Updated
New jet skis and support operations vehicles for surf life saving operations along the NSW coast are fitted with GPS tracking and shark alarms.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott announced the boost for Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) at Wanda beach on Tuesday.
Each of the association's 11 branches will receive a new vehicle and jet ski.
Bate Bay beaches are in Sydney branch, which extends from Bondi to Wanda.
The branch's new vehicle and jet ski will be used by the duty branch officer.
The support operations vehicles are fully kitted out to assist duty officers respond quickly and effectively to callouts and incidents.
Advanced oxygen resuscitation and first aid kits are standard, along with off-road equipment for beach and remote area access.
Warning lights, PA equipment including a shark alarm are also fitted.
Mr Elliott said the new equipment was provided under a $16 million funding package over four years for SLSNSW.
"Each vehicle and jet ski is fitted with GPS tracking to ensure the safety of volunteers who are often working alone or with just one other person in remote areas," he said.
"The vehicles are also fitted with shark alarms to warn swimmers.
"The NSW Government recognises the contribution surf lifesavers make to protecting and saving lives along our coastline and we are pleased to be able to support the organisation with fit for purpose rescue equipment."
SLSNSW chief executive said the equipment rollout would support and enhance the safety of frontline volunteers.
"Our members are often called out to serious emergencies along the coast and now they will have the support of dedicated rescue-ready gear to respond to incidents out of hours and in tricky situations," he said.
"SLSNSW is increasingly expanding its services beyond just beach patrols during the summer with volunteers called on to respond to searching for missing swimmers, rock fishers in trouble and watercraft users in distress on a 24/7 basis.
"Last year SLSNSW received almost 600 requests for assistance from emergency services that were responded to by volunteers."
