Lakes Entrance’s surf life savers will have a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) by next summer, thanks to a Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program grant.

Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance will also receive five new rescue boards, which combined with the new IRB is worth a total of $23,359, according to Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull said Lakes Entrance Coast Guard was also the beneficiary of a $7500 grant for training and fuel purposes.

“I am pleased Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance and Lakes Entrance Coast Guard received financial assistance, along with many others from across the electorate,” he said.

“This funding is great for these organisations, as it contributes to a more efficient safety service for locals and visitors.”

“These types of grants enhance our assets to meet our growing membership and update our equipment,” said club secretary, Kristine Cordery.

“The IRB will eventually replace one of our older boats and the new motor will allow us to turn over a motor each year – as you can appreciate, our equipment gets quite a hammering over the season.

“We have approximately 6000 visitors over the peak period and each and every one of them visit our beaches, being Eastern Beach and Main Beach.

“With our patrols each weekend the demands for updating our equipment with these types of grants is immeasurable,” she said.

Mr Bull encouraged all local emergency service organisations to lodge an application to future rounds of this grant stream.

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance club captain, Chelsie Smith, and secretary, Kristine Cordery.

Thursday, March 30, 2017