A $150,000 Palaszczuk Government donation to the annual Queensland Lifesavers Appeal will help volunteers save lives at the beach over the busy summer holidays.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the donation would go toward Surf Life Saving Queensland’s $500,000 fundraising goal.
“This will help with training and the tools surf lifesavers to keep Queenslanders safe like inflatable rescue boats, rescue boards, tubes and first aid kits,” the Premier said.
“From Port Douglas to Rainbow Bay, Queensland has 58 patrols and 36,000 volunteer lifesavers looking out for Queenslanders and our visitors over summer.
“This donation is on top of our $30 million election commitment over four years to support SLSQ to deliver front-line beach safety.
“Our commitment is delivering more roving jet ski patrols, better communication equipment and drones to keep an eye on Queensland beaches.”
Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s annual appeal coincides with the next phase of SLSQ’s ‘Be a Lifesaver!’ campaign to remind beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags and look out for family and friends.
Last summer, Queensland lifesavers and lifeguards watched over 20 million beachgoers and saved 3,101 lives, including 723 kids under 12.
“I’m urging parents to stay close to their children in the water this summer and make sure everyone gets home safely,” the Premier said.
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Government had also invested $250,000 to support the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships on the Gold Coast.
“With 50 nations competing and heats livestreamed around the planet, the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships is another a major international event for Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The 2024 Lifesaving World Championships join Queensland’s green and gold runway of international sporting events to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Generating $15 million for the Gold Coast visitor economy, the Lifesaving Word Championships will bring up to 7,700 competitors, volunteers and officials, plus a support crew of 12,000.
“We know lifesaving is one of the sports eager to be included in the 2032 Games.
“The 2024 World Championships with the best surf athletes at Kurrawa Beach and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will be important to surf lifesaving’s ambition for Games inclusion.”
Lifesaving’s World Championships will be on the Gold Coast from 20 August to 8 September 2024.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Dave Whimpey encouraged everyone to stay safe in the surf this summer and support the Queensland Lifesavers Appeal.
“What would you give to save a life?” asked Mr Whimpey.
“Our volunteer lifesavers donate their time and risk their lives on the beach every weekend and now they need your help so they can keep doing what they do best – saving lives.
“Like many other organisations across the country, SLSQ has been impacted by the pandemic and this year our annual fundraising appeal is critical with all proceeds going back to ensuring lifesavers and clubs have the equipment and training needed to keep people safe on Queensland beaches.
“I encourage everyone to do the right thing this summer and swim only at patrolled beaches because last season 89 per cent of rescues happened outside the flags.”
The Palaszczuk Government has invested an additional $10.9 million in Queensland surf lifesaving since 2015 including club infrastructure, equipment, programs, FairPlay vouchers, COVID recovery and athlete travel costs.
To donate to the annual Queensland Lifesavers Appeal, visit queensland-lifesavers-appeal.raisely.com
