First aiders benefit from $2K grant

Busselton Surf Life Saving Club has received a $2000 grant from Busselton Water to buy new first aid equipment.

The equipment had its first workout of the season at the club’s first aid training day, when nine people aged between 17 and 55 completed their first aid training.

The funds were used to buy a resuscitator kit, a trauma equipment kit and four CPR mannequins that were purchased using funds from the latest round of the Busselton Water Community Partnership Program. Busselton Water chief executive Chris Elliott said the corporation had partnered with the club to provide equipment and training which would benefit the entire community.

Mr Elliot said it was also great to see seven people who participated in the training awarded their first aid certificates for the first time.

“We now have seven more people in the community who can help save a life should they need to,” he said.

The training, which is a requirement for the Surf Rescue Certificate and Bronze Medallion, was held in preparation for the upcoming summer patrol months. Club director of administration and education Helen Rabjones said the courses prepared members ahead of water safety patrols.

She said it was imperative their skills were at the highest level.

“Our previous mannequins were very old and gifted to us from Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club, so it’s fantastic to have up-to-date equipment that we can train our members with,” she said.

The club also bought carry bags to allow first aid equipment to be transported to major events including the Busselton Ironman and the Busselton Jetty Swim.