Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club needs $140k to fix Smiths Beach Rescue Base

Just six years after a $400,000 rescue tower was built at a popular Phillip Island beach the local surf life saving club is calling for donations to upgrade the structure.

The Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club is pushing for donations to help upgrade the Smiths Beach Rescue Base, that has been stripped down by the harsh weather conditions over the years. Picture: WBSLSC

A Phillip Island surf lifesaving club is pleading for help to upgrade a rescue tower that is vital for volunteers patrolling the popular beach.

Designed as a satellite facility to Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the Smiths Beach Rescue Base was installed in May 2018, and has deteriorated due to harsh weather conditions.

The $400,000 tower was funded through a $225,000 state government grant, Phillip Island Rotary Club and donations from past and current volunteer members.

Club president Jason Close said the tower was important as it gave lifesavers a view of the whole beach and access to first-aid resources and equipment.

“It’s a very important facility,” Mr Close said.

The Smiths Beach Rescue Tower is in desperate needs of upgrades due to damages from harsh weather conditions. Picture: WBSLSC

He said salt air and water had corroded the tower’s frame and staircase and the damage could lead to structural failure.

“It’s right on the beachfront — and there’s no protection from dunes,” Mr Close said.

“We’re looking to strip off the metal components of both the tower and the staircase and what we can strip back and recoat in marine strength paint and primer — we will — but some parts will be too far gone.

Mr Close said the tower’s staircase could be closed if it was not repaired in time. Picture: WBSLSC

The salt air and water has caused corrosion to the facility. Picture: WBSLSC

“We will have to replace those — we are looking at the staircase whether we use the same materials or look for a timber or fibreglass alternative.”

Mr Close said it was crucial the repairs were done in the next year.

“We may get through this summer with the tower — but going beyond that we may have to close the staircase — which will impact the public’s access to the beach,” he said.

“If we have to stop using the tower, we wouldn’t be able to continue patrolling and performing first-aid from there because then we would have a situation where there’s no base, shelter or storage.”

More corrosion found on the tower’s staircase. Picture: WBSLSC

Mr Close said he had asked Bass Coast Shire Council for help but the club was not successful in securing funding from the recent council budget.

He said the council supported the club in other ways, such as providing grants for an electrical upgrade and a new toilet block at Smiths Beach, as well as investing funds into special events.

Mr Close hopes to receive enough funding to repair the tower. Picture: WBSLSC

The club hoped to raise up to $140,000 for the tower’s repairs.

“Over summer we may try to bring in signs to give visitors the ability to make donations — even through QR codes,” Mr Close said.

Community members were encouraged to donate to the fundraising appeal via the club’s website.

A Life Saving Victoria spokesperson said they recognise the crucial role of the Smiths Beach Rescue Tower in lifesaving and community safety.

“Built with a state government grant in 2018, it has been invaluable,” the spokesperson said.

“A funding submission under the VESEP program has been lodged for necessary upgrades.

“We are committed to the integrity of the assessment process.”

The state government and Bass Coast Shire Council have been contacted for comment.