DRYSDALE Clifton Springs Pickleball Club Enhances Safety Measures with Victorian Sporting Grant
Drysdale Clifton Springs Pickleball Club has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of its members by installing a defibrillator and first aid kit at its outdoor courts. Thanks to a recent Victorian sporting grant of $1,000, the Bellarine club was able to partially fund these life-saving measures.
The government’s Sporting Club Grants Program aims to support community sport and active recreation organizations across Victoria, and the Drysdale Clifton Springs Pickleball Club is a prime example of how these grants can make a difference. Club president Viv Daniels emphasized the importance of having a defibrillator on site, especially considering the age demographic of their members.
“It’s a prudent thing for clubs such as ours. The median age of members is in the 60s for both men and women, so our membership is comprised of the oldest member in their 70s, and everybody has got an experience of somebody having a heart attack or a problem,” said Daniels. “If we’re doing something and we’re able to save somebody’s life… if we had to use it once, then that will be a bonus.”
Previously, members had to rely on the neighboring Clifton Spring Bowls Club for access to a defibrillator, but now they have one readily available at their own courts. To further enhance safety measures, the club has also invested in first aid training for its members to ensure they know how to use the defibrillator effectively.
In addition to the Victorian Sporting Club Grant, the City of Greater Geelong has awarded the club a Healthy and Connected Community Grant, which will be used to develop an injury prevention program. This program will educate members on identifying signs leading up to a potential heart attack and the necessary steps to take in such a situation.
With these new safety measures in place, members of the Drysdale Clifton Springs Pickleball Club can enjoy their sport with peace of mind, knowing that their club is equipped to handle any emergency that may arise.
