Surf Life Saving Australia announced last month the Beach Safety Equipment Fund (BSEF) for 2024/25, providing clubs with $10,000 to support essential rescue gear and equipment. 

All Surf Life Saving Tasmania clubs have received this funding which aligns with the goals of the Australian Water Safety Strategy, aiming to reduce water-related injuries and deaths.

The BSEF has assisted clubs across Australia with funding from 2013 to support the purchase and maintenance of essential safety equipment for beach patrols.

Clifton Beach SLSC President, Matt Clingeleffer said the fund is an integral part of keeping surf life saving clubs operating to the best of their abilities. 

“The funding benefits our club as it ensures we have appropriate equipment available to our surf lifesavers to be able to assist our community,” said Clingeleffer. 

“The benefits of having equipment that is compliant and appropriate, ensures the safety not only of the community who we are there to assist at the beach, but also the safety of the volunteer lifesavers who carry out our services in what can be difficult circumstances or conditions.” 

With fundraising often the main way of resourcing the operational needs of a club, Clingeleffer said the fund is critical to keeping clubs functioning. 

“The funding for the club is incredibly important, the cost to operate a surf life saving club does not decrease and the ability to raise funding can be difficult and take time,” said Clingeleffer. 

“The BSEF provides the club with the comfort of knowing that these funds are accessible and allows for planning regarding our lifesaving equipment needs. 

“The fund also allows us to have succession plans for ageing equipment particularly key equipment which may be more costly. 

“This funding plays a key role in us providing an efficient, safe and compliant surf life saving service to our community, thank you to the Australian Government for their commitment to this integral fund.” 

At Clifton Beach SLSC the funding will be put towards upgrading surf lifesaving equipment including rescue boards, rescue tubes, PFDs and other equipment relating to the IRB area.

For more information on the Beach Safety Equipment Fund visit here.