EXTRA PATROLS FOR ADELAIDE'S BEACHES

The Rann Government will more than double funding for shark patrols along metropolitan beaches this summer - including those conducted by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA).

In the wake of the tragic loss of two lives to shark attacks off our metropolitan beaches in the past nine months, the Government will provide funding for SLSSA’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, as well as fixed-wing beach patrols this summer.

The Government has allocated $100,000 for the SLSSA helicopter service – representing an extra 100 flying hours – allowing the service to operate up to six hours a day between 12 noon and 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, between November 2005 and March 2006.

The funding will also help SLSSA to operate the helicopter service during special summertime community events, such as open water swims.

SLSSA has advised the helicopter service will operate from North Haven to Goolwa (which is more than 120 km of coastline), enhancing the beach patrols and surf rescue operations already provided during summer by the organisation’s 4,500 volunteers.

Funding has also been allocated to operate fixed-wing beach patrols during the summer school holidays – from December 12^th to January 30^th. The selection process to determine the provider of the fixed-wing service is underway.

Emergency Services Minister Carmel Zollo says enhancing safety on Adelaide’s beaches has been a top priority for the Rann Government.

“Adelaide’s beaches are a major focus for summer holiday-makers, especially during the school holidays, and the Government understands that local and visiting families want to feel as safe as possible when they go to the beach,” said Minister Zollo.

“Therefore the Government has made increasing beach patrols a top priority – evidenced by the more than doubling of last year’s beach patrol allocation.

“The Government already provides more than $1.1 million in annual funding for Surf Life Saving SA, to help its dedicated and highly-skilled volunteers to continue to play their vital safety role on South Australia’s beaches. The extra $100,000 for the helicopter service will further boost SLSSA’s ability to patrol our beaches and respond to emergencies.”“The fixed-wing service, which has been provided by the Government for the past three summers, will support and complement the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter,” said Minister Zollo