Labor enlists surfers in war on drownings

SURFERS would be trained to rescue other people in the water as part of a $1 million Labor pre-election promise.

The party will today announce plans to splash most of the money on the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program, to be delivered at all Victorian boardriders clubs over the next four years.

The program would teach surfers critical CPR skills, how to perform board rescues and applying basic first aid on the water.

Money from the fund would also go towards modifying the program so surfers are trained to help scuba divers in trouble, while training would also be delivered within scuba diving clubs across Victoria.

It comes after a man in his 60s tragically drowned while scuba diving in Torquay on Sunday.

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino said the training program was necessary to reverse the number of drownings at the state’s beaches, citing the 15 people who died in 2016-17.

“Tragically this past week we have seen how dangerous our surf beaches can be. The best honour we can offer the family and friends of those who have died, is to make sure as many people as possible have the skills they need to save a life,” he said.

“Teenagers who surf will also benefit, so they are better equipped if something party has promised to open across the state.

The centre would provide a range of services for parents, including support with sleeping, feeding and extra care for babies with additional needs.

It is anticipated the Geelong centre will support about 690 families a year.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said Labor’s investment would also extend to more home visits for vulnerable families and a revamped 24-hour hotline for parents struggling with sleep and settling issues.

“There are so many expectations on new parents these days,” she said. “It’s why we’ll make sure parents in Geelong get the support they need, in the moments they need it most.”

Yesterday Labor also announced $300,000 for the Geelong Advanced Fibre Cluster.