Cronulla and Wanda surf life saving clubs will receive a total of close to a quarter of a million dollars in new state government funding to upgrade facilities.
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Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman announced the grants from the 2018/19 Surf Club Facility Program.
In a separate move, Premier Gladys Berejiklian visited Cronulla beach on Sunday to announce Surf Life Saving NSW would receive an extra $16 million over four years.
In the grants announced by Mr Speakman, the Cronulla club was awarded $150,000 to help fit out its clubhouse, which is undergoing a $6.5 million redevelopment.
It received $350,000 from the same program in 2017-18, as well as $3 million from a 2017 federal government grant.
Sutherland Shire Council provided $1 million towards the project, which is due to be completed this year.
Wanda Surf Life Saving Club will use its state government grant of $91,500 to renovate and upgrade the existing male toilets and change rooms.
The funding is part of $3.9 million awarded for 24 projects to improve facilities and equipment at surf clubs across NSW.
“Surf clubs provide a vital service to our community - saving lives and providing opportunities for people of all ages to get fit and healthy,” Mr Speakman said.
Ms Berejiklian said the extra $16 million to be provided to Surf Life Saving NSW over four years would provide more jet skis and vehicles, additional emergency response beacons, community engagement officers and the trial of an innovative wi-fi project to educate tourists.
Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said the wi-fi trial was designed to better communicate with and educate swimmers, particularly international visitors.
“This will involve real-time safety alerts being issued to beachgoers’ digital devices within the red and yellow flags, translated into seven different languages,” he said.
“These crucial updates could prevent drownings, especially for people who may not speak English and aren’t as familiar with the conditions.”