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Dixon Park welcomes new life-saving vehicle

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Newcastle beachgoers can feel a little safer in the water near Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club after the region’s newest beach community hub took ownership of its own patrol vehicle this week.

The purchase of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is thanks to funding received from Port Waratah Coal Services.

The small four-wheel drive vehicle, equipped with storage racks for rescue boards, will provide lifeguards with quick access along the beach during a rescue. 

The vehicle safely transports resuscitation equipment and members of the public who are in distress and is used to tow the rescue boat to and from the beach. 

Last year, lifeguards at Dixon Park SLSC watched more than 30,161 people at Dixon Park Beach during 2,726 patrol hours, making 291 preventative actions, attending 26 first-aid incidents and performing nine surf rescues. 

Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club president Peter Brown said the new ATV would ultimately save lives on the beach.

“The summer patrol started on Saturday and we are very pleased to have the new vehicle ready to go in an emergency,” he stated. 

“It’s a critical piece of our lifesaving equipment.

“The vehicle will be used by the lifeguards to patrol the beach and perform our regular duties and allows for quick and easy access across the sand when it’s needed most.” 

Port Waratah’s manager sustainability and corporate affairs Trudie Larnach said supporting safety on our local beaches was an important partnership to Port Waratah. 

“Living in Australia, we love the water, and this new vehicle will improve the safety of everyone enjoying Dixon Park Beach,” she added.

“Our Community Investment and Partnership Program invests in community partnerships to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of people living and visiting Newcastle and the Hunter Region. 

“We’re proud to partner with Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club to deliver this project for the community.” 

The vehicle is replacing the club’s older model, purchased with funding from Port Waratah in 2015. 

Port Waratah invests $750,000 each year to help local organisations, charities and initiatives across six priority areas including health, environment, education, community, diversity and youth sport. 

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