Member for Heathcote Lee Evans recently presented a cheque for $19,500 to Surf Life Saving Illawarra from the 2016 Community Building Partnership grant program.

The funds will allow Coalcliff SLSC to upgrade their Rescue Water Craft (RWC) and trailer.

"A RWC is a major rescue tool when speed and time are critical elements to saving lives," Jenelle McWilliam, the club's publicity officer said, 

"For the past 18 months Coalcliff has had the loan of a jet ski from Surf Life Saving NSW.

"This jet ski will now be passed onto a South Coast surf lifesaving club."

RWC 1 Illawarra patrols to Bundeena in the north and as far south as is required. 

Coalcliff has four drivers – Barry Allen, Adam McAughey, Leo Stevens and Rob Deacon - who are on 24-hour call if needed in an emergency.

Mrs McWilliam said the Illawarra support ski located at Coalcliff has been involved in body retrievals, rescue of rock fishermen and has been called to rescue hand gliders and para-gliders that have experienced difficulties at Stanwell Park.

The ski is also used for water safety at various surf carnivals and surf lifesaving events at Coalcliff and other locations.

"This grassroots funding directly benefits our community delivering a variety of new infrastructure for schools and community groups," Mr Evans said. 

"I am thrilled to present Coalcliff SLSC with this funding."