MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 2 April, 2020

A NEW SET OF WHEELS FOR SEASPRAY’S LIFE SAVERS

Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club has taken delivery of a new set of wheels.

The club’s new all terrain vehicle (ATV) has arrived and has been at work on the beach since February.

Among those first to use it were (from left) Bruce Johnson, a long time club member and member of the masters boat crew, patrol vice captain James Robbins and patrol captain Tom Fleming.

The funding for the new ATV was secured through the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.

Club President Amanda Castle said the $22,400 grant enabled the surf club to update its vehicle and ensure the club was properly equipped to respond to emergencies.

“As a club, we are grateful to be able to secure two thirds of the money we needed to buy such an important piece of equipment,” Mrs Castle said. “It would take us a long time to raise the full amount needed to buy a new ATV.”

 The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) aims to enhance the capability and safety for local volunteer emergency service groups, such as surf clubs, the SES, CFA and Coast Guard.

This financial year almost $14 million was available through the program to buy additional equipment such as trucks, tankers, vehicles, boats and trailers.

Meanwhile, like countless local businesses, volunteer and sporting groups, and households, Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mrs Castle said the club’s bistro and bar had closed in line with new government regulations to help stop the spread of the virus.

Now from this weekend, there will be no patrols at Seaspray. Instead, the club will only respond if there’s an emergency.

“The official advice to everyone is very clear: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home,” Mrs Castle said. “Now is not the time to go to the beach.”

“Beaches elsewhere have been closed because people have not followed social distancing rules.

“Without life savers on duty, there is now another compelling reason not to travel down to the beach. Instead, you should exercise closer to home.

“Our new season would normally begin in October.  We are looking forward to getting back to normal when the pandemic eases and welcoming everyone back to the club, the beach and the bistro as soon as we can.”