The NSW Government will provide a new jet ski and support vehicle to every Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) Branch in a bid to improve capabilities of volunteer lifesavers in time for summer.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke said the 11 jet skis and 4WD vehicles – representing a $1 million NSW Government investment – will enhance the ability of lifesavers to respond to emergencies.
“These jet skis will give our lifesavers the ability to get to people in trouble in the water quickly, and also allow them to reach those in treacherous locations like off rock platforms,” Ms Cooke said.
“Because of its speed and manoeuvrability, the jet ski is one of the most important tools used by Surf Life Saving NSW.
“Our 20,000 lifesavers are better prepared than ever before and are ready for a big summer, but safety is a shared responsibility so I’m respectfully asking beachgoers to follow advice, avoid unnecessary risks and swim between the flags.”
Over the past two years, jet skis have been used in 704 rescues, 271 emergency call outs and have spent nearly 23,000 hours on the water helping lifesavers keep swimmers, surfers and boaters safe.
SLSNSW President, George Shales said the speed of response, agility and ability to get close to rock platforms make the jet skis a life-saving asset.
“Overall, Surf Life Saving NSW’s core mission is to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. The delivery of a fleet of new Rescue Water Craft to our Branches helps us deliver on our mission,” Mr Shales said.
“In providing state-of-the-art support operations equipment and vessels to our Branches, we increase our capacity to save lives and, indeed, build better communities.”
