Surf club upgrades worth $160,000 improve safety on Swansea beaches

newy.com.au – Three surf life saving clubs in the Swansea electorate will receive a combined total of more than $160,000 to upgrade their facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s 2024–25 Surf Club Facility Program.

The investment will enhance the safety, accessibility and environmental sustainability of local clubs at Caves Beach, Swansea Belmont and Catherine Hill Bay. The funding is part of a broader $5.4 million state-wide initiative supporting 38 surf clubs across New South Wales, under a four-year $16 million commitment by the Minns Labor Government.

Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club will receive $32,663 to install its first solar power system, reducing its environmental footprint. Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club has been allocated $81,294 for upgrades to its function area and the addition of solar power, while Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club is set to gain $54,376 for improved storage facilities, helping to speed up emergency response times.

Local MP Yasmin Catley praised the contribution of volunteer surf life savers and welcomed the funding boost. “This support ensures our local surf clubs remain equipped with the tools and facilities they need to keep our community safe,” she said.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper added that the funding would help surf life saving clubs remain “modern and accessible,” while Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib highlighted the role of surf life savers in more than 2,400 rescues over the summer.

Peter Agnew, President of Surf Life Saving NSW, also welcomed the announcement, saying the upgrades would ensure volunteers and Nippers alike have secure and functional spaces to continue their lifesaving work.