Surf Life Saving Australia has today welcomed the decision by the Federal Government to extend its support for Australia’s water safety sector with a three-year $36.9 million funding commitment.

Federal Minister for Sport, Senator, the Hon Bridget McKenzie joined Surf Life Saving Australia’s President, Graham Ford AM, Attorney General and Member for Pearce, Christian Porter and Peter Leaversuch, CEO Royal Life Saving Society WA, to make the announcement at Quinns-Mindarie SLSC in Western Australia on Sunday morning.

The announcement of the longer-term funding is greatly received by SLSA and will enable to organisation to continue to undertake existing and new programs to reduce drowning and provide healthy, active and skilled communities through innovative, reliable, evidence based advocacy, creating strong and effective partnerships, quality programs, products and services.

It will further support programs such as black spots and public safety education programs such as rip current awareness, boating, water craft and rock fishing safety.

The ongoing commitment to the beach safety equipment program ensures each club can purchase essential lifesaving and rescue equipment so services can be delivered at the optimum level.

Speaking at today’s announcement SLSA President Graham Ford said that Surf Life Saving Australia is appreciative of ongoing commitment the organisation receives from the Federal Government, with funds going direct back to Surf Life Saving Clubs and the state bodies.

“SLSA acknowledges the support of government to support clubs and states to provide core services and undertake initiatives to reduce the loss of life and injury along our coastline.

“We would particularly like to say thank you for the ongoing assistance from the Federal Government to achieve our vision of zero preventable deaths in Australian waters,” Mr Ford said.

The Water and Snow Safety Program, encompasses the previous programs of:

• National Recreation Safety Plan

• Saving Lives in the Water and

• Reduced Drownings (Blackspot Drowning Reduction Program and Beach Safety Equipment Fund)