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10 January 2007

Surf Life Saving and Westpac celebrate 100 summers and 500,000 swimmers saved

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and Westpac will today celebrate the Centenary of Surf Life Saving and pay tribute to the commitment of volunteer surf lifesavers by assembling 5,000 flags across Bondi Beach in the shape of '100', representing over 500,000 swimmers saved in the past 100 years.

Westpac is a major sponsor of Year of the Surf Lifesaver, and has been supporting Surf Life Saving for over three decades – the longest and most durable partnership in Surf's history.

"Each year, surf lifesavers rescue more than 10,000 people and stop nearly 300,000 others from getting into trouble in the surf," said Brett Williamson, CEO Surf Life Saving Australia. "It's a huge task and one that can only be done with the ongoing support of the corporate community, which is why we are delighted that Westpac has expanded its existing relationship with SLSA to become major partner for 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver."

"We encourage all Australians to get involved in the celebrations of 2007 the Year of the Surf Lifesaver and to find out how they can become an active member of their local surf life saving club. Donations can also be made at any Westpac branch around Australia," said Brett.

"Australia's surf lifesavers have been keeping watch over our beaches for 100 years, and we are delighted to be involved with the Year of the Surf Lifesaver. Many Westpac staff are passionate supporters of their local surf clubs, and are involved either as volunteers or through raising awareness and collecting donations in branches," Westpac's Head of Community Involvement, Samantha Brown said.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australia's major volunteer water safety and rescue authority and is the largest community-based organisation of its kind in the country.

Originally formed in Sydney in 1907 by small bands of volunteers, the surf lifesaving movement today consists of 113,000 members, of whom 38,000 are junior lifesavers, or Nippers.

Westpac's valued partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia is a part of their ongoing commitment to ensure that every generation lives better than the last.