Stanwell Park Beach receives new safety equipment

Heathcote Electorate media release: Friday, 25 March 2022

Member for Heathcote Lee Evans today presented Wollongong City Council (WCC) with the Junior Surveyor Lifeguard Tower for Stanwell Park Beach, funded under the NSW Government’s Shark Observation Grants Program.

Mr Evans congratulated Wollongong City Council on their successful funding application and was thrilled to present them with the Junior Surveyor Lifeguard Tower at Stanwell Park Beach.

“This safety equipment is a great addition to Stanwell Park Beach. It will improve beachgoer safety by providing local lifesavers and lifeguards with the tools to spot swimmers in distress, monitor beach conditions and detect sharks,” Mr Evans said.

“The new tower also provides lifesavers and lifeguards with protection from the elements whilst they undertake their vital role of patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe.”

Wollongong City Councillor Cameron Walters welcomed the NSW Government’s investment across the region when it came to surf lifesaving facilities, especially in the Northern Suburbs at Stanwell Park.

“The NSW Government has invested significantly over the years in the northern suburbs and this Junior Surveyor Lifeguard Tower shows their ongoing commitment to our Surf Life Saving facilities which we manage,” said Cr Walters.

“I thank Mr Evans, the Member for Heathcote for his tireless efforts in getting this tower delivered from the State Government which will provide our surf life savers with better visibility to see hazards in our oceans.”

Life Member of the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) and Distributor of Surveyor Lifeguard Towers Ken Holloway said having a trained lifeguard in an elevated observation tower, close to the water’s edge is the corner stone of an efficient beach patrolling plan. Lifeguards the Illawarra are very grateful to be supported by the Dept of Primary Industries with funding for the towers.

“A  cabin incorporating polarized viewing glass protects lifeguards so they can be more efficient in detecting shark activity and drowning victims,” said Mr Holloway

"The risk of shark attack and supervising swimmers will always be a challenge to manage. Lifeguard towers provide that extra barrier of defense along our beaches."

"The DPI has funded 7 observation towers between Stanwell Park and Gerroa at a cost of $280,000.00 over the last 4 years. The towers are portable provide elevation and protection for the lifeguards from sun wind and rain. The polarized viewing glass cuts glare and provides lifeguards with uninterrupted lines of sight. They are a great asset and help lifeguards with their job of saving lives."

The Junior Surveyor Lifeguard Tower was fully funded by the NSW Government. The Shark Observation Grants Program was in addition to the NSW Government’s $8 million 2020/21 Shark Program.