Australia’s lifeguards get water-saving grants

Surf life saving clubs in Australia are being offered grants of AUS$10,000 to help them save water as well as lives.

Australia’s climate change minister, Penny Wong, launched the scheme as part of the country’s $250 million initiative to save rainwater and grey water.

In total, $12.9 billion has been set aside for the Water for the Future programme, designed to secure long-term water supplies for Australia.

Michael Hornby, general manager at Surf Life Saving Australia, said the additional funding would help life saving clubs across the nation achieve their goal of becoming environmentally sustainable.

Hornby added that conservation work is integral to the work that surf clubs do, exemplified in the Ecosurf initiative.

Ecosurf was set up to address the challenges of climate change along Australia’s coastline to ensure the future of the country’s surfing heritage.

Surf Life Saving Australia is currently undergoing a clean energy feasibility study to work out the energy conservation of its 306 clubs, and to review any potential for energy and cost savings.

The study will include research into climate zones, membership and building sizes.

After the study, Hornby said that an action plan will be developed for all clubs to help make them more energy and water efficient.

Ministers in Australia hope that beach goers will follow the lead of surfers and cut water use at home and work.