Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has received funding from Port Waratah Coal Services to purchase a new all-terrain vehicle that provides lifeguards quick access along the beach for when seconds matter during a rescue.

The small four-wheel drive vehicle is equipped with storage racks for rescue boards, which ensures it is ready to go at all times.

The vehicle safely transports resuscitation equipment and members of the public who are in distress and is used to tow the rescue boat to and from the beach.

Last year, lifeguards at Dixon Park SLSC watched over 30,161 people at Dixon Park Beach during 2,726 patrol hours. They made 291 preventative actions, attended 26 first aid incidents and performed 9 surf rescues.

President of the Dixon Park SLSC, Peter Brown said they are appreciative of the generous funding Port Waratah Coal are providing, as it will go a long way to helping them save lives this summer season.

“The summer patrol started on Saturday, and we are very pleased to have the new vehicle ready to go in an emergency. It’s a critical piece of our lifesaving equipment,” he said.

“The vehicle will be used by the lifeguards to patrol the beach and perform our regular duties and allows for quick and easy access across the sand when it’s needed most.”

Port Waratah’s Manager Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Trudie Larnach, said that supporting safety on our local beaches is an important partnership to Port Waratah.

“Living in Australia, we love the water, and this new vehicle will improve the safety of everyone enjoying Dixon Park Beach,” Trudie said.

“Our Community Investment and Partnership Programme invests in community partnerships to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of people living and visiting Newcastle and the Hunter Region.

“We’re proud to partner with Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club to deliver this project for the community,” she concluded.

The vehicle is replacing the Club’s older model, purchased with funding from Port Waratah in 2015.

Port Waratah invests $750,000 each year to help local organisations, charities, and initiatives across six priority areas including health, environment, education, community, diversity and youth sport.

IMAGE | Dixon Surf Life Saving Club with their newest ATV, purchased with funds from Port Waratah Coal Services.