Theft Hits Club's Rescue Abilities
Illawarra Mercury
Monday November 10, 1997
The theft of vital rescue equipment from the Scarborough-Wombarra Surf Club last week has undermined the club's rescue capabilities.
Club secretary Bill Barnetson said the break-in was devastating for the club as it could no longer properly provide safety for people using the beach.
The $13,000 of equipment stolen included three outboard motors for the Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) plus all tools and spare parts, two oxygen resuscitation units and two first-aid kits.
Mr Barnetson said the break-in occurred even though the club had installed a steel cage with heavy duty chains and padlocks.
"The theft really is a blow for the club and dare I say for the public," he said.
"The lack of a motorfor the IRB means the club cannot provide a patrol on the weekends.
"Furthermore, it also means that our nippers and cadets cannot compete in the water and seriously places the future of the club and needless to say the general public in jeopardy."
Mr Barnetson said the theft was also a blow financially as the items were not insured.
"We simply couldn't afford insurance," he said.
"Our annual budget is only $4000 and the insurance quotes we have received in the past have been in excess of $2000."
Mr Barnetson said the club needed the help of not only the Scarborough-Wombarra community but also people and businesses across the Illawarra.
He said given the club's location - a small village with a small population and no commercial, retail or industrial outlets - the opportunity to raise funds was extremely limited.
© 1997 Illawarra Mercury
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