Cronulla RSL Supports Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club to Strengthen Beach Safety

Cronulla RSL was proud to support the incredible work of the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club through three projects that strengthened lifesaving operations, improved volunteer resources and helped educate the next generation of beachgoers.

The projects focused on ensuring lifesavers had reliable rescue equipment, safe and efficient facilities, and opportunities to teach essential water safety skills to young people growing up by the coast.

One project contributed towards the replacement of an ageing outboard motor for one of the Club's Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs). These vessels are at the heart of surf lifesaving operations, responding to rescues, patrolling the shoreline and providing water safety support at community events. Operating in harsh marine conditions means the motors are subjected to constant exposure to salt and sand, making regular replacement essential to ensure they remain reliable when every second counts.

Cronulla RSL also supported the installation of specialised metal racking within the Club's IRB shed. The new storage system improved the safe storage, organisation and accessibility of the rescue boats, allowing volunteers to respond more efficiently during emergencies while creating a safer working environment for members.

The Club also proudly supported the Cronulla Crays Learn to Swim Program, an initiative that introduced the youngest Nippers to essential swimming and water safety skills. Delivered in partnership with the Cronulla Beach Swim School, the program provided approximately 200 Under 6 and Under 7 Nippers with 12 structured swimming lessons each season, complementing their surf awareness and lifesaving education. As the only surf club in Bate Bay to offer this program, it played an important role in helping young children build confidence in the water while developing skills that can ultimately save lives.

Funding also provided new sun-protective shirts for Age Managers and Assistant Age Managers. These volunteers play an important role in leading and mentoring around 800 Nippers each season, and ensuring they are easily identifiable helps create a safe, welcoming and consistent environment for children and their families.

Established in 1907, the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club has been protecting our coastline for well over a century and today is home to around 2,000 members, including almost 300 active volunteer lifesavers. Each season, the Club can perform up to 70 rescues, supports around 800 Nippers each week and provides water safety for many local events including the Shark Island Swim, Cook Classic and surf carnivals.

While many of these projects take place behind the scenes, they make a significant difference to the Club's ability to protect the community. From maintaining rescue equipment and improving operational facilities to teaching children vital water safety skills, each project helps strengthen the services that keep Cronulla Beach safe.

Cronulla RSL is proud to support organisations that make a genuine difference to the lives of people across the Sutherland Shire.

This support was provided through the ClubGRANTS Category 2 program. ClubGRANTS is a shared NSW Government and club industry initiative, funded through a 2.25% gaming machine tax rebate provided by the NSW Government to registered clubs with gaming machine profits exceeding $1 million per annum. Through this partnership, Cronulla RSL is able to invest in projects that strengthen community organisations and deliver lasting benefits across the Sutherland Shire.