Tasmanians love a day at the beach, at the lake or river, and Surf Life Saving Tasmania has been keeping Tasmanians safe in the water, in some regions for more than 100 years.

With a mission to save lives, create great Australians and build stronger communities, Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s priorities align perfectly with the Liberals' 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, to develop stronger communities and enhance our regions.

Liberal Member for Bass, Simon Wood, said a re-elected majority Liberal Government will provide additional funding of $700,000 a year, commencing in 2025-2026, for three years.

“We thank every one of Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s passionate staff and volunteers who offer essential lifesaving in our communities,” Mr Wood said.

“Surf Life Saving Tasmania has nearly 3,200 registered volunteer members, more than 1,200 nippers across 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs around the State, 7 Volunteer Marine Rescue Units and 3 Support operations – the largest of which is their statewide flood response.

“Last year, they performed more than 23,000 patrol hours, 83 rescues, over 2,000 preventative actions and treated 182 first aid cases, with a range of rescue-ready assets and personnel spanning the Tasmanian coastline.

“This funding will support them to continue that work.

“We will also work with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to progress its plans for a National Centre of Excellence for Flood and Swift Water Rescue, seeking Australian Government partnership funding for this exciting project. The project would be the first of its kind in Australia.”

Surf Life Saving Tasmania also supports Tasmania Police with inland, inshore and offshore search and rescue services statewide.

“A re-elected majority Liberal Government will strengthen this partnership with a formal MOU between Tasmania Police and State Emergency Services, to ensure ongoing alignment of responsibilities, to ensure services are complementary,” Mr Wood said.

“A re-elected majority Liberal Government will also deliver, within 30 days, the $1 million promised towards marine rescue vehicles, trailers and vessels committed to the seven Volunteer Marine Rescue units around the State, at St Helens, Freycinet, Tamar, Kingborough, Ulverstone, Wynyard and Dodges Ferry (Sea Rescue Tasmania).

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmanian's Future, Surf Life Saving Tasmania will be perfectly positioned to keep supporting Tasmanians for the next century.”