Member for Eden-Monaro Dr Peter Hendy said the Australian Government would provide $25,000 to each of the seven surf clubs in the electorate over the next five years.

Dr Hendy made the announcement on Thursday when he visited the Narooma district to attend the Narooma High School presentation day and also to inspect the Roads to Recovery streetscaping project before heading home to Queanbeyan.

“The funding will assist Narooma and Bermagui Surf Life Saving Clubs to purchase new rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies so their life savers can continue to save lives,” Dr Hendy said.

“Australians love to go to the beach and it will be a key part of most Australians plans for this summer.

“Our beautiful beaches are an important attraction for local residents and tourists alike. This new funding will ensure our life savers have the equipment they need to keep people safe and prevent a holiday from becoming a tragedy.”

Each of Australia’s 311 Surf Life Saving Clubs will receive the funding over five years from the Australian Government’s $8 million Beach Safety Equipment Fund.

SLSA’s Coastal Drowning Report identified 121 coastal drowning deaths in Australia in 2013.

“Each year, Australia’s dedicated life savers perform about 12,000 rescues and 32,000 first aid treatments. The Beach Safety Equipment Fund provides support directly where it is needed most – to support the volunteers surf lifesavers patrolling beaches,” Dr Hendy said.

Dr Hendy said that in addition to the $8 million for new and upgraded lifesaving and first aid equipment, the Australian Government is providing $2 million for the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program, which aims to reduce drowning at dangerous beaches and provide public safety programmes that highlight coastal hazards such as rip currents and rock fishing.

He said these programmes are part of the Government’s $15 million package to cut drowning deaths across the nation.

It includes $4 million to assist the Royal Life Saving Society to prevent drownings in inland waterways and an existing$1 million a year to produce, develop and distribute water safety messages, DVDs and educational material targeting more than 1.5 million Australian children aged up to four years.

“The educational material developed by former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence delivers key water safety messages to youngsters in a fun and engaging way.

“They are being distributed nationally to child care centres, kindergartens and play groups and are available online at www.kidsalive.com.au, Dr Hendy said.