Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Sunday, 27 April 2014, Surf Life Saving Central Coast volunteers lowered the flags, ending the 2013-14 patrol season. This season saw Surf Life Saving Central Coast celebrate its 75th anniversary with record-breaking achievements. Over 95,000 hours were amassed by volunteers as they patrolled the Central Coast's magnificent beaches. Across the Central Coast, 582 lives were saved, 33,816 beachgoers were prevented from getting into trouble and no lives were lost at our patrolled beaches. This is an incredible achievement well worth acknowledgement.

This week, as we acknowledge National Volunteer Week, the red and yellow army of volunteers has demonstrated through its commitment and dedication why surf-lifesaving is regarded as Australia's pre-eminent volunteer association. Thank you to the numerous volunteers who have given their time over this past summer. Without their commitment on Saturday and Sunday mornings, the face of the Australian summer and the joy of beachgoers could be drastically different. I would like to give particular thanks to Surf Life Saving Central Coast president Stuart Harvey and his board, along with CEO Chris Parker and his team for their tireless work and dedication. Surf Life Saving Central Coast will now prepare for the 2014-15 season, reminding beachgoers that whilst the flags are down we all need to remain vigilant and safe during the winter season.