CSESP funding, Life Saving Victoria clubs received more than $285,000 in grants to allow the purchase of more than $452,000 in vital equipment.
Applications for this year’s round of CSESP are currently open and close on 1 April. The CSESP brochure is available on the Department of Justice’s website and has been sent to Life Saving Victoria clubs.
