Council Supports Ocean Lifeguard Service

October 24, 2007: Bega Valley Shire Council will continue its surf lifesaving commitment for the 2007/08 season.

The professional ocean lifeguard service was listed for cutting as part of the Council’s complex budget process that saw a number of staff positions cut and service provisions reduced this year.

Mayor Tony Allen said the decision to support the service would have a direct benefit to tourism across the shire. The service will be coordinated by Surf Life Saving Services Pty Ltd.

“There are some surplus budget funds so Council will provide $132,000 for the service and we will provide a $21,900 donation to the Pambula, Tathra and Bermagui clubs to assist them to provide lifesaving services” Cr Allen said.

“Under their agreement with the NSW Surf Life Saving Association the clubs are required to provide patrols at their three beaches for the weekend and holiday periods. This is a valuable service and one this Council appreciates.”

The price quoted by Surf Life Saving Services to undertake the service is $127,405 plus GST, with a qualification relating to the condition and availability of the equipment for the beaches which do not have surf clubs.

Cr Allen said a number of options were considered for maintaining the service, including sponsorship, however no sponsorship was obtained.

“We are continuing to explore our options and we would like to hear from organisations who would like to support the service,” Cr Allen said.

The surf lifesaving service will be provided from December 26, 2007 to January 27, 2008.
Some of the services under the program will be:

• Surf clubs patrol on all public holidays, Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday at Tathra, Pambula and Bermagui beaches.
• Patrolling of Camel Rock, Asling’s Beach, Short Point and Merimbula Main beaches within the proposal to Council on public holidays and weekends.
• Council is responsible for the boards, flags, etc for the four beaches that do not have surf clubs. The equipment that Council already has for these beaches would continue to be used and Council would be required to maintain the equipment at an appropriate standard.
• The local supervisor would be in regular daily/weekly contact with Council staff and the Manager of Lifesaving Services would also be in regular contact with the local supervisor as well as with Council staff.
• Season end would see a debriefing with follow up discussions with senior Council staff and Surf Life Saving NSW management to ensure Council satisfaction.

“The continuation of Council funding will be reviewed,” Cr Allen said.
“We are pleased to be able to continue to support the service in 2007/08, but as the community is well aware, we have the difficult task of presenting balanced budgets to our ratepayers.
“Our professional lifeguards do an outstanding job and we look forward to another safe holiday period on our beaches.”