The partnership, which began in September 2003, continues to be SLSA’s largest. DHL’s support will fund new uniforms for all 54,000 patrolling surf lifesavers, as well as a recognition program to promote excellence in the surf lifesaving movement.

Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President, Oceania, DHL Express, said the partnership between DHL and SLSA is in recognition of the vital contribution that surf lifesavers make to the Australian community.

“DHL welcomes the opportunity to continue to work alongside SLSA to keep our beaches safe and the partnership between our two organisations is something about which we are extremely proud,” he said.

SLSA President, Ron Rankin AM, said the ongoing support of DHL was fundamental to the organisation’s ability to provide great beach experiences around Australia.

“As the challenges of keeping people safe in the water around the Australian coast continue to increase, DHL’s significant support provides much-needed and tangible assistance to our frontline services,” he said.,

“Confirmation of this ongoing support in these very challenging economic times is fantastic news for surf lifesavers, especially as we gear up for what looks like being a long, hot, busy season looking after the nation’s largest and most popular playground – our beaches.”

In the 2008-09 summer season, Australia’s 54,000 active surf lifesavers spent more than 1.1 million hours patrolling Australia’s 300+ patrolled beaches, rescuing more than 10,500 people.

For further information: please contact SLSA on 02 9300 4000.