Lives Saved on Queensland Beaches [30.03.2011]

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), purchased with a grant of $30,000 from The John Villiers Trust, have provided much needed support to the Emu Park and Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Clubs.

Last season, volunteer members from the two clubs spent thousands of hours patrolling their respective beaches in Wide Bay Capricorn, performing a combined 646 preventative actions and, most importantly, saving nine lives in the process.

“There is no doubt the additional vehicles have, and will continue to provide a substantial boost to the patrol and lifesaving capabilities of each Club,” said Mr George Hill, Chief Operations Officer of Surf Life Saving Queensland.

“Even simple tasks such as relocating patrol equipment and transporting lifesavers have been made significantly easier thanks to the generosity of this grant.

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland and, more specifically, Emu Park and Yeppoon Surf Clubs, I would like to thank The John Villiers Trust for this show of support,” he said.

Mr Hill said the vehicles had also allowed the clubs to extend their patrols to neighbouring beaches, which had not previously been possible.